Phases of Orthodontic Treatment
All orthodontic treatment has a process from the moment you go to the dentist until your dental problem is solved.
Let’s take a look at these stages, what they are and what each one consists of.
What do we mean by Phases of Orthodontic Treatment?
The orthodontic process is the set of dental movements that are performed to improve the esthetics, function and mastication of your mouth.
It is divided into several phases of orthodontic treatment until the desired smile is achieved.
What are the stages of orthodontics? In total, orthodontics has 7 phases: a zero phase in which a study is performed and 6 other phases of active orthodontics.
Phase zero, the orthodontic study
The first thing that needs to be done is an orthodontic study to determine the precise diagnosis and to be able to draw up the treatment plan.
It is essential that the professionals have good planning so that the person obtains the desired results according to his or her own oral and dental needs.
To do this, the orthodontist will carry out a series of steps:
Evaluation of the case: the orthodontist determines the oral problems that the patient may have by observing different aspects, such as the bite, the jaw, the midline….
X-rays of the sides of the skull and panoramic x-rays to check for infections, the state of the roots and absence of molars, among other things.
Extraoral and intraoral photographs to analyze facial symmetry and dental malpositions, among others. These images are also useful for the patient himself to obtain a comparison between his dental esthetics before and after the treatment.
Extraoral photographs
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EXTRAORAL PHOTOGRAPHS
Study models: it is very important for the orthodontist to have a sample of the patient’s mouth.
This recreation can be more traditional, i.e., made of a material called alginate and plaster.
However, thanks to advances, it is no longer necessary to make these uncomfortable molds, but professionals resort to a 3D intraoral scanner that provides a virtual sample.
After having planned the treatment, a choice is made as to how the objectives are to be achieved and which is most suitable for the patient, whether metal brackets or invisible orthodontics, such as Invisalign.
Once we have placed the appliance (whether Invisalign, Incognito, clear brackets or metal brackets), the movement of the teeth begins.
This is known as the active phase of the phases of orthodontic treatment process.
There are different types of orthodontics available to the patient, who can choose the method he or she likes best.
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The active phase
Alignment and leveling
The aim of this phase is to modify the vertical discrepancies and dental crowding, for which light forces are used.
Also, in this phase, actions aimed at correcting dental crossbite and tractioning unerupted teeth are also carried out, should the person need it.
This stage usually lasts from 6 to 8 months and after its completion, the arches will be level and the teeth will be in line.
Leveling
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BITE LEVELING
2. Correction of the bite and molar relationship
In this step, the occlusion or bite is corrected and the teeth begin to fit into their correct position in the anterior-posterior and vertical directions.
Sometimes it is necessary to use elastics (or rubber bands) as external forces to help correct the bite.
3. Closing of spaces
This is the next phase in which the spaces between the teeth must be closed once everything is aligned and positioned.
4. Finishing and finishing
At the beginning of this period the teeth should be aligned, the spaces should be closed and the bite should have a correct relationship.
In this phase small adjustments will be made to perfect the position of the teeth:
Equalize the roots and check that they are all parallel.
Adjust the individual dental positions (small modifications or rotations that may remain).
Correct possible midline discrepancies so that the upper and lower lines coincide.
Perform the final seating of the denture.
Final orthodontic phase
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FINAL RESULT
5. Removal of the appliances
Once the orthodontist considers that all the objectives have been achieved, the appliances are removed from the patient’s mouth to move on to the retention phase.
At this point, the teeth are aligned, there are no spaces between them, the bite is correct and the esthetics are ideal.
6. Retention stage
This is a very important stage, since it is the one that will help us to maintain the results achieved.
Retainers
Don’t forget that retainers play a fundamental role in orthodontics, as they maintain the new position of your teeth and prevent them from moving again.
Teeth have memory and will tend to return to their previous position.
To prevent this from happening, the professional will place retainers in the upper and lower arches, in addition to transparent covers (splints) that the person must wear for as long as the orthodontist deems necessary.
As a general rule, the dentist recommends that the splints be worn all day long, and only at night a few months after orthodontic treatment.
Retention phase
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RETENTION PHASE
So your teeth will stay perfect forever!
Learn about our payment options
So that you can get the smile you’ve always wanted, we offer you flexible payment terms.
This way, you can choose the method that best suits your situation and needs:
- Financing of 100% of the treatment ask how
- Discounts for early payment
If you would like more information about the advantages of financing versus dental insurance. You can call us at +1 619 372 5409 🇺🇸 +52 664 590 8321 🇲🇽
What is included in the price of orthodontics?
After carrying out a study of your case, at DrAW Dental Clinic we provide a complete estimate.
This means that, throughout the treatment, we will not include new concepts, so that the cost we indicate is the only thing you will have to pay.
Our orthodontic treatments include:
Complete orthodontic study: photographs, x-rays, taking impressions…
Professional oral hygiene: one or two, depending on the duration of treatment.
Dental appliance (either brackets or clear splints).
Possible dental emergencies related to orthodontics.
Check-ups during and after treatment.
Retainers (fixed and removable).
If you need more information about all our orthodontic treatments or ask more about the phases of orthodontic treatment, don’t forget to request a first appointment.
Our specialists in Orthodontics, Drs. Daniel Hernández, Andrea Becerril and Ximena Avila will study your case and offer you the solution that best suits your needs, without any obligation.
Would you like to contact us to make an appointment with our specialists?
Call us at +1 619 372 5409 🇺🇸 +52 664 590 8321 🇲🇽 , or use the contact form on our website, and ask for your first free appointment.
We will give you a complete diagnosis and an estimate without obligation.
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Bibliographic references
- Archives of Bronchopneumology (2005). National Consensus on Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (SAHS). Vol. 41. No. S4. pages 7-9 (https://www.archbronconeumol.org/es-consenso-nacional-sobre-el-sindrome-articulo-13084320)
- Durán-Cantolla, J., Alkhraisat, M.H., Martínez-Null, C., Aguirre, J.J., Guinea, E.R., Anitua E. (2015). Frequency of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Dental Patients with Tooth Wear. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.11 (4): 445-50. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25665693)
- Wetselaar, P., Manfredini, D., Ahlberg, J., Johansson, A., Aarab, G., Papagianni, C.E., Reyes Sevilla, M., Koutris M., Lobbezoo, F. (2019). Associations between tooth wear and dental sleep disorders: A narrative overview. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. 46 (8): 765-775 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31038764).
- American Dental Association (ADA). Sleep apnea and snoring. (https://www.mouthhealthy.org/es-MX/az-topics/s/sleep-apnea-and-snoring)
- American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. (2015) Dentists treat sleep apnea, too. (https://www.aadsm.org/for_patients.php)
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