Orthodontics

Orthodontics deals with the position of the teeth and the relationship between the jaws. Crowded or displaced teeth, a gap between the incisors, a pronounced overjet of the upper teeth, an open bite or crossbite, retained baby teeth and a permanent tooth that cannot find room in the arch are reasons for an orthodontic examination.

Poorly positioned teeth are not only a question of appearance. When teeth meet unevenly, the enamel wears faster in some places, other areas remain difficult to clean, and the load on the jaw joint is uneven. Which of this applies to you is shown by the examination.

Part of the treatment extends into maxillofacial orthopaedics, that is, guiding the growth of the jaws in children and adolescents. In adults, growth is no longer available, so the approaches are different. Orthodontic treatment is otherwise possible at any age, provided the teeth and gums are healthy.

A removable appliance is put in and taken out by the patient. It is used mainly in children while their teeth are changing, to widen the dental arch and to guide growth. How much it achieves depends heavily on how many hours a day the child actually wears it.

A fixed appliance consists of brackets bonded to the teeth and a wire that connects them. The brackets can be metal or ceramic, which makes them less noticeable. Because the appliance is attached all the time, it works continuously, but it requires more careful oral hygiene.

Clear aligners are a series of removable trays that the patient changes in a set sequence. For some irregularities they are a suitable choice, for others not. Which option is possible for you is assessed by the orthodontist after the examination, X-rays and impressions; you then make the decision together.

The first visit is for an examination and assessment. The orthodontist examines the teeth, gums and bite, and X-rays and impressions or a digital scan of the dental arches are usually also needed.

On this basis a plan is made: what can be achieved in your case, with which appliance and in what order. The length of treatment varies greatly between patients and cannot be promised in advance, as it depends on the initial irregularity, age, how the tissues respond and cooperation.

Regular check-ups follow, at which the orthodontist adjusts the appliance. While wearing a fixed appliance, cleaning your teeth is more demanding, so visits to the dentist and dental hygienist are more important than usual during this period.

The final phase is retention. Once the appliance is removed, the teeth tend to move back towards their previous position, so a retainer is worn or a thin wire is attached to the inner side of the front teeth. This period is long and should not be skipped.

Orthodontic treatment at Medicinski center Ljubljana is provided by ORTHOS, a private institute for orthodontics and maxillofacial orthopaedics. Its team carries out comprehensive diagnostics, planning and delivery of orthodontic treatment. You book directly with ORTHOS, you do not need a referral for the examination, and the services are self-pay.

As the price varies depending on the type of appliance and the extent of treatment, check it together with the payment options when booking or at the first examination. That is also a good time to ask what is included in the price of follow-up visits and retention.

Bring any previous X-rays and reports from your dentist to the first examination. General dentistry and dental hygiene are available in the same centre at the ZZ Zdravje dental clinic, which is convenient, as regular check-ups and cleaning matter even more while you wear braces.