Treatment with
fixed/removable appliance
Our common goal is to achieve the best possible outcome. Therefore, we would like to acquaint you with some essential information regarding treatment with a fixed/removable appliance.
TREATMENT PLANT
The treatment plan has been established based on the initial examination and your preferences. Once approved, the treatment plan cannot be arbitrarily changed. However, it may happen that certain complications arise during the treatment. Therefore, we reserve the right to supplement and adjust the treatment plan in consultation with you during the treatment. Any changes made are aimed at achieving the best possible outcome. In addition to the dentist specializing in orthodontics, trained orthodontic assistants will also be involved in your care during regular check-ups.
YOUR COOPERATION
Your cooperation is essential for successful treatment. Regular check-ups with the fixed/removable appliance usually occur every 4-8 or 10-12 weeks. If you cannot attend the check-up, please contact us as soon as possible - we can reschedule your appointment to a suitable alternative date and offer the freed-up slot to another patient. If the fixed/removable appliance goes unchecked for an extended period, it may lead to unexpected complications. Perfect dental hygiene is absolutely essential. After the appliance is fitted, you will be instructed on how to properly maintain dental hygiene with fixed/removable appliances and which tools to use. Ideally, teeth should be cleaned after every meal, so it is advisable to carry a toothbrush with you at all times. At the very least, thorough oral hygiene should be performed in the morning and especially at night. It is advisable to continue visiting your dentist for regular check-ups with fixed/removable appliances, as well as dental hygienists. Inadequate dental hygiene or failure to adhere to check-up appointments is the most common reason for premature removal of the fixed appliance!
Orthodontic treatment also entails certain financial demands. You will be informed of the approximate cost of your treatment along with the treatment plan. Some health insurance companies contribute to the cost of materials for fixed orthodontic treatment - please inquire with your health insurance provider.
COMPLICATIONS OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
Inadequate dental hygiene can lead to the formation of stains or, in some cases, cavities, especially with fixed appliances. These damages are irreversible and solely the responsibility of the patient. Often, inadequate dental hygiene leads to gum inflammation. This inflammation, among other things, slows down tooth movement, significantly prolonging your treatment. In case of poor dental hygiene, you will be warned during the check-up and advised to visit a dental hygienist (these visits are paid for by the patient). If there is no improvement in a short period, premature termination of treatment may be considered! In addition to the aforementioned decalcified stains due to poor hygiene, some patients experience root resorption during orthodontic treatment (the roots of the teeth shorten slightly). Usually, this is a minor change in root length that does not affect the tooth's future. For this reason, control X-rays are taken during orthodontic treatment.
RETENTION (STABILIZATION) PHASE
The average duration of active fixed orthodontic treatment is 1.5 - 3 years. It is essential that this phase is followed by a passive, stabilization phase. During this phase, a fixed retainer is bonded to the back surface of the front teeth to prevent them from moving from their achieved position (regular checks of the fixed retainer by us or your dentist are necessary during the presence of the fixed retainer in the mouth). Removable retention appliances are also used concurrently.
It is necessary to adhere to this phase for at least 2 years. Even after this period, absolute stability of the outcome cannot be guaranteed. Your body undergoes changes over the years, as do your teeth, subjected to various forces. Therefore, it is necessary to anticipate a certain effort to maintain the achieved result in the long term.