Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Orthodontics - Apparatus
What is Invisalign brace and how does it work?
It is the invisible way to straighten teeth without braces. It employs a series of clear removable aligners to correct your teeth without using metal wires or brackets. This technique has proven effective in clinical trials and in orthodontic practice. In fact, over 70% of all U.S. orthodontists are certified to treat patients with Invisalign®. Invisalign® uses 3-D image technology to describe the complete treatment plan, from the start position to end position to produce each set of “customized” aligners. Each “aligner” moves teeth incrementally and should be used for two weeks until the next replacement occurs in a series that determines the final position to be achieved.
Can I eat as usual with orthodontic braces?
The patient with orthodontic braces should avoid hard foods (popcorn, peanuts, stone fruits, etc). These types of food can break or detach parts of the brace. Care should be taken with fibrous or very sticky food, such as pineapple and mango, which make very difficult to clean the brace.
Is there any chance that the orthodontic brace will ruin my teeth?
When properly installed and the patient is well instructed regarding how to clean it, such problems will not occur. Orthodontic brace allows greater retention of plaque than the individual who does not use it. Therefore, a more thorough brushing of the teeth and the brace must be performed, complementing the use of dental floss with the help of needle threader, fluoride rinses and following dental prophylaxis according to the frequency indicated by the dentist. Patients not adopting such recommendations are prone to have stains and cavities in the teeth.
What is orthognathic surgery and how is it related to orthodontics?
Orthognathic surgery is a major supporter of orthodontics. Often the patient has a bad tooth positioning problem and, in addition, discrepancy in the size of maxillary and mandibular bones, requiring integrated orthodontic and surgical treatment. Orthodontics will align the teeth properly, while orthognathic surgery will reposition the maxillary and mandibular bones, according to individual needs.
Is there any possibility of the teeth returning to their original position?
No. They do not return to their original position, but small accommodations may occur after treatment, linked to the growth and functional changes. This trend is generally well controlled and minimized by proper use of restraint devices.
Is it a painful treatment?
At first, the treatment causes some sensitivity, especially during placement of the brace. After this phase, there is some discomfort for the patient, about 24 to 48 hours after the adjustments applied by the orthodontist.
On average, how long will the treatment take?
It is difficult to predict the time of orthodontic treatment, as it depends on factors such as individual biological responses, type of malocclusion, type of braces used and patient compliance.
Are there esthetic braces?
Yes. Today there are devices such as ceramics, which are very esthetic because the brackets can be confused with the color of the teeth. We also have the lingual braces, where the brackets are glued on the back, which does not allow the visualization. And finally, there is Invisalign System, which is a removable, transparent brace, made individually according to the patient’s dental arch.
What are the types of braces?
The braces are divided into two groups: fixed and removable. The fixed ones consist of brackets (metallic, plastic or ceramic) bonded to the teeth and allowing greater movement (not depending totally on patient compliance). The removable braces are fitted in the mouth, and may be removed by the patient or orthodontist, and depend on patient compliance. These can be orthodontic (perform small dental movements) or orthopedic (for bone corrections).
Are there orthodontic treatment for adults?
There is no maximum age. In the adult patient some special care must be taken, especially in relation to the tissues supporting the teeth, which might contraindicate the treatment. Currently, adults often use this treatment with other dental specialties such as prosthesis, implant dentistry and periodontics.
In addition to esthetics, what are the benefits provided by orthodontic treatment to the patient?
The main function of orthodontic treatment is to restore the dental occlusion (perfect aligning of upper and lower teeth). With the restoration of occlusion, problems with breathing, swallowing and speech as well as with temporomadibular joint are avoided.
What type of corrections are made?
Currently, orthodontists are provided with several treatment options, from the simplest techniques, such as maintenance of open space (in cases of premature loss of teeth) to more complex cases, such as orthodontic treatments associated with maxillary surgery.
At what age should be performed the first consultation with the orthodontist?
Although there is no minimum age for the first visit to the orthodontist, the best time is early in the timely exchange of baby teeth by permanent teeth, i.e., early mixed dentition.