Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the specialty of Dentistry that prevents and treats the malposition of teeth, and disharmonies of the jaws, establishing a good mastigatory function and dental aesthetic. Treatment is done with orthodontic appliances which can be fixed, removable, metalic or pratically invisable. A certified orthodontist solves any type of case, and can avoid complex maxillary surgeries with orthodontic treatment.

SPECIALIZED ORTHODONTICS:

The College of Orthodontics of the Portuguese Dental Association certifies orthodontists that go through rigorous examination processes proving practical and theoretical knowledge. They have currently certified 1% of dentists practicing in Portugal, as certified orthodontists.

ADVANTAGES OF SPECIALIZED ORTHODONTICS WITH A CERTIFIED ORTHODONTIST:

A certified orthodontist, has the qualifications and has the experience to solve any type of problem effectively, regardless of its complexity;
Recovers well-being by recovering the correct mastigatory function;
A specialist is familiar with all techniques, having more treatment options available, with different durations and costs;
A certified orthodontist can solve certain cases that are generally treated with surgery, using techniques that avoid painful surgeries such as the third example shown below (before and after examples).

Dra. Anabela Pereira, member nº17 of the

Orthodontics College of the Portuguese Dental Association

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

Orthodontic treatment can be at any age, with different objectives.

Infant Orthodontics
The first orthodontic appointment should be at 5 years of age to evaluate jaw development, mastigatory function, breathing, chewing, and available space for definitive teeth that have yet to erupt.
Clinic observation at this age, evaluates the need for treatment and at what age. Some problems can only be treated during growth, others can be treated at any age.

Teenage Orthodontics
At this growing phase the orthodontist can control the growing pattern of the face, establish a good occlusion and align teeth.

Adult Orthodontics
At this age orthodontics can solve a number of problems. Align teeth, establish good occlusion, correct periodontal problems, improve articular disfunctions, and reduce snoring. An orthodontic treatment by a certified orthodontist can significantly improve general well-being, reducing head aches, articular and postural pain, innefficient rest, that many don't realize these symptoms can be caused by dental malfunctions.

TYPES OF APPLIANCES

There are many types of appliances for any age, from fixed metallic or ceramic appliances, to transparent removable appliances / aligners.

The middle image below compares two people with appliances, on the left a mettalic appliance and on the right, transparent aligners. Transparent aligners are very difficult to see when using, the preceding picture shows an aligner. Below, the colourful appliances are often used at a younger age.

For more information, book an appointment with our certified orthodontist Dra. Anabela Pereira, to answer all your questions.

BEFORE AND AFTER EXAMPLES:

Orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances, during the child's growth for jaw expansion and teeth alignment, correcting aesthetics and comfort in chewing. This type of correction, accompanying growth, can avoid painful jaw surgery later as an adult.

Orthodontic treatment with transparent aligners, during the child's growth.

Orthodontic treatment with transparent aligners - avoiding orthognatic surgery:

This case came to our clinic with a previous diagnosis for surgery due to the position of the upper jaw which was positioned behind the lower jaw. Dr. Anabela Pereira was able to avoid surgery using mixed techniques. The specialized experience and knowledge allowed for a much easier and less expensive solution.