Orthodontics

Aesthetic Dentistry is teaming up with Invisible Orthodontics to straighten your teeth and give you a brand-new attractive smile! Smiles Dental Clinic provides orthodontic treatment for both adults and children, using the newest techniques from Europe and United States, guaranteeing a painless therapy with fast results and long lifespan.

Why teeth are crooked?

Heredity and the relations between jaw and the teeth are main factors. A narrow jaw doesn’t provide the required space that is needed in order for the tooth to erupt. Some everyday habits can also cause orthodontic problems, such as finger sucking or nursing and oral breathing. Managing the cause properly, contributes significantly in preventing the progression of the abnormality.

Why should I start an orthodontic treatment?

Firstly, you can get the straight teeth of your dreams improving your smile aesthetics. In addition to that, it changes the total appearance of the mouth region and the lower third of the face. An effective oral hygiene is also achieved when the gaps and the narrow areas disappear, preventing food remnants and dental plaque to accumulate and therefore avoiding bad breath and tooth decay. At the same time, it becomes easier to use dental floss. Last but not least, orthodontics therapy helps to distribute chewing forces evenly, protecting teeth from cracking and being fractured. Another advantage is the elimination of pain of the temporomandibular joint which was caused from ectopic or false contacts between the teeth.

What are the available methods?

Orthodontics move teeth to the correct positions by applying a constant force upon the teeth. This force can be achieved with various ways, such as using fixed appliances (brackets, tubes, rings) or removable appliances (functional, retainers). The brackets, that are attached at the external surface of the tooth, can be either metal or ceramic white brackets that are aesthetically superior. The newest techniques involve Clear Aligners and Six Month Smiles. Clear Aligners are custom-made invisible orthodontic trays that are changed monthly and gradually move the teeth. Six month Smiles consists of custom-made transparent brackets and white wires making them not visible.

How long does the treatment last?

Orthodontics mobility can last from a few months to 12-18 months, depending on the severity of the case. Sometimes, orthodontics treatment can last longer if an orthognathic surgery takes place. The result can be permanent if the instructions are followed completely by the patient.

What is the appropriate age for children to start an orthodontics therapy?

The first orthodontics examination should take place at the age of seven years old so that the orthodontic abnormalities can be detected soon. In some cases, orthodontics problems can be identified by the parents, sometimes earlier than the age of seven, such as gaps between the teeth, crowded and crooked teeth. On the other hand, a dentist can only identify serious orthodontic abnormalities about the occlusion of the posterior teeth and determine if an immediate therapy is needed or plan a treatment at an older age. Detecting the orthodontics problem in a young age and before the eruption of the permanent teeth, turns the treatment into a more enjoyable and shorter in time process, while the treatment is simplified and less appliances are needed.

Is orthodontics suitable for adults?

Nowadays, as appearance is getting more valuable both in professional and personal life, more adults are choosing to begin an orthodontic treatment to improve their smile. In fact, adults consist about 25% of the overall orthodontics patients. Displaced teeth with inclinations, gaps and ectopic positions, add years in the overall image of your face. Therefore, every adult with strong teeth and healthy gums is a candidate for orthodontics therapy, with only one condition, brushing thoroughly your teeth. Many people who have felt ashamed for their smile or used their hand while laughing, report a great boost of self-confidence after their successful orthodontics treatment. Orthodontics’ goal in adult cases, is to improve their occlusal condition and therefore function, as well as, locally repair inclined teeth or higher and lower teeth contacts after prosthesis. Another reason why adults start an orthodontics therapy is the relapse of their childhood orthodontics treatment or the improvement of imperfections that it may have left. Due to professional and social life, more adults prefer Invisible Orthodontics either with Clear Aligners or transparent brackets with Six Month Smiles.

Is it painful?

Orthodontics treatment isn’t considered a painful procedure in general. After each visit to the dentist, new elastics and wires are placed in order to renew forces, resulting in some kind of pressure which is completely normal due to the movements of the teeth. After 2 or 3 days the pressure ends or you can have some painkillers to ease the pain. Based on our feedback from our orthodontics patients, Clear Aligners and Six Month Smiles disturb less than metal brackets.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the therapy is determined by the gravity of the problem, the duration of the therapy, the number of phases and the orthodontics appliances that will be used such as metal brackets, Clear Aligners, Six Month Smiles. Sometimes additional appliances are used such as mini implants, which are disposable and not reusable. Therefore, the precise cost of the therapy is determined at the second appointment where the individualized treatment plan is prepared. The price includes permanent immobilization that will guarantee that the result will last for a lifetime. The total cost is paid gradually, based on a plan that facilitates the patient. In any case, when considering about the cost of the orthodontics therapy, you should always have in mind that a conventional treatment may last 12-24 months, which means 15-25 appointments. The most important thing to consider are the long-term benefits of a beautiful and symmetrical smile.