What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a dental specialty dealing with development of jaws, orofacial region, teeth and dental arches and corrections of their malalignments and anomalies.
It entails diagnostics, prevention and treatment of various malocclusions and other irregularities, focusing on proper treatment plan, which is paramount for achieving excellent results.
In addition to aesthetic problems, malocclusions of teeth and misalignment of the jaws may lead to functional problems, affect the parodont, cause excessive wear of dental hard tissues, as well as muscle and joint pain.
Specialist examination
We provide the first examination, consultations and treatment plan free of charge. Orthodontist analyses the patient’s soft tissue facial profile, alignment of upper and lower jaw, bite, dental arches and teeth. Patient’s orthopantomogram is also analysed in detail, with teleroentgen images and cephalometric analysis if necessary.
At the patient’s next visit, the orthodontist takes an impression of his upper and lower dental arch, and makes models serving as the basis for a detailed treatment plan.
Prior to placing the braces, a series of extraoral and intraoral photographs are taken for the purpose of monitoring patient progress and comparing the results achieved before, during and after the treatment.
Early orthodontic treatment
Early treatment is also called interceptive treatment. The child’s first check-up with an orthodontist should best be performed at the age of seven, which is the ideal age to correct any minor problems and foresee the possible development of any future problems. The goal of early treatment and continued following of the child while its face and jaws continue to grow is to intercept the developing problem that could lead to more serious problems and longer treatment in the future. Treatment is tailored to suit each individual patient, and it is provided using various removable orthodontic appliances, which can be used as preparation for possible treatment in the future.
Removable appliances are used for the following purposes: :
- Preparing for fixed braces
- Affecting the development of dental arches
- Changing the position of the jaw during patient’s growth and development
- Preventing bad habits (finger-sucking, infantile swallowing)
Fixed orthodontic treatment
It is important to emphasize the fact that modern orthodontics no longer sets an age limit for fixed orthodontic treatment. Adult patients are treated exclusively with fixed orthodontic appliances for numerous reasons.
The treatment itself can be divided into several categories::
- Aesthetic treatment (improved dental appearance, better hygiene)
- Pre-prosthetic treatment (optimizing the position of teeth prior to prosthodontic rehabilitation)
- Treatment of patients with advanced periodontal disease (closing gaps between teeth by using light force)
- Orthodontic-surgical treatment (in the most severe cases, we cooperate with maxillofacial surgeons in order to treat prognathism and other anomalies of the maxilla and the mandible)
The most common orthodontic anomalies include crowding, crossbite, open bite, impacted teeth, class II/1, class II/2, class III, midline diastema, hypodontia/hyperdontia, etc.
Each anomaly can be successfully treated if the diagnosis is correct and the treatment plan is appropriate.
In our orthodontics office, we use modern and advanced techniques for treating the numerous orthodontic anomalies. The best-known techniques include self-ligating bracket systems, and we also offer the state-of-the-art rhodium bracket system. Such brackets are made of metal and are smaller in comparison with the conventional brackets. They are comfortable to wear for the patient because of the use of light and moderate forces, while the duration of treatment is shorter when compared with the conventional methods. If the patients opt for aesthetic brackets, we offer ceramic self-ligating brackets, which provide state-of-the-art treatment; they are also milky white and thus blend easily with the natural colour of teeth.
We also offer lingual braces for treating mainly aesthetic problems. For lingual braces, 24-carat gold-plated brackets are used, which are placed on the lingual and palatal sides of the teeth.
During fixed orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene is of utmost importance, and our expert staff is here to provide you with detailed instructions on how to properly maintain it.
Retention
Retention is an integral phase of orthodontic treatment that comes after correction with orthodontic (dental) braces. Retainer appliances can be fixed or removable, and they can be lingual or palatal. Proper retention is very important in order to maintain the corrections obtained during the initial period of treatment.
Ceramic brackets
Lingual braces
Self-ligating rhodium brackets
We guarantee the best possible service and top-quality treatment.
We adopt an individual approach to every patient, with the aim of achieving patient confidence and satisfaction.
