Orthodontics

F.A.Q.

About Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the dental specialty related to the study, prevention and treatment of growth and development problems of the face, dental arches and occlusion.

There are three basic types of approach within the specialty, preventive and interceptive orthodontics, corrective orthodontics, and ortho-surgical treatments.

The first is based on the prevention and interception of possible problems in the deciduous and mixed dentition, which may be associated with deleterious habits, early loss of baby teeth, dental malformations or unfavorable facial growth. In general, orthopedic appliances, removable orthodontic appliances or even partial fixed orthodontic appliances are used.

Corrective Orthodontics, usually indicated after replacing all the deciduous teeth, aims, by means of metallic or aesthetic fixed appliances, at correcting the positioning of the permanent teeth by aligning and leveling the dental arches, and adapting the occlusion. Transparent aligners can also be used in some simpler cases.

Ortho-surgical treatments involve the association between orthodontics and orthognathic surgery and seek facial harmony and harmony between the bone bases (maxilla and mandible), thus restoring aesthetic and functional balance.

A beautiful smile, facial harmony and a balanced occlusion are goals of Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics. Orthodontic devices and preventive, interceptive, corrective and ortho-surgical procedures are carried out according to each patient’s needs and age.

The orthodontic treatment

After carrying out an orthodontic consultation to learn about the patient’s complaints, identify the problems to be corrected and their possible treatment options, in addition to the average time stipulated for this, orthodontic documentation is requested to complement the diagnosis and final composition of the treatment plan to be executed.

From then on, after accepting and choosing the proposed treatments, treatment begins within the most varied types of existing malocclusion.

Frequently asked questions about orthodontics

What is the best age to start orthodontic treatment?

There is no ideal age, an early intervention or not will depend on the type of malocclusion presented by the patient. A first assessment can be done at approximately 7 years of age, allowing the orthodontist to assess and detect any orthodontic problems and plan any treatment, if necessary. Otherwise, he will guide the parents to return at another time for a new reassessment or even to start orthodontic treatment.

When is it necessary to extract permanent teeth?

In some situations, the orthodontist needs to request dental extractions to obtain a stable occlusion and facial harmony. Extractions are usually requested when there is a lack of space for a correct alignment and leveling of the teeth or when they are too projected (inclined forward).

How long does it take for orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment usually involves a period of 18 to 36 months. In some cases it may finish earlier and in others it may take longer than initially anticipated for completion. Total treatment time depends on the severity of the original malocclusion, the type of treatment involved, and the patient’s cooperation.