Frequently Asked Questions

Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

An Orthodontics Specialist is a dentist who has obtained a Diploma from an Orthodontics Specialization School after completing a Degree in Dentistry.

Orthodontic treatment does not only aim to improve your smile but allows improvement of chewing function with benefits to the health of your entire mouth. Straight teeth allow better oral hygiene, reducing the risk of cavities, periodontal disease, and jaw joint problems. They also facilitate other dental therapies (fillings, root canal treatments, prosthetics).

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. It is not true that you must wait until all permanent teeth have erupted: many problems are simpler to correct at an early age, and some become impossible to correct with appliances alone if you wait too long. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends orthodontic screening at age 7 or even earlier. I prefer to examine children as soon as their first tooth erupts to establish a trusting relationship and provide preventive care.

Different orthodontic problems may require intervention at different times. Sometimes therapy is deferred in a single phase after all permanent teeth have fully erupted. Other times we proceed in two phases: a Phase One in which we correct problems that could worsen the position of future teeth and facial bones, and a Phase Two when all permanent teeth have erupted. Phase One serves to intercept the problem before it worsens, with the goal of simplifying or eliminating Phase Two.

The duration and costs of orthodontic treatment are absolutely individual and depend on various factors: the goals of therapy, the patient's response, and their possible growth. Duration is also influenced by patient cooperation in following instructions, maintaining good oral hygiene, and attending regular follow-up visits.

Teeth shift throughout our entire lives, so at the end of active treatment, retention appliances are always recommended. Consistency in wearing them is the only way to maintain the results achieved over time.