Orthodontics

What are orthodontic treatments?

Thanks to orthodontics we can position the teeth into their ideal position so that they function correctly. In our centres we have the latest orthodontic techniques to give you the smile you have always wanted and return correct functionality to your mouth.

Many people assume that incorrectly positioned teeth only matter in a cosmetic sense, but in reality, that is only one reason to have them aligned. Poor positioning of teeth may result in chewing difficulties. When not correctly aligned, the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly and this can result in difficulties when it comes to processing certain foods, with further digestive complications.

Another complication of poorly aligned teeth is hygiene. On many occasions, when teeth are crowded it impedes correct cleaning of the teeth, favouring the formation of tartar and being a risk factor in the activation of periodontal disease.

Types of Orthodontia

In Sermadent Dental Centres we use the latest orthodontic techniques to achieve the best results for our patients.

Fixed orthodontics: Fixed orthodontics, or brackets, are glued directly onto then outside of the teeth, and as such are visible. The brackets are connected by archwires of nickel-titanium and elastic bands, which allow the teeth to be moved into the correct position.

The standard treatment time is 24 months, although, with the initial study performed by our specialists, we can adapt in the best possible way to provide a personalised treatment duration.

We have two different kinds of brackets available, metal and cosmetic, with the latter being made of sapphire, which makes them practically transparent.

Removable orthodontics: The latest development in orthodontic treatments is removable orthodontics. At Sermadent dental centres we use the technique Invisalign.

This technique uses custom made transparent retainers, or aligners, which are changed every week to achieve the desired movement of each tooth into their final position. As the aligners are removable, they can be taken out to eat and clean the teeth, which makes them both very comfortable and hygienic.

As the aligners are completely custom made and specifically adapted for each individual treatment, it allows us to complete the treatment in a shorter timeframe, especially when only a few pieces are required to be aligned without complications. In these cases, it may be possible to finish the treatment in just 3 months.

The length of the treatment with invisible orthodontics is very variable and depends on the complexity of each case.

Advantages

• Aligning your teeth gives you better access for cleaning, resulting in easier, and better oral hygiene.
• Improving chewing function can greatly aid your digestion, as incompletely chewed food can be difficult for the stomach to process.
• With invisible orthodontics you can eat comfortably, with no apparatus in your mouth, and you can clean your teeth much more easily.
• You will have a radiant and much more aesthetically pleasing smile. Nowadays, aesthetics are important, and with straight healthy teeth you will give a much better first impression.

Treatment step by step

Step 1: Diagnosis It is very important to do a thorough diagnosis. At Sermadent Dental Centres, our specialists take molds and make models of the patient’s mouth, and perform a series of dental X-rays and photographs, to obtain as much information as possible.

In this study, various aspects are considered, such as the axes of the face, the size of the teeth, the space in the mouth and the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. All this information allows us to personalise the treatment and confirm if the patient needs expansion, extraction of premolars or just aligning.

Step 2: Treatment For fixed orthodontics, this step is the when the brackets are attached to the teeth, which is achieved by a technique of indirect cementing. In the first appointment we take impressions of the patient’s mouth, and after the patient has left, our specialists mount the brackets on this model. In this way we manage the appointments so that the patient does not have to remain with their mouth open all the time during positioning of the brackets, and furthermore, allows a more complete visualisation of the teeth than would be possible in the mouth.

In a second appointment, by means of a silicon retainer, the brackets are transferred into the exact position in the mouth, cementing them in place so they are fixed. The rest of the attachments are also put in place such as archwires and ligatures.

The subsequent appointments are then monthly, where the situation is assessed and the ligatures adapted as necessary in order to obtain the objective.

In the case of removable orthodontics we use the first appointment to take a series of images using a 3D intra-oral scanner, which is then sent to the laboratory.

A few weeks later the laboratory sends us the complete treatment with the necessary retainers and the exact duration of the plan. When this is received the patient is then given the appointment to place the first retainer and give instructions on the treatment.

Once the treatment is finished the teeth undergo ferulisation to ensure the teeth do not move again, and remain in their final position.

Step 3: Maintenance Further check up appointments are necessary. In these appointments we ensure that all is in order, correct hygiene is being adhered to, and provide a solution to any setback that may occur. These revisions are usually performed every 3 or 6 months, depending on the individual case and the specialist’s evaluation.