THE COURSE OF TREATMENT

• Orthodontic examination
• Intraoral scans
• X-rays (cephalometry, orthopantomogram), CBCT

During the first visit the orthodontist conducts a full orthodontic examination and diagnostics of a patient. Accurate extraoral and intraoral examinations as well as an orthodontic interview are carried out and an initial diagnosis is made on their basis.

Next, the diagnostics is accompanied by necessary X-rays (an orthopantomogram, a cephalometric X-ray, CBCT) and one of the most important examinations, namely the intraoral scan, which yields a digital 3D image of the patient’s teeth and their mutual relation. The scanning leads us to an occlusion map that informs us about the distribution of forces as part of occlusion. Several calculations and analyses are performed on digital models that together with the data from X-ray imaging allow us to plan the treatment. Immediate transfer of digital data facilitates communication aimed at treatment planning. The scanning process is very quick, completely painless, and replaces the universally disliked dental impression, while the spatial image displayed on the scanner screen acts as an equivalent of the previous dental mould.

The most important thing for a patient is the ability to visualise the treatment result, that is, to receive the desired image of their own teeth prior to making a decision to start the treatment. After this visit the orthodontist may refer the patient to conservative, endodontic, periodontological, surgical, or prosthetic treatment in order to eliminate the potential presence of infection foci, if necessary.

• Discussing the treatment plan
• Selection of the treatment method

Owing to modern digital technologies, this visit can take the form of an online consultation.
At the arranged hour, the practitioner will devote his/her time only to a given patient to present an orthodontic treatment plan and answer all questions. Such type of consultation eliminates interruptions and ambient noise that accompanies everyday work of an orthodontic clinic.

Obviously, the treatment plan may also be discussed during a traditional visit at the orthodontic clinic, where the practitioner will present the treatment plan and answer all questions formulated by the patient.

• Fixing the braces depending on the selected treatment method
• Instructions concerning the use of braces and oral hygiene during treatment

Depending on the selected treatment method, the fixing of braces takes place during this visit. If the patient decides on Invisalign aligner treatment, the attachments will be fixed and aligners will be handed out. If the treatment provides for permanent braces, locks will be fixed along with the first dental arch. If other braces are applied, such as Hyrax or Headgear, they will also be fixed during this visit, together with providing detailed use instructions. After the fixing of braces the hygienist will provide the patient with all recommendations concerning diet, hygiene, sports, and hours of using the applied braces.

The schedule of subsequent visits will be arranged individually with the practitioner, depending on the applied treatment method and malocclusion complexity.

The treatment ends when the desired functional and aesthetic result is achieved – most frequently after 12-24 months.

After the removal of the active braces, the patient proceeds to the retention treatmentphase, which is aimed at maintaining the achieved results and preventing a natural tendency of dental movements under the impact of such factors as periodontal ligament tension, cheek and tongue muscle strength. Selection of the type of retention braces and duration of the retention phase depend on the type of treated malocclusion and result from an orthodontist’s decision. Lack of cooperation on the part of the patient may lead to a relapse.

A patient who wishes to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile should remain under control of the orthodontist and appear at check-ups once a year, since the environment in the mouth as well as forces acting on each tooth are dynamic and change throughout the entire life. Even a small change in the shape of teeth or losing one of them may disrupt the harmony of occlusion and lead to a relapse or emergence of a new problem. Early identification of occlusion problems will allow maintaining healthy and beautiful smile for years.