Jaw orthopedics

Orthopedics of the jaws is considered the youngest dental discipline that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of teeth, face, and jaw irregularities, both in children and adult patients.

Within this discipline, orthodontic prevention takes an important place and aims to provide optimal conditions for normal development, as well as eliminate the factors that disturb that flow (prevention of the habit of sucking thumbs, pacifiers, lips, tongue, blankets; prevention of breathing through the mouth; prevention of premature tooth loss).

Orthodontic therapy uses various movable (mobile) and fixed appliances, which utilize directed and mild force, bringing the teeth and jaws into a correct and stable relation.

Patients wear both upper and lower fixed or mobile orthodontic devices. This is necessary to properly establish the patient’s bite and the connection between the upper and lower jaw. In some rare cases, such as pre-prosthetic preparation, patients can only wear one device. A fixed device is worn for two to three years on average. However, it is important to note the need for regular check-ups. If this is not the case, a longer treatment could be needed.

Different forms of retention are used to keep teeth and dental rows in the new position created by orthodontic treatment. Retainers are worn until the stability of the dental rows and jaws is achieved. All of this aims at improving health and obtaining a satisfying aesthetic appearance.