How is orthodontic treatment going? Step by step teeth straightening

Malocclusion is an ailment that affects a large part of Polish society. They result from various external causes, but are often genetically determined. The course of orthodontic treatment is long, the average period of basic treatment is two years. It is worth noting, however, that orthodontic treatment takes much longer and includes retention and consolidation of the effects.

Orthodontics and malocclusion – basic information

Orthodontics is one of the fields of dentistry whose primary goal is the treatment of patients’ malocclusions. It is commonly believed that orthodontic treatment is primarily equated with improving the aesthetics of a smile. There is some truth in this, but it should be remembered that correcting malocclusion restores the proper functions of the jaw, i.e. biting, grinding food or correct pronunciation. Malocclusion can have various causes. The causes of malocclusion can be divided into three basic subgroups:

1. inherited, genetic malocclusion – these are internal defects, such as progenia, which is manifested by a strongly developed mandible, and diastema, the characteristic symptom of which is a visible gap between the upper incisors;
2. Acquired malocclusion – these are defects that have arisen as a result of various environmental factors. Acquired malocclusion may be the result of poorly putting the baby to sleep, e.g. by placing a pillow too high. Another example is the use of improperly shaped nipples or the practice of bite-disruptive habits during childhood, such as sucking on a nipple, sucking the thumb, or breathing through the mouth continuously. Crooked teeth are also affected by tooth damage caused by caries or premature or too late falling out of milk teeth;
3. malocclusion caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors – these are defects called evolutionary changes. According to scientists, their appearance was influenced by changes that are characteristic for a given generation or society. Among the factors causing malocclusion are changes in lifestyle, eating more and more processed and soft foods, which means that the dental arches of modern humans are not as wide as those of our ancestors. This causes, among other things, malocclusions such as crowding, in which there is not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth.

Do you want to know more about malocclusion? Check: Malocclusion and orthodontic prophylaxis

What is orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is used in cases of irregularities in the arrangement of the teeth in the oral cavity. Currently, there are over a dozen types of malocclusion that are treated with orthodontic methods. Orthodontic treatment is available for both children and adults. It is a myth that malocclusions in adults cannot be completely cured. The only truth is that straightening teeth in older patients is a longer and more complicated process than in childhood patients. Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age, even after the age of 80, if indicated, of course. Most often, however, the orthodontist’s office is visited by patients aged 8 to 16 who have been referred by dentists, ENT specialists, paediatricians or speech therapists. The condition for starting orthodontic treatment is oral cavity sanation, which means that all teeth in the oral cavity must be healed and the patient cannot deal with any gingivitis or periodontitis. The most frequently chosen and most effective method of orthodontic treatment is placing an orthodontic appliance on the teeth. Orthodontic appliances are divided into two basic groups:

1. permanent braces – braces permanently attached to the surface of the teeth. Permanent braces are placed on the outside or inside of the tooth. Appliances placed on the outer side of the teeth are traditional appliances that are visible at first glance. Therefore, different types and colors have appeared so that the patient feels good while smiling or in everyday communication. On the other hand, braces that are placed on the inside of the teeth are the so-called lingual or linguistic apparatus. They are completely invisible from the outside.
2. removable appliances – this is a type of appliance that the patient can put on and take off by himself. Depending on the orthodontist’s indications, the patient wears a removable appliance. Most often, such a device is worn for several hours a day. Currently, several dozen types of removable appliances. They are adapted to a specific malocclusion. Many orthodontists offer their patients a modern method of treatment with removable braces, which is Invisalign.

More information about braces can be found here: Braces for teeth. Types of orthodontic appliances, price

Orthodontic consultation – the first stage of orthodontic treatment

The first step in the treatment of malocclusion is a medical consultation at an orthodontist’s office. It is often the patient himself who decides to visit when a malocclusion hinders his daily functioning. Often, however, the first visit to the orthodontist is caused by the suggestion of a dentist, pediatrician or speech therapist. During the orthodontic consultation, the doctor gets acquainted with the patient and the history of his problem. The orthodontist conducts a medical history to find out the cause of the malocclusion and any harmful habits of the patient, which will need to be eliminated before, during and after treatment. A standard element of an orthodontic consultation is an examination of the oral cavity and a thorough examination of the patient’s face from the front and in profile in order to determine the type of defect present and the degree of its advancement. In addition to assessing the symmetry of the face, the doctor checks the functioning of the temporomandibular joints. The orthodontist not only checks the condition of the teeth, but also assesses the mucosa of the oral cavity, gums, frenulum, lips, tongue and salivary glands.

