Best Orthodontist

What does an orthodontist do?

An orthodontist is a professional specialized in correcting problems related to the alignment of teeth and jawbones. They use orthodontic appliances and advanced techniques to treat conditions such as crooked, spaced, misaligned teeth and incorrect bites, such as crossbite, open bite, or deep bite. If you have any of these conditions, the orthodontist can help improve both the appearance and function of your mouth, providing a healthier and more aligned smile.

Signs that you need an orthodontist

If, when closing your mouth, your teeth do not align correctly, this may be an indication of misalignment. Crooked or misaligned teeth not only affect the aesthetics of your smile but can also compromise your oral health, making proper cleaning difficult and favoring the accumulation of bacterial plaque.

Excessive spaces between teeth are another important sign. These spaces not only impact the appearance of your smile but can also harm oral hygiene, facilitating the emergence of cavities and gum diseases.

The lack of a correct bite is also an indication that orthodontic treatment may be necessary. If you experience difficulties chewing, speaking, or if your bite seems misaligned, these symptoms may indicate that the position of your teeth and jaws needs to be corrected. Additionally, pain when chewing or discomfort in the jaw region are signs that an orthodontist should be consulted for an accurate diagnosis and to avoid future complications.

Types of orthodontic appliances available

Metal fixed appliance

The metal fixed appliance is the most traditional and effective, indicated for more complex cases. It consists of brackets and metal wires that help move teeth into the correct position.

Aesthetic appliance (ceramic or porcelain)

The aesthetic appliance, made of ceramic or porcelain, is a more discreet option. It mimics the color of teeth, making it less visible, ideal for those seeking a more aesthetic solution during treatment.

Invisalign

Invisalign is an option of transparent and removable aligners. It is perfect for those who need a more discreet treatment and is indicated for milder cases. Being removable, it facilitates hygiene and comfort.

Lingual appliance

The lingual appliance is fixed to the inner part of the teeth, making it invisible to others. However, it requires more adaptation care and can be a little more uncomfortable at first.

Self-ligating appliance

The self-ligating appliance is a more modern option. It does not use elastic ligatures, which makes the treatment more comfortable and reduces the need for frequent adjustments, making the process faster.

Digital technologies in modern orthodontics

Digital orthodontics has revolutionized treatment with intraoral 3D scanners that replace conventional moldings, providing greater precision and comfort. Digital planning allows realistic simulations of results even before starting treatment.

3D printers are used to create personalized aligners and surgical guides with very high precision, while advanced software allows remote monitoring of patients through progress photographs sent by specialized applications.

Stages of orthodontic treatment

Orthodontic treatment begins with an initial assessment, where the orthodontist performs clinical examinations and radiographs to understand the condition of your teeth and jaw. With this information, the professional plans the best treatment, discussing with you what type of appliance will be used and the objectives to be achieved.

After planning, the orthodontic appliance is installed, and the alignment process begins. The orthodontist makes regular adjustments to monitor progress and ensure that teeth move as expected. These adjustments are made every few weeks, depending on the type of appliance and your specific case.

Finally, after achieving the desired alignment, the treatment enters the retention phase. In this stage, you will wear a retainer to keep the teeth in the correct position, preventing them from returning to their original position. The retention phase is essential to ensure that the treatment results are permanent.

Preventive and interceptive orthodontics for children

Preventive orthodontics identifies problems in the development of the jaws and dentition at an early stage, allowing simple interventions that avoid complex treatments in the future. Ideally, the first orthodontic consultation should occur at 7 years of age.

Preventive techniques

Palatal expanders, space maintainers, and functional appliances can significantly reduce the need for dental extractions and orthognathic surgeries, as well as decrease the total treatment time when the patient reaches adolescence.

Essential care during orthodontic treatment

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment. Use interdental brushes, dental floss, and specific mouthwashes for those who wear braces, avoiding the accumulation of food debris and bacterial plaque. Additionally, it is important to avoid sticky foods, such as chewing gum and candies, and hard foods, which can damage the appliance and make cleaning difficult.

Do not miss regular appointments with the orthodontist, as these meetings are essential to adjust the appliance and monitor the progress of the treatment. After removing the appliance, the use of a retainer is necessary to ensure that the teeth remain in the correct position, preventing them from returning to their original position.

Recommended diet during the use of braces

A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D favors bone health and healthy tooth movement during orthodontic treatment. Soft foods such as purees, soups, and yogurts are ideal in the first days after adjustments.

Fruits cut into small pieces, cooked vegetables, and well-cooked proteins avoid injuries to oral tissues and damage to the appliance. Adequate hydration is essential to maintain gingival health and aid in the natural cleaning of teeth.

Benefits of orthodontic treatment for oral health

Orthodontic treatment goes beyond aesthetics and offers important benefits for oral health. With aligned teeth, cleaning becomes more efficient, significantly reducing the risk of cavities and gum diseases. Correcting the bite improves chewing, relieves tension in the jaw, and can even prevent digestive problems related to inadequate chewing.

A harmonious smile also positively impacts self-esteem and social relationships, while preventing premature wear of dental enamel caused by incorrect bites. Investing in orthodontics is ensuring healthy and functional teeth for much longer.

