Have you ever thought about what it would be like to live with an aesthetically pleasing and healthy set of teeth? If you have issues with misalignment, gaps, or crowding, orthodontic treatment now offers an alternative to these inconveniences not just for children, but for adults too.
More and more people are deciding as adults to correct misaligned teeth, which not only perfects their smile, but also plays a preventative role: it can prevent long-term dental problems.
In our article, we'll help you navigate the world of orthodontics, introducing you to the different types, treatment steps, and answering the most common questions.
What Is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontics is a specialised field of dentistry that aims to correct abnormalities of the teeth, jaw, and those related to bite and chewing.
Its most important task is to make the patient's appearance more aesthetic, while also improving chewing functions, and it also indirectly contributes to maintaining dental health, as crowded teeth, for example, hinder the maintenance of oral hygiene.
Orthodontic methods, the orthodontic process, steps
Today, you can happily smile at the world in a short time. Orthodontics can now be performed in childhood and adulthood alike, at any stage of our lives.
If the alignment of your teeth is not normal and you would like to change this, then the appropriate professional Braces With our treatment and the help of our orthodontist, we can transform your smile into a more attractive and beautiful one in no time. Your teeth will once again be in a normal and healthy position.
Thanks to the latest orthodontic procedures and self-ligating appliances, orthodontic treatment can begin from the age of 6 and can be carried out for any length of time with no upper age limit. The maximum duration of treatment is 1-2 years, after which a new, previously unknown, smiling life full of success awaits you!
When is orthodontic treatment needed?
Nowadays, orthodontic treatment is not necessarily a matter of vanity, as it is not only necessary for aesthetic reasons. Irregular dentition can also make it difficult to eat, chew, express yourself and speak.
If the lower and upper teeth do not come into contact properly due to misalignment, the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis is increased. In addition, problems can occur due to bite disorders such as nocturnal clenching, tooth fracture from grinding, or inflammation, clicking and severe pain in the jaw joint.
The aim of orthodontic treatment is to eliminate these problems.
The process of orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment is a multi-step process that takes on average 3-24 months and requires careful planning and continuous monitoring. In our practice, orthodontic treatment consists of the following steps:
1. Consultation with an orthodontist
As with all dental treatment, orthodontic treatment is based on a consultation and examination with a dental specialist. During the first appointment, our dental colleagues will listen to your complaint and assess the current condition of your teeth and mouth. The oral examination is usually followed by a discussion where our patients have the opportunity to ask questions about treatment options.
Our dental colleagues will provide detailed information on each type of orthodontic appliance, the most suitable solution for your specific case, and further options.
2. Taking an X-ray and taking an impression
Following the consultation, an X-ray is taken, which plays an important role in establishing a diagnosis and drawing up a treatment plan. X-rays reveal hidden inflammation or tooth decay, or the position of wisdom teeth that have not fully erupted or are causing problems. This information is essential for accurate planning and the selection of the appropriate orthodontic appliance.
The x-ray is followed by an impression, which is used for accurate planning and to provide the dental laboratory with information for the creation of a customized appliance.
Our specialists also take photographs of the initial position of the teeth before treatment begins, to ensure that the planning is accurate and the changes can be monitored.
3. Drawing up a management plan
Once the appropriate documentation has been completed, our dentists will draw up an accurate and detailed treatment plan. The type of appliance, duration of treatment, price, and the advantages and disadvantages of each type of braces are then discussed.
Just as during the consultation, we place great emphasis on communication and clarifying any uncertainties when presenting the treatment plan, so that our patients can begin their treatment with confidence.
The treatment methods and the type of device are selected jointly by our patients and specialist doctors during the consultation.
4. Fitting a brace
Once the treatment plan has been discussed and agreed, the orthodontic appliance is made and fitted. However, there are certain preventive dental treatments that we often recommend to our patients.
