This page was created to provide our patients with some general guidelines for proper maintenance of an orthodontic apparatus.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask Dr. Daniela Paraíso. She has been in charge of the Orthodontics specialty at Previdente since 1997.
This brochure illustrates the attention and care given to Previdente patients. We are currently implementing a Quality Management System in view of obtaining Quality certification (ISO 9001).

What is Orthodontics?

The main purpose of orthodontic treatment is to establish dental occlusion (perfect meshing of the top and bottom teeth, which is essential for proper chewing and adequate nutrition and oral health. Re-establishment of occlusion helps prevent respiratory, deglutition, speech and temporomandibular articulation problems.

On average, how long does treatment take?

It is difficult to forecast how much time orthodontic treatment will take because it depends on various factors, such as the type of improper occlusion. On average, twenty-four to thirty months of active treatment is required.

What are the various types of apparatuses?

Fixed
attached to the teeth using an adhesive substance or cement; they consist of brackets (metallic, plastic or ceramic), tubes and rings that support the metallic arc responsible for dental movement.
They allow greater movement of the teeth and do not depend on the collaboration of the patient;

Removable
inserted in the mouth and removable by the patient or orthodontist, and dependant on the collaboration of the patient. The apparatus can be orthodontic, effectuating small dental movements, or it can be orthopaedic, making skeletal corrections (bone).

 

Who can receive the treatment?
SPECIFICATION	COMMENTS
Children	The best time to visit an orthodontist is during the temporary teething phase (baby teeth).
Adults	The correction is limited to improving dental positioning and may be slower and limited due to the lack of growth, periodontal problems, loss of teeth and greater commitment of the dental structures due to prostheses or extensive restorations.
Patients with periodontal or gum diseases	While periodontal disease remains active (presence of inflammation), orthodontic treatment is not recommended. After the problem is stabilised, the orthodontist conducts a careful evaluation to assess the extent of the damage and recommends the type of apparatus that is most suited.

 

What type of care is required?

Use of an orthodontic apparatus and other accessories increases the area that retains food, thus causing greater accumulation of bacterial plaque. As such, the following care should be taken:

• avoid eating sugary and sticky foods;
• avoid eating hard foods;
• pay extra attention to hygiene by constantly verifying and following the instructions of your orthodontist;
• the apparatus (removable) can be soaked for 15 minutes in an oral anti-sceptic solution on a monthly basis;
• use a solution that facilitates removal of bacterial plaque;
• use a toothbrush and toothpaste. The useful life of orthodontic brushes is shorter, therefore they should be replaced whenever they are minimally deteriorated;
• use a spiral brush;
• use collutories for sensitive teeth and to protect against cavities;
• use dental tape (if necessary ask for a thread guide..