Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is a dental specialty dedicated to correcting the malpositioning of the jaws (dentofacial orthopedics, or ODF) and teeth (orthodontics).

The goal of orthodontic treatment is to align your misaligned teeth.

Teeth that are in the wrong position are more difficult to clean and are more likely to be lost prematurely due to cavities and/or periodontal disease. These misalignments can lead to muscle tension that can cause headaches, temporomandibular joint disorders and neck, shoulder and back pain. Misaligned teeth can also seriously affect the beauty of a smile.

Misalignments can be:

• of genetic origin;
• of functional origins such as thumb sucking, prolonged use of a pacifier or mouth breathing;
• Due to dental congestion caused by lack of space.

To correct these malpositions, and after having cleaned up the entire oral cavity, the practitioner begins by performing an orthodontic examination (X-rays, intra and extra oral photos, as well as dental impressions). An orthodontic check-up is then established, and the treatment plan is explained to the patient, who only has to choose the type of appliance in consultation with the orthodontist.

The length of the treatment will depend on several factors such as the patient’s cooperation with the orthodontic treatment and the degree of complexity of the problem to be corrected. Treatments can last from six months for the simplest treatments to several years for the most complex treatments.

Orthodontic treatment always ends with a retention phase.

It consists in maintaining the teeth in the ideal position at the end of the treatment by using a discreet metal wire glued on the inner face of the upper and lower teeth, from canine to canine. A transparent mouthpiece will also be made in the laboratory. It will be worn for the first few months after the braces are removed, and then temporarily in case the retention wire breaks while waiting for it to be repaired.

 

Frequently asked questions :

 Is orthodontic treatment painful?

The placement of braces is almost painless. However, some discomfort may appear in the days following each activation. This must be distinguished from irritation of the mucous membranes (lips, cheeks) by the braces, which may occur at the beginning of the treatment. Orthodontic wax can be used to solve the problem while waiting for the tissues to adapt.

 

What is the cost of orthodontic treatment?

The cost depends on the type of appliance used and the duration of the treatment. A written estimate is systematically established after the discussion of the orthodontic assessment.

Dr Fidae ABUHASSAN