ORTHODONTICS

The orthodontic apparatus can be mobile or fixed. Orthodontic therapy is performed in children, and also in adults in order to achieve a harmony of function and aesthetics. After the fixed orthodontic apparatus (braces) is installed, good oral hygiene and regular check-ups as instructed by the orthodontist are necessary. There is no age limit to installing an orthodontic apparatus. If you have already had orthodontic therapy and were not pleased with the results, or if you want a beautiful and healthy smile, age is no obstacle to orthodontic treatment.

Thanks to her additional education in the United States (School of Dental Medicine, Department of Orthodontic, University of Connecticut HealthCenter)and Denmark (Aarhus University, Aarhus), orthodontic specialist Dr. Slavica Pejda Repić is specialised in the orthodontic treatment of adults. Every patient receives individual treatment. After a detailed clinical exam, review of x-rays and detailed analysis of intraoral photographs, a treatment plan is proposed for each patient. Thanks to the interdisciplinary work with endodontic and restorative dentistry specialist Dr.DarijoRepić,we are able to provide every patient with complete dental care, both during and after orthodontic treatment.

Every patient, in addition to the detailed information about the state of their intraoral health, also receives complete written instructions on the function and maintenance of braces, and an appropriate set for maintaining oral hygiene.

Protocol of orthodontic examinations and therapy plan

The first orthodontic exam includes a clinical examination of the oral cavity, teeth, bite, soft tissues and an analysis of the panoramic x-ray. If you do not have a panoramic x-ray, it can be taken here at the clinic with the newest digital x-ray machine with minimal radiation dose. For the purpose of diagnostics, we also take intraoral photographs using a specially adapted camera.

After the initial diagnostic process, we will propose a therapy plan, that we will work out with the parents and the child.

Following this, impressions are taken to create the study models in order to have archived data on the initial state of the bite prior to orthodontic therapy. We will also inform you of the costs and of the maintenance of the braces.

What does the orthodontist do?

An orthodontist is a specialist the gives the diagnosis and conducts the therapy for irregularities in the order of teeth or their position in the jaw. They also work to prevent the appearance of orthodontic irregularities. Various orthodontic devices and braces are used to achieve this.

Why do I need orthodontic treatment?

There are two main reasons for orthodontic treatment: function and aesthetics. From the functional side, orthodontic treatment improves the function of teeth and the jaw as a whole, and enables easier maintenance of oral hygiene. On the aesthetic side, a beautiful and attractive smile will impress both you and others, and will contribute to your self-confidence.

When is the right time to start orthodontic treatment?

There are no time limits for orthodontic treatment. However, the earlier the orthodontic anomaly is detected and treated, the easier treatment will be. The American Orthodontic Association recommends that children have their first orthodontic exam at the age of 7 years.

How can I recognize an orthodontic anomaly?

If you or your child has one of the anomalies shown on the figure below, we recommend you make an appointment to see an orthodontic specialist. Also, if your child is prone to sucking their thumb, this condition can also lead to the occurrence of orthodontic anomalies.

Possible anomalies at the age of 6 to 8 years

Orthodontic therapy – PAIN?

The installation of the orthodontic apparatus is not painful. For certain patients, some minor pain or pressure may appear in the initial days after the braces are installed. Minor pain may also arise after control check-ups. Painkillers can be taken to alleviate these symptoms.

Duration of orthodontic therapy

The duration of orthodontic therapy differs for each patient. The generally active state (of wearing braces) lasts from 6 to 30 months. After the completion of orthodontic therapy, it is necessary to wear a retainer for several months to one year, depending on the initial anomaly

Frequency of control check-ups

Depending on the type of therapy, control check-ups take place every 4 to 10 weeks.

Will I have to have any teeth removed?

If your teeth are really crowded, or if an individual tooth has been impacted (unerupted and hidden in the bone), then tooth extraction is a possible option in treatment.

Will I be able to play an instrument or play sports?

Yes. Orthodontic treatment does not exclude you from these activities. Of course, if you are an athlete, wearing a mouth guard is recommended to avoid any injuries to the oral cavity and damages to the braces.

Will I have to visit my dentist?

Of course, the control check-ups at the dentist are very important. Braces makes cleaning teeth more difficult, meaning more plaque can accumulate, increasing the risk of caries. Your dentist will help to avoid this through regular cleaning and check-ups.

Will I have to wear a retainer once the braces are removed?

Almost always, the answer is YES. Once the orthodontic therapy is complete, it is necessary to wear a retainer for several months to a year, depending on the initial anomaly. Otherwise, your teeth could return to their initial state relatively quickly, and all the efforts invested by you and your dentist will be in vain. The wearing of a retainer will depend on the original anomaly.

Price of orthodontic therapy

At your first examination, you will receive a price quote for the orthodontic therapy. The price includes the initial cleaning of plaque and tooth polishing, active treatment phases from the start to the end of therapy, installing the braces, control check-ups, removal of the braces and the first set of retainers. For the first exam, it is necessary to bring a fully panoramic x-ray of the jaws. You can also perform this service in our clinic, and the price is included in the orthodontic therapy.

In orthodontic therapy, we use either metal or aesthetic brackets – depending on the patient’s choice. Aesthetic brackets are an alternative to metal brackets and are a suitable aesthetic solution. At our clinic, we use the products of the renowned manufacturer of orthodontic materials –American Orthodontics. These products provide patients with a more discrete set of braces.

To see these brackets and find out more about their characteristics, please click on the links below.

Aesthetic braces: 1) http://www.americanortho.com/cosmetic-2040.html;

2) http://www.americanortho.com/radiance.html

Metal braces: http://www.americanortho.com/master-series.html