Periodontal treatments are aimed at rehabilitating gingivitis, a chronic inflammatory condition that damages the gums and other supporting structures around the teeth. Orthodontic treatment involves straightening or moving teeth to improve the appearance and function of them.

ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS

  • For orthodontic treatment to be effective, each patient must meet specific criteria. Total treatment time is determined by the bite to be corrected and how frequently a patient can visit the orthodontist. Other factors that influence the duration of the treatment are, if extractions are needed, if brackets are detached, or if garters/devices that were indicated to us are not used. Treatment can be anywhere between 8 and 24 months.
  • Below you will find detailed information on What to expect on each visit.

    *Orthodontic studies are necessary, as our doctors will not have an idea of your current dental condition.

  • To start the treatment of braces it is necessary to carry out a complete orthodontic study which consists of X-rays, photographs and study models, with which the specialist will plan the treatment that is individualized.

  • On the following appointment the specialist explains the treatment to be followed, the devices that will be placed, and all the doubts that the patient may have about the procedure are addressed. If the patient would like to proceed, the braces can be placed and treatment can begin on this visit.

  • Visits for adjustments to braces should be made once a month, in order to examine how the teeth are shifting and change devices such as garters or wires.

    *In self-ligating braces we can extend appointments from 6 to 8 weeks, as long as the treatment does not require closer visits such as in the case of treatment that requires extractions. Remember, that in the end of the orthodontic treatment it is necessary to place retainers, to avoid future movement of the teeth. Teeth have memory and if retainers are not used properly teeth will shift back to the place where they were. Retainers can be fixed or removable and are chosen with the specialist when orthodontic treatment is completed.

Materials

  • Metal Braces can be silver or golden. The golden braces have a "jewelry - like" aesthetic. Metal braces are very strong and can withstand most types of treatment.
  • Ceramic braces (aesthetic braces) are made of composite materials. They are very strong and generally do not stain.
  • Remember that when we use metal or aesthetic braces, they can break and detach easily with chewing either the force of the teeth themselves, or with fibrous and chewy foods. When placing appliances we must take care of what we eat, and take into account that tooth movement can cause pain, inflammation, discomfort in the gum, cheek and tongue. Little by little our body gets used to it and as time goes by, some discomforts will be removed.

PERIODONTAL

  • The specialty of periodontics is responsible for the well-being of the gums and dental bone.
  • The symptoms that can present in patients with periodontal disease are bleeding gums, accumulations of tartar, severe dental mobility, absence of teeth, purulent exudate, bad breath, among others.
  • The initial appointment is to carry out a clinical review, periodontal probe, photographs, brushing technique explanation, and begin the hygiene phase.
  • When the periodontal problem is severe, we need to address the hygienic phase with scaling, root planing, removal, and curettage or what is commonly known as (deep cleaning).
  • When the gum problem is severe, a surgical phase will be needed to eliminate the disease internally or what is known as open curettage to eliminate the periodontal pockets. Once this phase is complete the patient will have to follow a rigorous hygiene regimen.
  • There are other issues that the periodontist can attend to such as:
    - Aesthetic gum trimming (improves simple “gummy smiles”).
    - Connective tissue graft or gum graft in patients who present gingival recessions and sensitivity for it.
    - Dental Implants (In the absence of teeth).
    - Bone graft (For future placement of implants).
    - Tissue regeneration (bone grafting in affected teeth).
    - Surgical extractions of third molars.
    - Multiple extractions for immediate prosthetics.


**Since every patient has different oral conditions, treatment times are also different, making it is essential to carry out all the diagnostic methods during your first appointment, and then begin the hygienic phase (regular cleaning or deep cleaning) before any treatment.