Teeth straightening

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the study and treatment of misaligned teeth and malocclusions (improper bites). The name “orthodontics” comes from two Greek words: “orthos“(straight) and “odous“(tooth), so in other words orthodontics is a science about teeth straightening.

Orthodontic appliances are divided into 2 main groups: removable appliances and fixed appliances (mainly bracket systems). At „Dantų harmonija – Dental Harmony“ lingual brackets (sometimes referred to as hidden or invisible brackets) are also offered to our patients.

Common causes of having crooked teeth

• Inherited trait;
• Bad mouth habits, such as constant breathing through your mouth or having used the pacifier in your childhood for too long;
• The abnormal eruption path or certain permanent teeth, e.g. due to early loss of baby teeth;
• Traumas.

No matter what caused the misalignment of your teeth or the malocclusion, by employing the most advanced technologies orthodontists can correct these defects. Our teeth are not fused with the jawbone, just the opposite: their roots are joined to the bone by elastic periodontal ligaments which allow for the teeth to spring during the chewing process and avoid overloading. Thanks to these ligaments, teeth can move in the bone. While teeth are erupting, they move on their own. By exerting a force from outside, we can push, rotate or tilt a tooth at a certain angle. This feature remains all our life, thus Mother Nature herself gives us a chance to have our uneven teeth or improper bites corrected. With the help of orthodontists, of course!

Why should we have our teeth straightened and malocclusion adjusted?

The main health problems that misaligned teeth may cause:

• Tooth decay;
• Gum inflammation;
• Complicated maintenance or treatment;
• Increased wear and tooth loss;
• Dc caused by improperly chewed food;
• Aesthetic issues;
• Speech problems;
• Discomfort while talking, lack of self-confidence.

Adults can also undergo orthodontic treatment

Orthodontic treatment is suitable for patients of any age. The best time for the first visit to an orthodontist is when your child is 8-9 years old. After having examined the mouth, the orthodontist will determine what orthodontic treatment, if any, may be needed either now or in the future, when the jawbone is more developed. Although orthodontic treatment can be received by anybody regardless of their age, prior to treatment it is necessary to assess the patient’s overall oral health as various other conditions, such as periodontal disease, may hinder the progress of orthodontic treatment.

Teeth straightening using bracket systems

Brackets (also called braces) are used to straighten uneven teeth and adjust malocclusions, even in complicated cases. They are attached to the teeth for the whole period of treatment and are not removed from the mouth until the treatment is over. Orthodontic treatment using bracket systems can start when all the permanent teeth have erupted. As mentioned earlier, there are no limitations regarding age. Usually orthodontic treatment takes a few years; however, there are exceptions. Therefore, it is best to visit an orthodontist for a consultation. When should you start wearing braces? You will get the answer to this question after a thorough examination of your jawbone as well as the overall dental health. Having assessed the irregularities of your occlusion and teeth, professionals at the clinic „Dantų harmonija – Dental Harmony“ will help you choose the most appropriate treatment plan (if needed).

Brackets are bonded to each tooth (either front or back) by using special bond adhesive. The archwire – a thin metal wire that runs from bracket to bracket – exerts a light force that causes the teeth to move. This way the teeth are forced to reposition gradually into a desired position.  The movement of the bracket – how much to turn it, which direction and how much to bend the teeth – is controlled by the orthodontist.

Types of bracket systems

All bracket systems are divided into two main categories: labial (metal, ceramic or self-ligating) and lingual.

Lingual brackets are sometimes referred to as hidden or invisible brackets. They are placed behind the teeth and are completely invisible from the outside. Nobody will have the slightest suspicion that there is an orthodontic appliance in your mouth! The brackets are really a result of state-of-the-art technologies and could be called “aerobatic flying” in orthodontics.  These brackets are manufactured from a special alloy; they are extremely thin and flat.  The full customization of the lingual appliance system ensures total precision and ideal conformity to the tooth surface.

Metal brackets. The first brackets were made from metal. With time they have developed greatly, they have changed both their appearance and features. Modern metal brackets and their arches are manufactured from a number of various alloys. That ensures an effective treatment outcome; brackets will neither oxidise nor change its colour during the whole treatment process. Metal bracket systems used at the moment are safe, they neither damage tooth enamel nor cause caries. Aesthetics could be regarded to be the only drawback.

Ceramic brackets. Their colour hardly differs from the tooth colour so they are attractive and less visible than metal brackets. Ceramic brackets could be bonded to all the teeth or only to the more visible front teeth. It is the right choice for those who do not find the “metal” smile to be extremely pleasing. These brackets offer you the combination of brilliant aesthetics and performance.

Self-ligating brackets are one of the most advanced bracket systems. The distinctive feature of these bracket systems is special locks. Passive self-ligating systems use brackets that do not require elastic o-rings to hold the wires in place which means better oral hygiene. Due to its unique design the friction is reduced and the teeth are affected by a smaller, but a more adjusted force. High, standard, and low torque options provide patient-customized treatment while still maintaining low friction mechanics. Besides, the patient’s visits to the doctor are less frequent. One more important advantage: in most cases tooth extraction can be avoided when using self-ligating brackets.

What brackets should I choose?

The patient’s expectations and the budget as well as the clinical case itself will determine the choice of a bracket system.   During the consultation the orthodontist will explain to you the advantages of each system and provide some valuable advice so that the most effective solution could be found.

Before and after orthodontic treatment

Orthodontic treatment prices

The cost of orthodontic treatment will vary depending on the complexity of the treatment required and the selected treatment method, where either a removable orthodontic appliance or a bracket system might be applied.  Although brackets systems are the most expensive way to have your teeth straightened, it is also the most effective one. Materials used in manufacturing brackets as well as the manufacturing process itself must meet very high standards, so consequently prices are rather high. You will get more information regarding the price of orthodontic treatment and some additional procedures that might be required only during the visit to the doctor.