Information about orthodontic treatment
Your first visit
Your first visit will help us understand your main complaint regarding your dental position.
You will get an understanding of the different orthodontic treatments and define which option will help you the best in achieving the desired result.
The first step in designing your treatment plan is learning about your dental and medical health. As some medical conditions may influence your orthodontic treatment, you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire during your first visit. Please do not hesitate to provide any additional information you feel could be relevant and ask us any questions you may have.
During your first visit your teeth, jaw, and jaw joints will be examined by our orthodontist. You will discuss the different treatment options, and how to proceed. Now it’s time for you to consider whether you wish to start treatment or not.
We are always happy to answer any questions and assist/guide you in your decision.
Treatment plan
If you wish to initiate an orthodontic treatment, the next step is to perform a set of detailed diagnostic procedures, which is necessary to prepare your treatment plan. This includes X-rays of teeth and jaws, photos of face and teeth, as well as scans of your set of teeth. We use the newest craniofacial radiography, where modern CT-photos make it possible to get a 3D scan which improves the diagnostics significantly.
After all the diagnostic material have been collected, a treatment plan is prepared.
A complete set of diagnostic records is required to:
- Establish a treatment plan
- Monitor and document the progress of treatment
- Modify the treatment plan, if necessary
- Document the treatment’s success after completion
- Estimate what changes might occur in the future due to tooth movement and/or growth.
Analysis and planning
As in architecture, precise planning is the foundation of a successful outcome. Facial harmony and dental aesthetics are of particular importance in planning your treatment. Aestetics is important, but optimal function of your teeth, jaw joints, and muscles are essential to ensure your long-term dental health.
Our orthodontist uses the information from your first visit and the collected diagnostic records to prepare a state-of-the-art treatment plan with the support of modern orthodontic software. At this stage, we can estimate the duration of treatment and calculate the total treatment fee. The treatment plan will be presented and finally approved by you before we start the orthodontic treatment.
The orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment can be carried out at any age. We wish to guide you so we can offer you the most effective and aesthetically pleasing solution. We place great professional emphasis on function, stability, and aesthetics. In addition, our focus is also on jaw growth which helps to ensure a good, stable, and healthy function of the dentures, which should last the rest of your life.
In some cases, we recommend a two-part treatment. The first phase is performed in the Deciduous and Mixed dentition where the baby teeth are still present (most often in children aged 8-10, duration approximately 12-18 months), while the other phase is initiated when all the permanent teeth have erupted.
Fixed braces
This type of braces is usually the most effective and is used when orthodontic treatment is needed. The braces are placed on one or both jaws and can move one or more teeth at a time.
The fixed braces consist of visible brackets (made of metal or ceramics) or invisible brackets, which are glued on either the outside or inside of your teeth. The orthodontic appliance applies a gentle pressure and carefully moves the teeth into the correct position. The treatment is carried out in several steps, and it is therefore important that you keep your appointments.
The duration of a treatment with orthodontic appliances is typically around 12-24 months, depending on how much your teeth need to be straightened.
Removable braces
This type of braces is often used in the deciduous and mixed dentition as they have great impact on the growth of the jaws. Certain types of teeth misalignment can be corrected with the help of removable braces/apparatus, such as retainers, palate plates and activators. Removable braces can be very effective, but their impact depends on you wearing it as much as possible.
Read more about the different types of braces here.
Your role in success
To a large extent, the duration and result of your treatment depend on your cooperation, but also on individual factors such as tissue reactions, the eruption pattern of the permanent teeth, as well as jaw growth. Excellent orthodontic treatment results can only be achieved with cooperative and informed patients and parents. A successful treatment is built on teamwork in which both patients, parents, staff, and the orthodontist work together. The reward can be a beautiful smile, healthy teeth, and improved confidence.
Make sure to visit your own dentist for a full dental checkup before starting orthodontic treatment.
Oral hygiene
If orthodontic appliances are properly taken care of, your teeth will generally not be damaged. However, if you’re not cautious, complications such as inflammation of the gums, bone resorption, tooth decay, and white spot lesions may occur during your treatment. It is therefore important to keep applying a thorough oral hygiene into your daily routine – also while wearing braces.
Adhering to the following advise can help prevent such complications.
· Use fluoride mouthwash once a day
· Brush your teeth after every meal. In the evening make sure to brush your teeth extra thoroughly, preferably around 5 minutes.
· Regular checkups and professional teeth cleanings at your own dentist.
A healthy diet
Try to avoid eating sweets in-between meals and avoid chewing gum containing sugar. Also be careful when you eat hard food (e.g., carrots, apples, hard bread crusts) as the braces can become loose.
Appointments
To achieve the best result possible, try to keep your appointments. Every missed appointment generally adds one month to the original duration of the treatment.
Make sure to have cleaned/brushed your teeth before every appointment.
Keep us informed
During your treatment, it is important to keep us informed of any potential concerns or questions you may have. Don’t hesitate to call us should you experience any complications, such as broken wire, loose bands or brackets, or loss of appliances. Please also remember to inform us about any diseases, accidents or if you become pregnant, as it may affect your treatment.