This is because braces can only be fitted if both the teeth and the gums are healthy. If there is gum inflammation or tooth decay, these must be treated and resolved first; only then can orthodontic treatment begin. It is also common for the tooth or teeth causing the problem to have to be removed due to crowding, so tooth extraction may precede the fitting of the appliance.
An essential preventive part of orthodontic treatment is a thorough dental cleaning carried out by a dental hygienist and tartar removal, which results in clean and healthy tooth surfaces, preventing the development of tooth decay and inflammation in the oral cavity. This is followed by the bonding of the appliance or, in the case of a removable appliance, its handover.
5. Regular cleaning and inspection
After the appliance is fitted, regular dental check-ups are required depending on its type. These appointments are when the appliance will be activated and adjusted, with archwires changed if necessary, and they also provide an opportunity to monitor progress.
In addition to regular check-ups, we also offer our patients wearing braces a special, discounted dental hygiene package. Even with thorough and careful attention, teeth are more difficult to clean whilst wearing braces, so they need to be cleaned more frequently than usual, It is a good idea to have your teeth cleaned every three months.
On these occasions, our dental hygienists also provide personalised advice on maintaining proper oral hygiene, and help select the tools for cleaning teeth, or for cleaning orthodontic appliances in the case of removable devices.
6. Removal of braces and aftercare
After the treatment period has expired and the ideal result has been achieved, the fixed device is removed. However, maintaining the new smile and bite you have developed should be as important as the journey to get there.
During this period, we recommend a removable appliance called a retention appliance, which helps to retain new dental arches and prevent the teeth from receding.
If you follow the advice of your orthodontist, you will have a healthy, aesthetic and confident smile by the end of the treatment process!
The duration of orthodontic treatment
How long orthodontic treatment lasts depends on the patient, as some lesions can be corrected in a shorter period of time, while others may require years of treatment.
Most orthodontic treatment usually lasts at least a year - of course, some minor problems can be corrected in 3-6 months - but more severe cases can take up to three years to correct.
In addition to the nature of the lesion, the duration of treatment is also determined by the type of orthodontic treatment chosen.
The most popular orthodontic treatments - There can be only one winner
There are orthodontic treatments that many people consider to be innovative (e.g. self-ligating braces, such as internal braces), which offer a more modern and stylish alternative to traditional types. And then there is the Invisalign, which will enable you to she can achieve her dream smile without having to make any compromises.
Let's see what makes it better than other popular devices!
Self-ligating braces vs. Invisalign
Self-ligating braces are a modern version of traditional appliances (fixed to the outer surface of the teeth). It looks exactly the same as traditional braces, but the treatment is gentler, faster and requires less control and adjustment.
The reason we do not recommend this to our patients, however, is its aesthetic appearance. Although it represents an improvement on traditional braces, it still pales in comparison to Invisalign. Or rather, it „would like to pale in comparison”, since the Invisalign: invisible, comfortable and removable at any time Compared to traditional braces, self-ligating braces are very noticeable (even if, in some cases, they are made not of metal but of white, natural-looking porcelain).
And thanks to the self-ligating brackets fixed to the teeth, it's also permanent, meaning that when eating or brushing your teeth – when you could easily remove Invisalign – the self-ligating brace becomes extremely inconvenient.
Invisalign: Invisibility 1.0
One way to hide braces is by attaching the brackets to the inner, tongue-side surface of the teeth. Lingual braces are a good solution if a patient wants a discreet yet effective option. But why settle for „good” when "perfect" exists?
We do not recommend this method to our patients because cleaning it requires exceptional attention (due to difficult accessibility). Furthermore, since the tongue also touches the inside of the braces, speech can become unusual (mostly in the initial stages of orthodontic treatment), and the tongue can also be injured by the brackets or the metal archwire.
We would also like to draw your attention to the fact that the base of the brackets must be completely customised to the individual, as the inner surface of the teeth shows more variation than the outer.
The Invisalign One of its greatest advantages over internal braces is that it ensures invisibility through a more innovative method: this metal-free appliance, which offers outstanding aesthetic qualities, is easy to get used to straight away and can be easily removed and reinserted at any time.
