Orthodontics involves prevention, diagnosis and correction of the position of teeth and surrounding structures. There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. The orthodontist, following diagnostic check ups and having compiled an orthodontic treatment plan, recommends to the patient a brace type and a treatment plan. In case of adult patients, orthodontic treatment to straighten the teeth is also possible, however it would not affect surrounding structures, which are treated surgically.
Orthodontic check ups need to be carried out periodically because of the child’s growth and development, and the continuous changes happening at that age, in particular if the child is wearing orthodontic braces. Children should visit the orthodontist around the age of six, after the eruption of the first permanent teeth, and in particular in the following cases: slanting teeth, premature loss of baby teeth, tight spaces between teeth, long-term thumb-sucking, speech impairment, chewing problems or mouth opening problems.
Orthodontic treatment uses fixed braces, which are bonded to the teeth (the patient cannot remove them), and mobile braces (which can be applied and removed following the orthodontist’s recommendations). The duration of the treatment depends on various factors, and in most cases it is about two years. Check ups are every two to three months, and after treatment completion the so-called retention braces are worn.