ORTHODONTICS
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that studies, corrects and prevents different alterations in the position of the jaws, the shape of the dental arches and problems of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). On the other hand, Functional Orthopedics provides different therapies that facilitate the correction of malocclusions by establishing correct function and harmony of the jaws.
The main objective of this specialty is to obtain a better occlusion, that is, to achieve the perfect contact of the teeth (in relation to the chewing process) and good alignment of the lower and upper dental arch.
WHO ARE CANDIDATES?
All those who present malocclusion or dental disharmonies.
Malocclusions or bite problems can be inherited or be the consequence of a dental disease, early loss of primary or permanent teeth, an accident or medical disorders, among other causes. Therefore, it can occur in children and adults when they have not been treated during childhood.
HOW IS IT DONE?
1. ORTHODONTIC STUDY AND SELECTION OF TECHNIQUE TO BE USED After the first consultation, and reviewed diagnostic aids such as X-rays, cephalometrics, study models and photographs among others, by an orthodontic specialist, the most appropriate treatment for each patient is chosen and planned. Among the options for state-of-the-art treatment are: Invisible Orthodontics such as Invisalign, Bracketless technique such as Flow Jac, self-ligating brackets, metallic or ceramic, among others.
2. ALIGNMENT AND LEVELING. The goal of this phase is to correct dental crowding and vertical discrepancies. For this, light forces are used. The dental crossbite is corrected and the teeth that have not come out are tractioned. This phase can last between 6 and 8 months and after its completion the teeth are in line and the arches leveled.
3. BITE CORRECTION AND MOLAR RELATION. In this stage, the bite or occlusion is corrected and the teeth are started to be placed in their correct position. Sometimes it is necessary to use rubber bands (or elastics) as external forces to help correct the bite.
4. CLOSING SPACES. This is the next phase in which the spaces between the teeth must be closed, once everything is aligned and placed.
5. FINISHING AND TERMINATION. At the beginning of this phase, the teeth must be completely aligned, the spaces should be closed and the bite should be in a correct relationship. In this phase, we will make small adjustments of tooth position that allow us to achieve functional, stable and aesthetic results: • Final seating of the teeth • Adjust small individual tooth positions • Equalize roots and check that they are all parallel • Correct small discrepancies of the midline so that the lower and upper midline coincide.
6. REMOVAL OF APPARATOLOGY. Once it is considered that all objectives have been achieved (teeth aligned, no space between teeth, aesthetics are correct, bite is corrected, etc.), we proceed to remove the appliances and move on to the retention phase.
7. RETENTION PHASE. This is a very important phase, as thanks to it we will maintain the results obtained as the teeth have memory and will want to return to their previous position. To prevent this, we will put fixed or removable retainers above and below. In this way, the teeth will always be perfect and we will maintain stable results over time.
BENEFITS OF ORTHODONTICS
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Corrects dental misalignments..
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Corrects malocclusions that affect facial and dental function and aesthetics.
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Achieves correct alignment between the upper jaw and the mandible maintaining a correct bite.
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Improves digestion.
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In patients with jaw disharmonies improves and corrects dental and functional problems such as chewing, phonation and aesthetics.
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Closes interdental spaces such as diastemas.
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Allows alignment of teeth prior to surgical treatments such as orthognathic surgery.
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Provides great aesthetics without biological expense while preserving your natural teeth.
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Improves self-esteem.
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The correct position of the teeth generates great impacts and benefits on facial aesthetics..
TYPES OF TREATMENTS
FIXED
Fixed Orthodontics includes those techniques in which Multi-brackets, formed by many brackets attached to the teeth, either metallic or other materials such as sapphire or porcelain, wires and other elastomeric or metallic attachments with the ability to apply forces to the teeth.
INVISIBLE WITH INVISIBLE ALIGNERS
This is a technique of transparent aligners made of a revolutionary plastic material, which fit perfectly to the patient's teeth and can be removed for eating and brushing teeth.
INVISALIGN
They are removable and use completely transparent plastic ferrules with some attachments to push the teeth into the position they should occupy and better control the application of forces making it more precise.
LINGUAL ORTHODONTICS
Lingual Orthodontics consists of metallic colored (gold or platinum) brackets made to measure the lingual side of the teeth. These types of dental appliances are designed to be cemented on the inside of the teeth, which is more irregular, and therefore requires total manufacturing and customization for each case.
