Common issues

Frequently Asked Questions

The answer to all your questions

Questions answers


At what age do you start treatment?

You can start treatment at any age. Some problems are easier to solve young through growth. But sometimes you have to know how to wait. Some problems improve on their own. The ideal is to consult around 7 - 8 years to have the orthodontist check that there is nothing to do. If an orthodontic treatment is to be considered, the orthodontist will be able to choose the best time according to what there is to correct.

What's orthodontics ?

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry which treats malpositions of teeth and jaws.

What can an orthodontic treatment be used for?

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry which treats malpositions of teeth and jaws.
to have a prettier smile
improve the functioning of teeth and jaws
to improve self-confidence
namely to remove germs very well
to distribute the pressures well on the teeth and avoid wear
to preserve the health of the bones and gums around the teeth
to promote the eruption of permanent stuck teeth
to avoid fractures of teeth too far forward
to prepare the teeth before dental crowns, implants or venners are placed

What can suggest that treatment is necessary?

when the front teeth at the top are very far in front of those at the bottom
when the upper front teeth completely cover the lower teeth
when the upper front teeth are behind the lower teeth
when the front teeth do not touch (open bite)
when the teeth overlap or overlap
when the middle of the top and bottom teeth are deviated from each other
when you always suck something (thumb, pacifier) after 7 years
when you have difficulty chewing
when the jaw slides to one side or another
✪ when there are spaces between the teeth

What is an interceptive treatment? a 2-step treatment?

The 1st phase or interception treatment is a fairly short orthodontic treatment (9 months to 14 months) performed before the eruption of all the permanent teeth. This type of treatment is done between 7 and 10 years. It allows to prepare the place for the 12 permanent teeth which come out between 10 and a half and 12 years. It prevents the jaws from growing askew. This is also the time when we stop habits that distort the mouth (thumb sucking, pacifier, tongue).
The 2nd phase, is more global since it takes place between 11 and 13 years old, when all the final teeth are out. These are multi-attachment devices called "braces" which allow the final position of all the teeth to be adjusted.

Can an adult do orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontics can be done at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful smile and a healthy mouth.Adult orthodontics is increasingly recognized.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

The braces glued to the teeth serve as a fulcrum. Wires connect them and move the teeth by exerting a light and continuous force. The wire that is placed on the teeth is superelastic and tends to regain its original shape. By doing so it aligns the teeth on the same level, in their equilibrium position.

How long does orthodontic treatment last?

The duration of treatment depends on what needs to be fixed. In general it takes 1 year and a half to move the teeth. It also varies depending on the patient's growth and cooperation. Being regular in your appointments, having good dental hygiene allows you to finish the treatment well on time. At the end of each treatment, there is always a monitoring period, that includes the use of retainer applainces (lingual wire glued on the inside of some front teeth and a transparent shell).

Do the braces hurt?

When we glue braces on the teeth it does not hurt. Before, when we used to place bands that surrounded the teeth yes, but not anymore. It is only 2 hours after the orthodontic appliance fitting that you will start to feel tension on your teeth. It lasts 3 to 7 days. You can take your usual pain reliever (Advil, Tylenol) to make this feeling go away; lips and cheeks will need 2 weeks to fully get used to the presence of the device.

What is an orthodontist?

He is a dentist who has done three years of studies in addition to Dental surgery to specialize in moving teeth and guiding facial growth.

Do the braces prevent you from playing sports?

No. However, we advise our patients to wear a mouth guard when playing a sport with which they may receive a shock.

Do the braces interfere with playing an instrument?

No. Apart from the trumpet, you can play all the instruments with braces. There is usually an adjustment period of one month for wind instruments, the time to develop new habits. It's the same, once the device is removed.

Do I have to go to my family dentist during treatment?

Yes. We strongly advise to make a check-up visit to the dentist every 6 months throughout the treatment.