Our orthodontic treatments
Orthodontics is the dentistry’s specialty that is concerned with the correction of dental and jaw displacement.
Orthodontics applies gentle forces onto teeth in order to move them into the desired position. By doing so, the occlusion, the way in which one bites, will be adapted, resulting in the improvement of functions such as chewing, speaking, breathing and swallowing.
It is recommended to contact a dentist or even an orthodontist straight away to find out whether a treatment is necessary.
In order to come to the right diagnosis, a preliminary orthodontic examination is necessary. This examination includes the taking of X-rays, plasters casts and photographs. After analysis of the data, an individual treatment plan is established.
An orthodontic treatment can take place during childhood, adolescence or even adulthood. Although, the sooner the correction, the less severe complications and the easier the treatments will be.
Practical informations
A first consultation is recommended at the age of about 7 years. The orthodontist can then make a first check to find out within what time frame a treatment needs to be started.
It is absolutely normal to experience some discomfort right after the braces has been put in place. Your teeth will be more sensitive than normal, which can last for some 3 to 7 days.
Your cheeks, your lips and your tongue too will need a couple of days to get used to these new appliance.
Small mouth ulcers and minor injuries may also occur. It is recommended to apply wax to the irritating parts of you appliance and mouthwash can stimulate the curing process.
Yes, especially regarding the food. The eating of tough and sticky food is to be avoided when wearing fixed braces, more in particular:
- Baguette
- Apples
- Sticky sweets and chewing-gums
- caramel toffees, nougat, …
- Caramel toffees, nougat, …
Do not bite your nails or do not nibble a pen… it can break your appliance.
During your treatment you can practice any sport you like. It is recommended though to wear a mouthguard when practicing contact sports so to protect not only your teeth, but also the soft tissues and the brace itself.
My child wears braces but doesn’t brush his teeth on regularly basis which are the possibles risks ?
You child runs the risk of developing dental caries and gum problems (swelling and bleeding of the gums). It is essential that you keep your child motivated, otherwise the orthodontist will remove the brace.
The length of an orthodontic treatment largely depends on the importance of the malocclusion to be corrected, on the age at which is being started and finally on the collaboration of the patient and his parents. A treatment lasts between 6 to 12 months for minor corrections and between 12 to 30 months for more complex corrections.
No matter what age, orthodontics for adults can be as effective as for children. However, certain displacements can take more time than with children.
Orthodontics can help recreating aesthetic smiles, make faces look younger and help keeping teeth healthy much longer.
At the beginning of the treatment, some hindrance may be experienced, varying from patient to patient. This hindrance gradually disappears after a certain period of time.
Do you need a treatment ? Make an appointment