Orthodontics

The Treatment through Orthodontics braces aims to correct the positioning and alignment of the teeth. This area of dentistry is called orthodontics.
Orthodontics integrates its treatment to various specialties of dentistry. It is used in many clinical cases, prior or after prosthetic or restorative treatments.

The treatment through braces aims to correct the positioning and alignment of the teeth. This area of dentistry is called orthodontics.

Orthodontics integrates its treatment to various specialties of dentistry. It is used in many clinical cases, prior or after prosthetic or restorative treatments.

 

 

At Clínica Dental Design every orthodontic patient starts their treatment by having a full consultation with our specialist orthodontist.

On this visit she will examine your teeth and may take photographs, x-rays or moulds of the teeth. The orthodontist will use this information to plan the best treatment for you and they will discuss this treatment plan with you on that visit.

 

Your treatment plan will include details of the type of appliances you will need and if any teeth will have to be removed. Once the treatment plan has been agreed the orthodontist will organise appointments for you to have the treatment started.

Crianças sorrindo2

 

 

Removable appliances

 

Removable appliances can be removed from the mouth by the patient. They are made from a plastic plate, which can have metal wires and springs attached to it.

 

Removable appliances are used for simple tooth movements and are commonly fitted to the upper teeth. We often fit them to carry out specific tooth movement before progressing on to fixed appliances.

Aparelho móvel 1

 

Functional appliances

 

Functional appliances are commonly used to correct bites where the top teeth significantly protrude ahead of the bottom teeth. They can only be used in growing patients and work by holding they lower jaw in a forward position.

 

At Northwest orthodontics we routinely use a ‘Twin Block’ functional appliance, which is made of two removable plates that fit over the top and bottom teeth.

 

Functional appliances should be worn full time and only removed for eating, cleaning your teeth or playing contact sports.

 

Aparelho móvel 2

 

 

Fixed appliances

 

Fixed appliances are commonly called ‘train tracks’ are fitted to most of our patients. They are made of brackets glued to the lip surface of the teeth and connected together by a thin wire.

 

Usually the wire is held onto the bracket by an elastic loop, which can come in different colours. Some brackets do not need an elastic loop as they have a special attachment to hold the wire in place and these are called self- ligating brackets.

 

The standard brackets are made from metal but clear cosmetic brackets are also available for private patients.

 

 Brackets

 

 

Lingual fixed appliances

 

Lingual fixed appliances are fixed to the tongue side of the teeth and are custom made for each patient. They are an invisible type of orthodontic treatment and are only available as a private treatment.

 Ortodontia lingual

 

Aligners

These are a used by orthodontists to treat mild to moderate problems. They consist of a series of custom-made clear aligners (like thin gum shields), which are replaced every 2 weeks until the treatment is complete.

 

 Invisalign

 

Retainers

Once your orthodontic treatment is complete you will be given retainers to keep your teeth straight.

 

Retainers can be glued to the back of the teeth (permanent) or be placed over your teeth every night. The night-time retainers look like a thin clear gum shield.

 

It is very important to wear your retainers as directed by the orthodontist as you teeth can move if you do not wear them properly.