Invisible braces, Invisalign
Nowadays, as well as fixed braces, there are also removable braces available. The so-called invisible braces We recommend this to anyone looking for a solution that is easy to plan, convenient, flexible and truly invisible.
During orthodontic treatment, we create and provide our patients with a predetermined number of clear aligners, which they must wear for a pre-agreed period. The removable appliances must also be worn all day, for at least 20-22 hours, and should only be taken out during mealtimes and cleaning.
Using the excellent Invisalign method, we can correct minor misalignments in as little as 3 months, without the need for traditional braces.
For significant discrepancies and more complex treatments, it is advisable to consult an orthodontist, who can assess your condition and determine if an invisible appliance can be chosen for your treatment.
Read our article to find out what the Our views on invisible braces.
Good news: Wearing braces is not limited by age.
Nowadays, more and more adult patients are seeking us out for orthodontic appliances. Treatment is fundamentally more successful if we start it in younger, adolescent years, as the body, and therefore the oral cavity, is still growing at this time.
However, even in adulthood, we haven't missed the boat, as most differences can be corrected by choosing the right method.
Frequently asked questions
At what age is orthodontic treatment recommended?
According to recommendations, orthodontic treatments can be started as early as 6-7 years of age, but this is always patient-dependent, as permanent teeth are required for it.
In these cases, removable braces are generally used – often just night-time solutions – which help to shape the dentition.
How painful is orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment itself is usually painless, but traditional appliances can cause discomfort and irritation. This can be effectively prevented or avoided with invisible braces.
It is perfectly normal to feel pressure and pulling during treatment, especially in the first few days or after changing or adjusting the rails, but this usually subsides spontaneously.
During orthodontic treatment, special attention should be paid to oral hygiene.
First and foremost is oral hygiene. During treatment, in addition to a toothbrush, a interdental brush, a water flosser, and mouthwash often need to be used to achieve impeccable results.
If you don't opt for Invisalign treatment and instead get traditional braces, then hard, chewy, and sticky foods must be avoided entirely.
In addition, it is essential to attend your appointed dental check-ups, as only regular check-ups can ensure proper tooth movement. It is important to note that with Invisalign treatment, significantly fewer check-ups are required!
When you have braces, how often should you brush your teeth?
During treatment, it is recommended to brush your teeth and maintain proper oral hygiene after every meal and immediately before going to bed, even if this means brushing 4-5 times a day.
What is a retainer?
A retainer is a device that needs to be worn after orthodontic treatment. Its purpose is to ensure that the tooth movements achieved are maintained and do not revert.
How long should I use the retainer?
In every case, it's dependent on the patient. For some, nighttime use for just two to three months is enough, while others may need it day and night, often for years.
Are there risks associated with orthodontics?
Provided the patient strictly adheres to the dentist's instructions, orthodontic treatment is a completely risk-free form of treatment.
What rapid movements can be achieved with braces?
This depends on the chosen orthodontic technique, as well as the specific issues present, but in the best-case scenario, teeth can be moved up to 1mm per month within safe limits.
Do you need a tooth extraction for orthodontic treatment?
It is not common, but it may be necessary to remove a tooth in order to achieve the correct results and tooth movements.
Most often, tooth extraction can be avoided, but if it is the only way to correct the position of the teeth, the bite, and the correct facial profile, then this procedure is unavoidable to achieve the goal.
Is it possible to play sports with braces?
Of course, though it requires more attention, and for certain sports, wearing a mouthguard is recommended.
Can braces be used on crowns?
Certainly, because a tooth with a crown can be moved in the same way, provided it is attached to the tooth root.
Orthodontics with an implant? What are the options?
Implanted teeth are specifically attached to the jawbone, so they do not respond to orthodontic treatment. In such cases, the implanted teeth typically serve a sort of anchoring role in orthodontics, but the other teeth remain movable.
