Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses not only on enhancing the aesthetics of the smile but also on maintaining overall health. An improper bite can lead to numerous health problems, including tooth decay, headaches, neck or shoulder pain, and issues related to improper muscle strain. Orthodontic treatment can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life—whether the patient is a child, teenager, or adult—ensuring healthy teeth and the confidence that comes from having a beautiful smile.

Orthodontist in Warsaw – Warsaw Dental Academy

Warsaw Dental Academy provides comprehensive dental services, including specialized orthodontic treatment. We offer modern and innovative methods built on a foundation of solid knowledge and experience, ensuring a responsible and holistic approach to each patient.

No more crooked teeth :-)

Crooked teeth give many people sleepless nights. If you are one of these people and dream about a beautiful, Hollywood-like smile, you should definitely visit our practice.

What does orthodontics do?

Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that deals with correction of malposition of teeth and jaws. It is much harder to clean teeth that are crowded or crooked. Thus, such teeth are more susceptible to caries. Additionally, malocclusion also results in improper muscle strain which entails other consequences, such as headaches, neck, shoulder and even back pain. It is mainly aesthetic considerations which prompt most patients to visit an orthodontist. Orthodontic treatment also increases the probability to retain healthy teeth for the rest of one's life. If you want to know whether you require such treatment, there is only one way to find out - see a dentist, preferably a specialist in the field of orthodontics.

wizyta u ortodonty

When to visit an orthodontist?

The following symptoms should indicate the need to visit an orthodontist:

  • crowded teeth - teeth overlap one another and do not have enough space to fit in the alveolar process.
  • teeth gaps - there are gaps or spaces between teeth, which may result from missing teeth or anatomy.
  • midline misalignment - the line between upper central incisors is not exactly in line with the line between lower central incisors.
  • underbite - the lower jaw overlaps the upper jaw.
  • overbite - the upper jaw overlaps the lower jaw.
  • open bite - there is no contact between upper and lower teeth (they don't touch when the mouth is closed).
  • crossbite - involves a reverse overlap of teeth (in that case, the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth).
  • deep bite - a type of vertical malocclusion where the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth.

What does orthodontic treatment involve?

Orthodontic treatment aims to obtain an "ideal" smile with the use of dental braces. There are many types of them. These include fixed and removable braces, used to change teeth alignment. There are also braces designed for muscle exercise or ones that affect jaw growth. The role of a brace is to constantly and gently pressure teeth and jaws. The choice and effectiveness of a given method depend on the severity of the defect in a patient.

Fixed braces:

fixed orthodontic appliances

  • Classic braces that are most commonly used in treatment and consist of bands, arch wires and brackets. Bands are fitted around the teeth and provide a sort of anchor to the brace. Brackets, however, are glued to the front surfaces of the teeth. Arch wires pass through the brackets and then are fastened to the bands. Tightening the arches puts pressure on teeth and leads to their controlled and gradual shifting to the desired position. The brackets are typically adjusted once in a month. How long does such orthodontic treatment take? From a few months to 2-3 years. It all depends on various factors, such as age, degree of malocclusion etc.
  • Aligners are an alternative to traditional fixed braces for adults. There are no brackets and wires here. They can be freely removed (e.g. when eating) and inserted. These are transparent overlays that are easy to keep clean. Though they can be removed at any time, they are worn almost constantly and thus classified as fixed braces.
  • Space maintainers which are used when a baby loses a baby tooth too early. Such apparatus can be both fixed and removable.

Removable braces:

  • Removable braces are ones which the patient can remove at any time. Their effectiveness is limited, as they allow to correct minor misalignments as well as to widen the maxilla or mandible in the case of narrowed arches. Removable braces are worn several hours a day, as recommended by the dentist. The effectiveness of treatment with such a brace depends mostly on the cooperation between the patient and the doctor.
  • Special braces - used to eliminate bad habits, such as thumb sucking or pushing the teeth with the tongue. Unfortunately, they are quite uncomfortable - especially when eating - and they should always be used as a last resort.
  • Space maintainers work in the same way as their fixed counterparts. They are made of an acrylic tray that corresponds to the patient's jaw and plastic or wire elements, which are placed between teeth. Their aim is to maintain the space between teeth.
  • Orthodontic rubber bands also called elastics. They are attached to braces on the upper or lower jaw and help to properly align the jawbones.
  • Lip bumpers - the muscles of the lips and cheeks can pressure the teeth. Lip bumpers help to reduce its force.
  • A palatal expander is an appliance used to widen the upper jaw. It is placed on the palate and fits the vault of the mouth. The outward pressure applied on the plate by the screws forces the joints in the bones of the palate to open longitudinally, thus widening the palatal surface.
  • Retainers enable the teeth gums and jaws to adapt to the new and proper alignment, preventing regressing to misalignment. Retainers can be both fixed and removable.

Orthodontic treatment for children

Orthodontic treatment in children is crucial for ensuring the proper development of the bite and teeth. Early orthodontic intervention can prevent more serious problems in the future. Removable appliances are often used for younger patients to correct minor malocclusions and habits such as thumb sucking.

Orthodontic treatment for teenagers

Teenagers are the group of patients who most frequently undergo orthodontic treatment. Fixed braces, both traditional and modern, such as aligners, are commonly used to give young patients a beautiful smile and a healthy bite. Treatment at this age is generally more effective because the jaw is still growing, making it easier to move teeth into the correct position.

Orthodontic treatment for adult patients

Thanks to modern methods, orthodontic treatment is becoming increasingly popular and accessible for adults as well. In this age group, aligners (clear aligners) and fixed braces are used, both of which are discreet and comfortable. Adult orthodontics not only improves the aesthetics of the smile, but also addresses issues related to an improper bite, which may lead to jaw joint pain, chewing problems, or even tooth wear.

At Warsaw Dental Academy, we tailor treatment plans individually, taking into account each patient’s needs and expectations. This allows our patients to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile at any age.

Invisalign – a modern treatment method

Invisalign is an innovative orthodontic solution that enables nearly invisible teeth straightening using clear aligners. It is especially recommended for those who value comfort and aesthetics, as the aligners can easily be removed for activities like eating or brushing teeth. Each aligner gradually shifts the position of the teeth, and by regularly changing to new aligners, the desired tooth alignment is achieved step by step. You can read more about this method on our blog.