Orthodontics and its relationship with respiratory disorders

Orthodontic problems such as narrow jaws and retropositioned mandibles can significantly contribute to respiratory disorders such as sleep apnea and chronic mouth breathing. Modern orthodontic treatments consider the airways as a crucial factor in planning.

Maxillary expansion and mandibular advancement can increase the volume of airways, improving sleep quality and daily physical and cognitive performance. Recent studies demonstrate that early orthodontic interventions have a positive impact on the neurological development of children with respiratory disorders.

The importance of choosing a good orthodontist

Choosing the right orthodontist is essential to ensure that the treatment is successful. The first step is to verify the professional's experience and training. Make sure they have the necessary qualifications, including specialization courses in orthodontics, which ensures they have the necessary knowledge to deal with a variety of cases.

Additionally, a good orthodontist should use modern equipment and advanced techniques, which ensures that the treatment is more efficient and comfortable. Researching doctor ratings is also an excellent way to understand the quality of the orthodontist's work. Specialized platforms offer real feedback from those who have already undergone treatment, helping to make a more informed choice.

Psychological impact of smile aesthetics

The alignment of teeth has a strong influence on self-esteem and social interactions, especially in adolescents and young adults. Research indicates that people with aligned smiles are perceived as more intelligent, trustworthy, and successful in job interviews and interpersonal relationships.

Patients who complete orthodontic treatments report significant improvement in quality of life, reduction of social anxiety, and greater willingness to smile in public. Psychological counseling may be recommended in cases where dissatisfaction with dental appearance generates severe emotional impact.

How long does orthodontic treatment last?

The duration of orthodontic treatment depends on the complexity of the case and the type of appliance chosen. On average, treatment can last between 12 months and 3 years. Patients who use invisible appliances, such as Invisalign, generally have a shorter treatment time, as they are indicated for less complex cases. However, each case is unique, and the orthodontist will determine the ideal time based on your specific needs.

Orthodontic treatment accelerators

New technologies have emerged to reduce orthodontic treatment time, such as controlled microvibrations that stimulate bone remodeling and can decrease appliance wear time by up to 50%. Minimally invasive procedures such as micro-osteoperforations create small bone stimuli that accelerate tooth movement.

Photobiomodulation with LED light or low-intensity laser stimulates cell metabolism and has shown promising results in accelerating orthodontic treatment. These technologies are particularly relevant for adult patients who seek results in less time.

Myths about orthodontic treatment

There are some common myths about orthodontic treatment that are worth clarifying. Many people think that the treatment is very painful, but in reality, although it may cause some discomfort at first, it is not excessively painful, and the symptoms are usually temporary.

Another myth is that only children can wear braces, which is not true. Adults can also benefit from treatment, with discreet options such as Invisalign. Additionally, many people think that orthodontic treatment is only to improve appearance, but it also has functional benefits, such as improving chewing and overall oral health.

Orthodontics for patients with special needs

Orthodontic treatment can be adapted to meet patients with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome, significantly improving their quality of life. Specialized professionals use personalized approaches with shorter consultations, controlled sensory environment, and adapted instruments.

Multidisciplinary collaboration between orthodontists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists is essential for treatment success. Many patients with special needs experience substantial improvements in chewing ability, speech, and salivation control after appropriate orthodontic interventions.

Sustainability in orthodontic practice

Modern orthodontic clinics are adopting eco-friendly practices such as digitizing radiographs and medical records, significantly reducing the use of paper and developing chemicals. Transparent aligners manufactured with biodegradable materials and recyclable packaging represent sustainable innovations in the sector.

Water filtration systems and waste separation minimize the environmental impact of orthodontic procedures. Some offices use solar energy and adopt carbon neutralization policies, making orthodontic treatment a more environmentally conscious choice.

Orthodontic treatment and aging

Aging brings specific challenges to orthodontics, such as less dense bone tissue and slower metabolism, requiring differentiated approaches. Elderly patients frequently present periodontal problems and extensive restorations that require careful interdisciplinary planning.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment in the elderly include facilitation of oral hygiene, prevention of additional bone loss, and improvement in bite functionality. Low-force techniques and more frequent controls are employed to ensure safe tooth movement in elderly patients.

How to prepare children for orthodontic treatment

The psychological preparation of children includes previous visits to the office for familiarization with the environment and age-appropriate explanations about the process. Using visual resources such as drawings, 3D models, and educational applications helps demystify the treatment and reduce anxiety.

Strategies for children

Positive reinforcement, participation in decisions, and showing examples of other children with braces can greatly help in the adaptation process. Establishing an oral hygiene routine before the start of treatment facilitates adaptation to the specific needs when the appliance is installed. Parents who maintain a positive and encouraging attitude have more collaborative children throughout the orthodontic process.

Why choose AvaliaMed for your orthodontic consultation

AvaliaMed is a reliable platform for those seeking quality in choosing an orthodontist. Through its evaluation system, you have access to real experiences of other patients, allowing a safer and more informed decision.

The platform brings together qualified professionals committed to excellence in orthodontics, who use the most modern technologies and treatment approaches. By choosing an orthodontist through AvaliaMed, you ensure not only superior aesthetic results but also a treatment focused on your complete oral health and general well-being.