The specialty of Dentistry diagnoses prevents and corrects dental malocclusions and the complications they can cause. However, orthodontics faces problems that go far beyond aligning teeth. It is often necessary to update changes and growth of the jaws. When teeth are crowded or overlapping, inadequate oral hygiene increases the risk of tooth decay and periodontal problems.

How do we know if we need orthodontic treatment?

• Do you think your smile is aesthetic?
• Are your teeth crooked or lacking space?
• Do you feel your teeth fit correctly?
• Your child is over 3 years old and still sucks on his thumb/pacifier or puts his tongue between his teeth
• Have you noticed if you or your child have difficulty breathing?

In a first Orthodontic Study appointment, in addition to the clinical examination, specific photographs will be taken, molds of the mouth will be collected (which will be put on plaster), and radiographs will be accepted (orthopantomography and teleradiography).

These data will be analyzed and used to prepare a treatment plan orthodontic (type of braces, duration of treatment, predictability of results)

Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry

Preventive and interceptive orthodontics is the early diagnosis and treatment of jaw development and positioning changes.

From the age of 3 onwards, regular visits to the Pediatric Dentist are essential to detect these changes and forward them to the Orthodontist to prevent their aggravation and consequences for permanent dentition.

Dental Appliance FAQ

DOUBLE-ROW OF INCISIVE

It is usual for the definitive mandibular teeth to grow behind the primary teeth. The pressure exerted by the tongue and the growth of the jaws helps in the correct positioning of the final teeth in the arch and the exfoliation of the deciduous ones. If the condition persists beyond the expected time, extraction of the deciduous teeth may be necessary.

OPEN BITE/CROSSBITE 

They are characterized by the impossibility of the teeth of both arches to relate correctly. There is a space between the upper and lower teeth in open bite, and in crossbite, the lower teeth fit outside the upper teeth. These pathologies can be caused by abnormal habits (pacifier, finger sucking, and tongue), deviated growth patterns, and abnormal tongue position. Its early diagnosis and correction are essential.

MANDIBULAR PROGNATISM 

This condition can be hereditary or postural. If the mandible is in an advanced position due to environmental factors, an early diagnosis can be decisive in solving the problem.

INTERINCISIVE DIASTEMA – NORMAL OR PATHOLOGICAL 

It is normal to have a space between the central incisors during the transition period between the deciduous and definitive dentition. However, if the labial frenulum has a low and fibrous insertion, it may cause the abnormal persistence of this space. In these cases, a frenectomy is recommended.

FRENECTOMY

A pronounced labial frenulum with low insertion between the incisors may be responsible for the persistent space between the central incisors and hamper lip mobility and oral hygiene. When it is short, the lingual frenulum can interfere with tongue mobility and speech. Frenectomy is the surgical excision of fibers with reinsertion of the frenulum. This procedure is performed using the laser technique (laser link), with minimal discomfort and no bleeding.

EARLY TEETH LOSS / SPACE MAINTENANCE

The early loss of baby teeth leads to a loss of space necessary for the correct eruption and positioning of permanent teeth. In these situations, it may be required to place space-keeping devices.

Braces Frequently Asked Questions – Orthodontics

To improve function, health, phonetics, and aesthetics.

Function

• Correct dental alignment contributes to better masticatory, muscle, and jaw joint function with benefits in terms of health and general well-being;

Aesthetics

• An attractive smile plays a vital role in improving self-confidence and assisting in your selection within the social environment;

Health

• When teeth are crowded or overlapped, inadequate oral hygiene increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease;
• Enable the elimination of finger or pacifier sucking habits, tongue-thrusting habits, and lip posture habits;

At what age can treatment start?

It isn’t easy to establish the age at which a child needs orthodontic treatment. Between 7 and 12 years of age, they are at the stage of changing their teeth (deciduous or milky dentition for permanent dentition) and are subject to endoskeletal changes, so a clinical evaluation is recommended at around 7 years of age to start observing and controlling correct dentofacial growth during this period.

What are the consequences if my child does not undergo treatment?

It is not easy to accurately assess the problems that may arise. Still, usually the changes your child presents will worsen over time until, in some instances, it becomes necessary to perform orthognathic surgery that could be avoided with the right orthodontic appliance at an appropriate age.

Are there situations that should be assessed regardless of the child’s age?

Although there are only baby teeth, the child must be observed before 7 years of age to prevent permanent dentition and skeletal issues. Examples of this are:

• Children with advanced chin;
• Early loss of a baby tooth;
• Pacifier habit after 4/5 years;
• The pattern of thumb or tongue sucking after 4/5 years;
• Mouth-breathing children with the practice of placing their language between their lips or between their teeth;

What is the best type of braces for teeth: fixed or removable?

Each treatment has to be established by the patient’s problem and their age.

Usually, the removable braces are more used in children to treat more severe alterations in adults.

Fixed braces remain permanently in the mouth for the time determined by the Orthodontist and consist of the placement of brackets that are set to the teeth.

The Orthodontist responsible for the study decides the best treatment method for each case.

How do orthodontic malocclusion problems arise?

Malocclusion problems can be hereditary (crowding, too far apart, missing or excess teeth) or acquired (sucking fingers, premature tooth loss, incorrect tongue placement, poor breathing, etc.).

The correction of teeth position can change the facial appearance giving it contours and more harmonious and pleasing proportions, improving the appearance and self-image.

The misaligned teeth and crowded are more challenging to clean and are thus more susceptible to tooth decay and gum problems throughout life.

The protruding teeth are more susceptible to fractures.

Straight teeth provide the right conditions to maintain problem-free teething throughout life.

How long is the treatment?

Factors such as the severity of the problem, type of facial growth, age, and level of patient cooperation affect the treatment time.

Thus, depending on these and other factors, the treatment can take months or years, with an average of 2 years.

After treating malocclusion (lousy position of the teeth), it is necessary to use a removable appliance or a fixed device (glued to the inside of the teeth) to stabilize the results obtained ( restraint appliance ).

Is there an age limit for putting on fixed braces?

The basic process of moving teeth is the same at any age, and adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment. In addition, with the evolution of treatment systems, devices are more aesthetic and discreet.

Do orthodontic appliances cause pain?

The forces applied to move the teeth are very gentle. However, they can cause some discomfort in the days following activation of the appliance.

Do fixed appliances require special oral hygiene care?

Fixed appliances promote the retention of bacterial plaque during treatment. For this reason, teeth should be brushed after every meal.

What types of orthodontic braces are there?

There is a wide variety of fixed and removable orthodontic appliances specially created to move the teeth and the jaws themselves to the desired positions.

What happens if I don’t use the restraint devices as I should?

The braces were removed does not mean that the treatment has ended. Restraint appliances keep the teeth in their new, correct, and ideal position until the bone and gums adapt to treatment changes. If you don’t use the braces exactly as the Orthodontist/dentist recommends, your teeth may start to take the wrong position.

Which is better: fixed braces or removable braces?

It is not possible to speak of advantages between removable and fixed orthodontic braces, which exist are cases where fixed braces are used and others where removable braces are used. Both types of orthodontic braces work well as long as they are well indicated.

Can sports be practiced with fixed equipment?

Yes. With physical contact, an individualized protection gutter avoids lesions on the lips and cheeks in sports.