Orthodontics is the branch of Dentistry dedicated to the prevention and treatment of Dentofacial disorders.
In addition to the best-known treatment for correcting the position of teeth, advances in Dentistry allow us to correct complications such as incorrect jaw position, the existence of crossbites or spacing between teeth.
The increasingly advanced dental braces are created and adapted in a personalized manner to each patient, so that they will always offer the best possible result.
Our objective at Prime Dental Clinic is to correct Dental Occlusions, promoting a better distribution of the forces exerted on the teeth, avoiding trauma to the gums, bones and ligaments.
We seek to jointly promote Oral Health and General Health!
In addition to a better facial esthetics, our Dental Braces allow patients to regain the natural functions of their teeth, such as the ability to bite, chew, to have a correct phonetic and to articulate words.
We advise parents to bring their children to their first orthodontic appointment, around 6 years of age.
Even when there are no orthodontic complications already visible, Dentists are able to assess how the teeth will evolve over the years.
Starting preventive treatment is the best way to avoid future complications, which last longer and are more expensive.
Although this treatment is more common in children and adolescents, we currently have many patients who come to us in adulthood.
The biological process of tooth movement does not change with age! There are some processes that may be different, but the outcome and duration of treatments with braces should be similar.
We always start by correcting any existing complication, such as the presence of dental cavities, for a successful treatment that does not increase oral pathologies already present.
On average, these treatments take between 18 and 24 months depending on the case of each patient.
At Prime Dental Clinic, we combine excellent professionals with high quality orthodontic braces, created by a renowned dental laboratory that has our trust; to give each patient an unique and personalized treatment for their teeth and oral physiognomy.
In most cases, problems related to orthodontics are due to hereditary conditions (passed on from parents to children), but they can also be caused by habits that you have as a child, such as sucking your finger or using a pacifier until old age or if you breathe through the mouth.
Who should perform orthodontic treatments?
To find out if you need to undergo orthodontic treatment, we always recommend that you consult a Dentist specialized in this area.
Through tests and exams, it is possible to analyze the entire orofacial condition of patients, so that we can administer the most recommended treatment, as well as decide the type of brace to use and predict the estimated time of the procedure.
We remind you that it is important not to miss appointments where we adjust the braces. In them, the Dentist can understand how the treatment is going and can make the necessary adjustments to achieve the best possible result, taking into account the patient’s comfort.
In some cases, we recommend complementing orthodontic treatments with the placement of dental veneers. These fine ceramic pieces, designed to mimic the appearance and functionality of a Natural tooth, manage to correct imperfections in the smile of our patients, such as its color or shape.
The importance of an orthodontic treatment!
Aesthetics
The orthodontic braces restore the aesthetics of a Natural smile, correcting the position of the teeth and jaw.
This correction leads to a more harmonious, in many of our patients, increasing their self-esteem and confidence.
Oral health
Dental malocclusion and poor positioning of teeth can lead to additional future complications, which can damage both the muscles of the mouth, such as the jaw bone and the gums.
In many cases, malocclusion leads to increased headaches and stress.
Hygiene
Having teeth that are misaligned or overlapping one another can cause difficulties in the oral hygiene process.
When orthodontic treatment is not carried out in time, the lack of hygiene in the hidden spaces between the teeth can bring additional complications, such as the appearance of cavities and inflammation of the gums.
In severe cases, when gum inflammation causes tissue and jaw bone damage, we need to resort to additional Periodontology treatments before starting the Ort treatment.
FAQ
At what age should we start an orthodontic treatment?
At Prime Dental Clinic, we recommend that all parents bring their children to the first orthodontic appointment around 6 years of age.
Even when there are no visible problems, Dentists are able to predict dental evolution and prevent complications that may eventually exist.
However, it is possible to start orthodontic treatment at any age, and nowadays we have many adult patients who are quickly beginning to notice the effect that braces have on their smile.
We recommend starting orthodontic treatments in children under 6 years old when:
- The child has an advanced chin – the teeth of the lower jaw are in front of the upper jaw;
- There is early loss of baby teeth – normally the first teeth should start to fall out around 6 years old;
- The child continues with the pacifier habit, or continues to suck on the thumb after 4 years of age;
- The child has the habit of breathing through the mouth.
How long does an orthodontic treatment last?
Each case is different and different patients will have different treatment times.
On your first appointment, we will carry out several exams and tests, which will allow the Dentist to understand which is the best treatment for each patient.
These tests allow us to be able to give patients a very close prediction of the duration of treatment.
On average, the treatment lasts between a year and a half and two years.
How should dental braces be cleaned?
Dental hygiene is essential while using Dental Braces to prevent the aggravation of adverse oral conditions.
It is recommended to continue with the usual hygiene habits, twice a day, with the additional care of:
- Use a brush in the spaces between each bracket (pieces of appliance that stick to the face of each tooth), to sanitize the arches of the appliance and the side surface of each piece. The Dentist will recommend which brush is appropriate for each patient.
- Use the toothbrush to carry out the usual cleaning of the teeth, taking extra care to make sure that the entire area of the dental brace is sanitized.
Do braces hurt the patient?
Installing fixed braces is painless.
Any discomfort that may exist in the first few days after activating the device will quickly disappear.
Which is better - fixed or removable braces?
To be sure about the type of braces to use, we always recommend that you make an evaluation appointment with a Dentist specializing in Orthodontics.
The conditions of each one’s smile and age will determine what type of braces should be put on.
In general, the removable retaining brace is more used in preventive treatments in children and the fixed brace is used in cases where dental dysfunction is already visible.
Many of our adult patients still choose to use Removable Alignment Braces, which have the same purpose as fixed braces, working in a similar way, but with the advantage of being more aesthetically pleasing, practically colorless and imperceptible.
Can we maintain our usual diet while using braces?
There are few dietary restrictions that will have to be made when placing braces.
Very rigid foods can damage the appliance, or change its position, so they are not recommended, and there are foods that bring some additional complications, such as:
- Coffee or other foods with a lot of coloring, which tend to stain the appliance brackets;
- Gums and bubblegum that tend to stick to the teeth. During the use of braces, it is even more important to ensure that there is no excess consumption of sugar – one of the main causes of tooth decay;
- Fibrous foods or with too many seeds can be consumed, but you need to be extra careful when cleaning your teeth and braces;
Contacts
Fill our form and a member of our team will enter in contact with you to answer any question or to schedule your appointment.