Orthodontics

Orthodontics

What is an orthodontic treatment?

An orthodontic treatment forces tightly set teeth into a straight line, closes gaps between teeth and restores the positions of teeth that have shifted as a result of gum disease (periodontitis). The doctor will conduct checks before initiating the treatment in order to compile a treatment plan and find the best possible solution in cooperation with the patient. It is possible to produce special samples, allowing the patient to see the final result of the treatment in advance.

What is the cost of an orthodontic treatment?

The total cost of an orthodontic treatment depends on the braces that are used and the duration of the treatment. On average, an orthodontic treatment takes 1.5 years.

Does the health insurance fund provide compensation for an orthodontic treatment?

The Estonian Health Insurance Fond compensates the costs of orthodontic consultations for patients up to 19 years of age, and the cost of the entire orthodontic treatment for complicated cases.

Kliinik 32 keeps records of the waiting list for orthodontic treatment in the Denta software program, which is used by several dental clinics. A patient can be added to the waiting list by an administrator or a doctor. The following information is entered in the database when the patient is signing up for the waiting list: first and last name, personal identification code, entry date, required service and issue. The longest allowable time on the waiting list for individuals that are under 19 years of age with medical insurance is 9 months.

What are braces?

Braces are meant to be used for improving the positions of the teeth and occlusions. Metal braces are the most popular type, as they are strong and durable as well as less costly. Ceramic braces offer a more subtle alternative.

The arch in the braces forces the teeth into the desired position. The fixation mechanism of the braces is categorised as normal and self-regulating.

The choice of braces depends on the patient’s problem. More detailed recommendations will be presented by the orthodontist at the time of compiling a treatment plan.

What are invisible braces?

Braces can also be installed in the inner side of teeth. This is the best solution for patients who do not want others to know that they are wearing braces, but still want to improve the positions of their teeth and their smile.

Kliinik 32 uses lingual braces belonging to the Incognito system. These are individual braces where the whole system is produced specifically for one patient, and the shape and characteristics of each individual tooth is taken into account. Therefore, the braces are comfortable for the patient to wear, and the end result is better and faster.

Are there any alternatives to braces?

The Invisalign system is a new approach to correcting the positions of the teeth. Instead of braces, retainers are used for aligning the teeth. The retainers are invisible and will gradually guide the teeth into their correct positions. The process is first conducted on a computer to compile a virtual model for the corrections. The retainers are then produced based on the model, and will gradually force the teeth into their correct positions. The patient will receive a new retainer every two weeks. Visits to the orthodontist should take place every 2-3 months, and the duration of the treatment is approximately 1.5 years. Invisalign is a suitable solution in cases of slight and moderate occlusion issues.

What is Invisalign?

In Invisalign treatment, removable and virtually invisible aligners are used, replaced with new ones every 1–2 weeks. The aligners are custom-manufactured. Each time the aligners are replaced, the teeth move slightly week by week in accordance with the treatment plan prepared by the dentist.

In addition, the virtual treatment plan created by the unique ClinCheck® software developed by Align Technology allows you to see how the teeth will be moving during the treatment. This will allow you to see before the beginning of the treatment what your teeth will look like after it is completed. The analysis by ClinCheck software gives the data for making custom clear aligners for each individual patient.

Orthodontics offers a broad range of opportunities, but no other treatment is as convenient as Invisalign. Invisalign treatment will often be shorter than wearing dental braces. Invisalign has been on the market for years and has already given beautiful smiles to more than 6 million patients.

How does Invisalign affect the patient’s daily life?

Invisalign treatment is perfectly compatible with daily life and is in most cases unnoticeable to others. No metal or braces are used in Invisalign aligners, so the threat of mouth irritation and need for first aid are minimised. The aligners are convenient to use and can be easily removed for cleaning or eating.

Invisalign aligners are clear and barely visible when worn, which allows the position of teeth to be adjusted without any awkwardness or embarrassment to the patient. If you have an important event or meeting, you can take the aligners off for a short while.

What should I do if the ending of a metal wire is causing irritation?

Try to push the wire away from the irritated area using a blunt object. If this does not help, cover the ending with wax, cotton or sugar-free chewing gum until you can visit your doctor. Cutting the wire ending should only be the last resort if no professional help is available. Apply Urgo Mouth Ulcer gel (available in pharmacies without a prescription) to the wounds inside your cheek.

What should I do if the ending of the main arch protrudes from the molar brace?

Try reinserting the wire into the brace. If this is not possible, cover the wire with wax until your dentist appointment. Cutting the wire ending should only be the last resort if no professional help is available. Apply Urgo Mouth Ulcer gel (available in pharmacies without a prescription) to the wounds inside your cheek.

What should I do if the braces become loose from the arch?

Usually, the braces will remain attached to the arch. If the braces have turned around from the arch and are causing irritation, try to turn them back toward the correct position and fix them in place with orthodontic wax. Do not discard the braces if they do become loose from the arch, as it is often possible to reattach them. Call your orthodontist and inform them about the situation.

What should I do if the retention wire breaks?

The retention wire can be reinstalled by the orthodontist or a doctor. This should be done as soon as possible.

What should I do if my teeth start hurting after wearing braces?

Teeth can become sensitive after the activation of braces. Take a painkiller 1 hour before your orthodontist visit. Rinsing with salt is also useful after the visit (dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 glass of warm water).

What should I do if food gets stuck between the braces?

Use dental floss or an interdental brush to remove the food.

What should I do if I forgot the time of my appointment?

Contact your orthodontist office immediately and arrange a new appointment. Each missed visit means a longer treatment duration and an additional cost.

What should I do if I cannot come to an appointment?

Call your orthodontist office and arrange a new appointment beforehand. In this way, we can use your original appointment time to help someone else.