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FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I have my teeth straightened?
There are many reasons for orthodontic treatment. Not only do crooked teeth not look nice, but they are also difficult to clean, which may lead to tooth decay and gum disease - and ultimately to tooth loss. Straight teeth and a correct position of the upper jaw in relation to the lower jaw can reduce the risk of caries and extend the life span of your teeth. In addition, a person's facial profile may be improved by orthodontic treatment. Also, the risk of joint and muscle pain can be reduced if pressure in the mouth is evenly distributed - and last not least: STRAIGHT TEETH AND A BEAUTIFUL SMILE JUST MAKE YOU LOOK AND FEEL GOOD!
When is the right time to start treatment for children?
The best time to start orthodontic treatment for children depends on the type of malformation and on individual tooth development. In certain cases, treatment should start already at the age of six (e.g. in the case of so-called manibular prognathism, where the lower jaw protudes in front of the upper jaw, or with extremely open bites and cross bites). In general, however, treatment for children begins between age 9 and 10, after the lower primary canines have been replaced by permanent teeth.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
The duration of orthodontic treatment depends on a number of factors, such as the degree of malformation, the scope of the treatment, the type of braces and the patient's cooperation. In general, for children and teens an active treatment time of 2-3 years should be expected. In addition, we estimate about a year to stabilize and maintain the obtained results. In the case of adults, orthodontic treatment time usually is between 12-18 months.
What causes malalignment of the teeth or malposition of the jaws?
Some deformities are inherited and some are acquired. Tongue, lip and cheek muscles affect the position of the teeth as well as the shape and development of the jaw by exerting pressure and traction forces.
There can be differences in jaw development for example of children who were breastfed as compared to children who were bottle-fed, due to different degrees of exertion of the facial muscles. Thumb sucking, finger sucking, or so-called (harmful) "habits" such as chewing on pencils, lip biting, etc. may also affect tooth and jaw development.
How do orthodontic appliances work?
Depending on the indication you may need either removable or fixed braces braces or both. If fixed braces are required, they will be applied only after all permanent teeth have erupted.
Teeth are moved by pressure and traction forces, with the roots moving through the bone. Bone material is degraded on one side, and will grow on the other side. There are a number of removable braces that act simultaneously on the upper and lower jaw, thus affecting development of both jaws, such as the bionator or activator. These appliances act in a physiological way by using the body's own forces, so that the risk of overload on the jaw joints, the muscles, bones and periodontium can usually be avoided.
Is orthodontic treatment possible also for adults?
Teeth can be moved at any age. Adult orthodontics is an integral part of the treatment range of our practice. Often in adult orthodontics, the main focus is on aesthetic or cosmetic aspects, but orthodontic treatment may also be necessary as a preparation for prosthetic care, for example, when tipped or tilted teeth have to be straightened, gaps closed, or closely spaced teeth have to be moved apart to make room for implants; and there may be functional therapeutic reasons. Adult orthodontic treatment usually takes between 12 to 18 months.
May permanent teeth need to be extracted?
By using state-of-the-art methods of orthodontic treatment we are almost always able to avoid tooth extractions.
Do you have any further questions?
Please use our → contact form to send us any general questions you might have. Please keep in mind that most specific questions can only be answered after personal consultation with the individual patient.