The orthodontist examines the mobility and function of the tongue, the method of drawing and swallowing air, as well as the tension of the lips. The next stage of the orthodontic consultation is an intraoral examination and bite assessment. The doctor checks the arrangement of the jaw in relation to the mandible, assesses the width of the jaws, and the relation of the teeth to the width of the dental arches. Orthodontic examination also includes the assessment of tooth tissues and the occurrence of caries, pathological tooth wear or abnormal enamel structure. If a patient’s teeth are not fully healed, orthodontic treatment cannot be started. Correct diagnosis of the patient’s problem is possible thanks to more specialized tests.

The orthodontist may refer the patient to take a panoramic image of all teeth, i.e. a pantomogram. It is also recommended that you take a lateral image of the skull called a cephalogram. The orthodontist also takes a simple photo of the patient’s teeth and makes tooth impressions for plaster diagnostic models. Only after performing all these tests, the orthodontist begins to write out an orthodontic treatment plan. The price of a basic orthodontic consultation is between PLN 180-200. Please note that all additional examinations are usually paid separately. Therefore, it is worth preparing more cash for the first visit to the orthodontist.

Find out which malocclusion can be corrected with braces: Malocclusions that can be corrected with braces

Presentation of the treatment plan – the second stage of orthodontic treatment

Approximately 7-10 days after providing the orthodontist with all the necessary test results, the doctor presents the patient with the diagnosis of the problem, proposes an orthodontic treatment plan and indicates the specific type of appliance. The treatment plan is a legal document signed by the doctor and the patient. If the patient is underage, the document is signed by the parent or legal guardian. Before starting treatment, the orthodontist may refer the patient to additional dental procedures to facilitate further orthodontic treatment. The patient’s teeth may require professional cleaning or treatment. In the event of crowding of teeth, it will be necessary to remove one or more excess teeth.

During the presentation of the orthodontic treatment plan, the doctor presents the patient with an approximate schedule of subsequent meetings, a cost estimate and the assumed treatment time. The orthodontist also shows the patient different types of orthodontic appliances and a decision is made depending on the malocclusion, the patient’s financial capabilities and his preferences. Among the offered types of appliances, there may be traditional metal appliances, cosmetic appliances, i.e. porcelain appliances, and lingual appliances, i.e. appliances installed from the inside of the teeth. During this visit, the orthodontist also presents the patient with all indications that should be followed during orthodontic treatment. The fee for presenting an orthodontic treatment plan depends on the doctor, but usually it ranges from PLN 190 to PLN 240.

Learn more about straightening teeth. Check: How to straighten crooked teeth

Placing an orthodontic appliance – the third stage of orthodontic treatment

One of the most important moments in the course of orthodontic treatment is the application of braces to the teeth. Often this stage is preceded by the so-called separation, i.e. the introduction of rubber bands between the side teeth. The gums are put on for 5-7 days to separate squeezed teeth. The separation of the compressed teeth allows the ring to be placed over the tooth. The ring placed on the molar allows the braces to be stabilized in the course of orthodontic treatment. The separation procedure applies only to fixed appliances, and its performance depends on the orthodontist’s decision. The initial separation of the teeth is usually a free procedure. Putting on an orthodontic appliance begins with a thorough cleaning of the tooth surface. Then, using a special glue and a polymerization lamp, the orthodontist fixes the brackets on the teeth, which will remain in these places until the end of the treatment. These brackets have grooves into which the orthodontist introduces an arch, i.e. a nickel-titanium wire. It is this wire that is the source of the force that acts on the straightened teeth. During subsequent visits, the orthodontist replaces the arches with new and stronger wires.

The orthodontist also puts on new flexible ligatures, i.e. erasers. They are available in various colors, which is why it is additional fun, especially for the youngest patients. In the case of applying the braces to both dental arches, the duration of this procedure should not exceed one hour. The above procedure is for fixed appliances. In the case of treating malocclusion with a removable appliance, the appliance is handed over to the patient during the visit, along with detailed instructions on how to use it. The camera should be removed and disassembled according to the planned schedule. The price for this stage of orthodontic treatment depends on the type of appliance chosen by the patient. An average cost of a removable appliance is PLN 450 to PLN 1500. On the other hand, a fixed appliance for one dental arch costs from 1800 to 2600 PLN.

