Orthodontics

Orthodontics studies and corrects abnormalities that can affect the position of the teeth, the growth of the jawbones, and the relationship between the two dental arches (malocclusions).

These anomalies can be due to hereditary factors, bad habits (such as mouth breathing, thumb or lower lip sucking), or the premature loss of baby teeth or early extraction of permanent teeth.

The goal of orthodontics is to restore the relationship between the dental arches, facial harmony, chewing, speech, and breathing.

Depending on the type of anomaly and the desired outcome, orthodontics can be either mobile, with removable appliances, or fixed, with fixed appliances.

A removable orthodontic appliance consists of resin plates with hooks to stabilize the device on the teeth and screws for periodic adjustments; the time of use depends on its function.

A fixed orthodontic appliance consists of small brackets, also known as “braces,” which are bonded to the outer surface of the teeth. Thin metal wires are threaded through the brackets, exerting force on the teeth to move them slowly. The brackets are typically made of metal and are visible, but for aesthetic reasons, ceramic brackets can be used, which blend in with the color of the teeth.

The duration of an orthodontic treatment can vary from two or more years, depending on the type of anomaly being corrected, the development of the teeth, the general growth, or simply the cooperation of the patient, especially in the case of removable appliances.

There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment, and it is increasingly common for adults to seek treatment to resolve complex oral issues and/or prepare for prosthetic rehabilitation.

Clear Aligners

For several years now, it has been possible to address dental misalignment issues using a patented technique that involves transparent, virtually invisible aligners.

This makes it possible to undergo orthodontic treatment as an adult without compromising aesthetic appearance. Teeth are moved through a series of transparent aligners. The advantages include comfort, the elimination of wires and fixed attachments, and the ability to remove the appliance for eating and brushing teeth. However, not all cases can be treated with this method. The orthodontist will carefully assess the case to determine the most suitable solution for correcting the malocclusion and aligning the teeth.

Interceptive Orthodontics

Interceptive orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on treating malocclusion problems in childhood. It is called “interceptive” because its goal is to diagnose and address any alterations in the growth and development of a child’s jawbones as soon as they appear, preventing them from worsening and requiring more complex and lengthy orthodontic treatments in adulthood.

Advantages of Interceptive Orthodontics and the Ideal Age for Intervention
In the past, orthodontic interventions for dental malocclusions were typically done when children reached 12 or 14 years old, by which time all permanent teeth had erupted. Today, thanks to modern orthodontic technologies, interventions can be made at much younger ages, starting as early as 6 or 7 years old.

Intervening at this stage allows the orthodontist to accompany the child throughout their growth, guide the correct development of the maxillofacial structure, and address any issues before they cause complications, discomfort, or alter facial harmony.

Children tend to respond very well to orthodontic treatments, and because their bones are still growing—making them more malleable than those of adults—this provides an opportunity to achieve both aesthetically and functionally satisfactory results.

What is interceptive orthodontics?

Interceptive orthodontics uses various types of orthodontic devices, each designed to treat a specific malocclusion problem.

For example, interceptive orthodontics can be used with orthodontic devices suitable for children to:

• Restore the correct relationship between the dental arches
• Intervene on a narrow palate
• Treat a crossbite or an underbite
• Support proper maxillary and mandibular growth
• Stop excessive maxillary protrusion
• Create the conditions for a subsequent corrective orthodontic treatment that will be simpler and faster

Early diagnosis is crucial in the treatment of malocclusions, as they do not resolve on their own and tend to worsen over time. Therefore, it is recommended to have an initial check-up with a pediatric dentist around the age of 3, when all the primary teeth have emerged, so the dentist can assess the child’s overall oral health and intervene in a timely manner.