Orthodontics

Orthodontics, i.e. orthopedics of the jaws, is a branch of dentistry whose subject is the diagnosis and treatment of irregularities of the teeth and jaws in children and adults. Those are:

• improper bite;
• irregularity of the arrangement and position of the teeth.

Correction of the position of the jaws and teeth is carried out using mobile and fixed orthodontic appliances. Producing a slight force, they move the jaws and teeth in the desired direction.

During orthodontic therapy, Dr. Veselinović Dental Clinic uses:

• mobile prostheses (movable plate devices);
• fixed prostheses;
• aligners (foils for straightening teeth);
• mini orthodontic implants.

According to the age of the child and the type of diagnosed problem, our jaw orthopedic specialists will determine the most appropriate type of therapy.

Given that irregularities of the jaws and teeth can be the cause of other problems (caries, periodontitis, disorders of the jaw joint, etc.), it is best to consult an orthodontist and, if necessary, start therapy as soon as possible.

Movable plate appliances - mobile prostheses

Movable plate appliances, known as children’s prostheses, are used in early childhood, and even later –
when all the teeth have erupted

Children’s prostheses are made in different colors to make them more acceptable and interesting for children. Depending on the diagnosis and the problem to be solved, they may contain different wire elements and screws. Their function is to adjust the prosthesis according to the progress of the therapy.

Movable plate appliances are also used in the final phase of therapy with fixed prostheses – as guardians of the achieved results.

And with fixed orthodontic appliances, better known as fixed prostheses, the regularity of the relationship between the jaws is achieved.

They also establish the optimal shape of the dental rows, as well as the ideal arrangement and position of the teeth (alignment of the teeth).

Unlike mobile prostheses, which are worn in early childhood, fixed prostheses can be worn by adolescents and adults. In order for the satisfactory result to be faster, it is recommended to start the therapy at a younger age, i.e. while jaw development continues.

Types of fixed prostheses

Fixed orthodontic appliances differ according to the material from which they are made and are classified into the following categories:

• metal braces;
• aesthetic braces;
• self-ligating braces;
• lingual braces.

Metal braces enable a high degree of biomechanics (mobility) of the teeth. The braces are connected to the orthodontic wires via ligature bands.

Ligature elastics are replaced every month to month and a half. At the request of the patient, they can be plain or in a variety of colors

This classic type of fixed prosthesis is one of the most common in practice, not only because of its excellent performance, but primarily because of its affordable price.

Aesthetic braces that are applied at the Dr. Veselinović Dental Clinic are made of sapphire glass and are completely transparent

Namely, many patients do not want fixed braces to be visible on their teeth. This type of braces allows them that comfort and contributes to their self-confidence, and they can smile freely even during therapy.

Self-ligating braces are highly technologically advanced metal or aesthetic brackets that reduce friction and create mild forces. This means greater comfort for the patient during therapy.

With this braces system, numerous benefits are obtained:

• therapy takes less time;
• it is comfortable for the patient;
• the need for tooth extraction is reduced;
• maintenance of oral hygiene is easier;
• control examinations are shorter;
• controls are less frequent.

Lingual braces are a special system of braces that are attached to the inside of the teeth

This modern type of orthodontic appliance is especially important for older patients, who (most often for professional and aesthetic reasons) do not want it to be noticeable.

However, these braces are not suitable for all patients, especially for those who have an extremely large malocclusion.

Mini implants have been used in orthodontics for quite some time as temporary absolute support, meaning they assist in preventing unwanted teeth movement. They are made of titanium, a biocompatible material.

Removable plate appliances – mobile dentures

Removable plate appliances, known as children’s dentures, are used in early childhood and even later when all the teeth have erupted.

Children’s dentures are made in various colors to make them more visually appealing and interesting to children. Depending on the diagnosis and the issue being addressed, they may contain different wire elements and screws. Their function is to adjust the denture in accordance with the progress of therapy.

Removable plate appliances are also used in the final phase of fixed denture therapy as guardians of the achieved results.

Straightening teeth with foils (clear aligners and invisalign) is an alternative to straightening teeth with metal braces.

Orthodontic treatment with aligners includes the application of aesthetic transparent comfort foils.

The invisalign foil set serves to straighten teeth in the front region (the so-called aesthetic zone), both in the upper and lower jaw.

It can also be used in the lateral region to correct irregularities in the position of the teeth.

The length of therapy is determined by the severity of the problem and can last from 2–3 months to a year.

For this purpose, brushes with a smaller head and softer bristles are used in order to get into all the retracted spaces between the teeth and parts of the prosthesis (braces and wires).

The use of interdental brushes and dental irrigators is also advised.

Irrigators are, in fact, oral showers, that is, devices that eject a stream of water under pressure and thus additionally clean the teeth. One of the more famous such household appliances is the Waterpik.

In any case, before the start of orthodontic therapy, our specialists will perform a detailed examination of all teeth and repair possible carious lesions and other diseases. In this way, it will provide ideal conditions for the implementation and success of orthodontic treatment

Apart from the necessary knowledge, skills and exceptional experience, the orthodontists and other specialists of Dr. Veselinović Dental Clinic are distinguished by their extraordinary commitment to following the news in world dentistry and permanent education.

In order to take care of patients in the best possible way and explain orthodontic therapy in detail, they use the most modern software and intraoral scanners in their clinical practice.

This technology and precise appliances of the latest generation are the most effective means of achieving the best results in the field of jaw orthopedics.