Find out more about the costs associated with orthodontic treatment: Braces cost – how much does a beautiful smile cost?

Control visits – the fourth stage of orthodontic treatment

The imposition of an orthodontic appliance is not synonymous with the end of visits to the orthodontist’s office. Orthodontic treatment of malocclusion requires constant medical supervision. In the case of permanent braces, follow-up visits usually take place every 4, 6 or 8 weeks. The frequency of visits depends on the stage of treatment. During follow-up visits, the orthodontist assesses the progress and effects of treatment, comparing them to diagnostic and control models. During the visit, the condition of teeth and gums is also checked. At the follow-up visit, the orthodontist also changes the arches in the brackets and ligatures, i.e. elastics. If a patient neglects the schedule of follow-up visits and misses them, he or she will be exposed to a much longer treatment process, and thus higher costs of correcting a malocclusion.

Follow-up visits for patients with removable braces take place less frequently, every 8-10 weeks. As in the case of patients with fixed appliances, the orthodontist assesses the effects of treatment. In addition, check-ups are used by the doctor as an opportunity to observe the development of the bite while the child is growing. Professional teeth cleaning and fluoridation are often performed during follow-up visits at the orthodontist. The cost of a follow-up visit depends on the type of apparatus worn by the patient. In the case of metal locks, the control visit costs about PLN 180-220. In the case of crystal locks, a control visit should be paid from 200 to 250 PLN. On the other hand, the control of a movable apparatus costs about PLN 100.

Do you want to take better care of your teeth hygiene while wearing braces? The Vitammy Aquarius Wireless Dental Irrigator, which you can find at Medonet Market at a promotional price, will work for you. In turn, for the care and hygiene of teeth straightened with an orthodontic appliance, we recommend a special Vitamma SMILS sonic toothbrush with 5 brushing programs, including one for braces.

What are the other methods of correcting malocclusion? Check: Simple and beautiful teeth without braces!

Photo of the braces – the fifth stage of orthodontic treatment

The duration of treatment with an orthodontic appliance depends on the patient’s age and the severity of the malocclusion. Typically, orthodontic treatment lasts from one and a half to two years. In adults, orthodontic treatment may take slightly longer. The process of correcting a malocclusion may take up to 3 years. After this time, the orthodontic appliance is removed. This visit takes place after the end of treatment, i.e. after aligning the teeth or closing the visible gaps between them. The orthodontist begins the removal procedure by removing colored rubber bands or metal ligatures. With the use of special forceps, she removes the locks from the teeth. This is done quickly and painlessly for the patient.

For a rock crystal fixed appliance, the removal process may be slightly longer. The crystal can crumble, so the orthodontist uses a drill to remove the crystal brackets. Then the patient’s teeth are thoroughly cleaned and polished. For this purpose, the doctor uses a sandblaster and a scaler. As a result, tartar and plaque are also removed from the tooth surface. Teeth polishing is done with a brush and paste. The orthodontist takes dental impressions to prepare the retention overlay and final model. The average fee for removing a fixed camera is 180 to 200 zlotys.

How to take care of the health of your teeth? Read: The 7 Commandments for Healthy Teeth

Retention and consolidation of treatment – the sixth stage of orthodontic treatment

Retention is the last stage of orthodontic treatment that only applies to patients wearing fixed appliances. This stage is as important as diagnostics or wearing the camera, because only care for the achieved results will allow the patient to enjoy a beautiful smile permanently. After removing the orthodontic appliance, the patient receives a retention plate from his orthodontist. Another method of fixing the correction of the dentition is a retainer, which is permanently applied to the teeth from the inside. The retention plate should be worn by the patient around the clock for about 4-5 weeks after removing the braces. Take it off while eating. The required frequency of wearing it decreases with each successive week, and your orthodontist may advise you to wear it only 4-5 hours a day for 3 months. For the next six months, the plate is applied only at night, and in the later stages of treatment, every other night. In the case of treating malocclusion with a removable appliance, the fixation of the effects of the correction consists in using the appliance only at night until all milk teeth are replaced permanently. The cost of retention treatment is on average PLN 450.

Find out more about retainers. Read: Retention braces and their role in orthodontic dental treatment