Information for the patient and/or the parents

Our first meeting is the foundation of a successful treatment!
We welcome individuals of all ages to our clinic with the main goal of listening to the primary issue that concerns you, explaining all possible treatment options, and introducing you to the philosophy of orthodontics.

For this purpose, during the first visit to the clinic, the necessary records are taken to design and personalize your treatment. These include intraoral and extraoral photographs as well as the creation of three-dimensional digital impressions using the 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner.

The analysis of these data, along with the appropriate radiographic examination when needed, leads us to the most suitable, efficient, and customized treatment plan for your needs.

At what age does a treatment start?

There is no age limit for correcting an orthodontic problem!

However, the first visit to the orthodontist should take place at around the age of seven. At that age, it is possible to diagnose premature orthodontic problems, address them at an early stage when necessary, and plan the various steps of the comprehensive orthodontic treatment that may be required later.

When the bone structure that supports the teeth is normal and the skeletal relationship of the jaws is harmonious, orthodontic treatment, in general, is carried out in the same way at all ages. The goal is to align the teeth in each jaw and to normalize the bite, meaning how the teeth of both jaws fit together.

However, when it is necessary to correct the jawbone relationship, the age at which orthodontic treatment begins plays an important role. This is because, at ages when the skeletal development of the body, and particularly of the face, is not yet complete, it is possible, with the appropriate techniques, to guide and correct the growth.

In adults, where this is no longer possible, surgical intervention is required to address such issues.

Does orthodontics hurt?

Placement and removal of orthodontic devices (braces, retainers, headgear, etc.) at the clinic almost never cause pain! A mild discomfort, which for some may turn into moderate pain, usually occurs after the placement of the devices.

It starts 6-12 hours after the activation of the devices or the placement of components (e.g., separation elastics) and has nothing to do with the intensity of a typical toothache. It is effectively managed with simple pain relievers (such as paracetamol, salicylic acid, mefenamic acid, etc.) and usually subsides after the first 3-4 days.

Additionally, there may be discomfort in specific areas of the mouth, depending on the type of device placed. In these cases, the special orthodontic relief wax we provide is an extremely effective way to stop the discomfort. For more information, feel free to contact us, or you will be informed by the orthodontist or clinic staff at your appointment.

How will I speak with the orthodontic devices?

Any new device in the oral cavity requires some time for adjustment. The devices that make speaking a bit more difficult are those that cover part or all of the palate or have components placed on the back surface of the upper front teeth.

The difficulty in speaking is generally small. It depends on age, the patient’s adaptability, the type of device, the duration it is worn in the mouth during the day, and of course, the characteristics of the individual’s articulation. In general, the speech sounds most affected are the linguistic ones (like “l” and “r”), and in some cases, the sibilants (such as “s,” “ch,” “g,” etc.).

However, one should keep in mind that those around us hear our speech articulation better than we hear ourselves!

What can I eat with braces or aligners?

With orthodontic devices, there are some restrictions on the types of foods one can eat or use. In general, all types of foods are allowed, except for:

• Very hard ones (e.g., rusks, hard nuts, raw carrots, etc.). With great care, cutting the food into smaller pieces and primarily using the back teeth, even these can be consumed.
• Chewing gum (and anything else that resembles chewing gum, such as butter candies).
• Excessive consumption of Coca-Cola and other carbonated drinks. The carbonation they contain can, in large quantities, damage the teeth and the devices.

Finally, any oral habits (biting pencils, nail biting, etc.) may cause problems both in the movement of the teeth and the durability of the devices. There are, of course, some devices that require special dietary instructions, at least in the beginning, which we will discuss with you in person!

Is orthodontic treatment expensive?

The cost of orthodontic treatment is determined by:

• The severity and duration of each case.
• The type of appliances used, which is related to their manufacturing cost.

This cost covers the full set of appliances and any necessary replacements, all office visits (which typically range from 15 to 25 visits during a complete treatment, extending over a period of up to 2 years), as well as post-treatment follow-up during the retention phase to maintain the results.

Payment for orthodontic treatment at our office is made gradually throughout the duration of the treatment.