Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the early detection and treatment of malocclusions of the teeth and the relation of the jaws.

There are many reasons for orthodontic treatment

• Successful correction of crowded teeth and the elimination of dirt niches reduce the risk of developing carious defects as well as gingivitis.
• Incorrect or excessive stress (e.g. as a result of tooth tilting, open bite, teeth biting directly into the gums of the opposing jaw) can lead to damage to the periodontium.
• Restricted chewing and biting functionality may also lead to diseases of the jaw joints or to tension in the facial and masticatory muscles.
• Tooth malocclusions in the anterior region with malfunctioning of the tongue and impaired pronunciation; serious tooth and jaw malocclusions such as profile-changing anomalies of the jaw position such as an overbite or underbite, clear individual tooth deviations that sometimes considerably impair the patient’s appearance and self-esteem,
• Restricted conditions for optimal prosthetic restoration (implant, bridge or similar) due to a reduced number of teeth or incorrect tooth position (e.g. loss of anterior teeth due to an accident, tipping of posterior teeth after tooth extractions),
• Patients with cleft lip and palate who need to be treated in infancy and early childhood,
• Extreme jaw anomalies in adulthood, such as the protruding or excessively large lower jaw, which we can treat with a combination of orthodontics and oral surgery.

Orthodontic treatment: At what age can it be started?

Orthodontic treatment is particularly suitable for school-age children after the start of permanent dentition, consisting of 28 teeth (except for the wisdom teeth), as the jaw has otherwise not finished growing. But adults can also have orthodontic treatment, provided their teeth are healthy.

Orthodontic Treatment Spectrum

• Fixed devices with high-quality metal or ceramic brackets,
• Removable devices.
• Functional orthodontics: If detected early, maldevelopments in the child’s jaw, where growth is not yet complete, can usually be treated with simple and gentle means and therefore prevent possible consequential damage.
• Special treatment devices: Mini implants for anchoring and biological, force-reduced arches to reduce the patient’s pain.
• Modern and in demand: Tooth adjustments with barely visible splint therapy (aligners).

Orthodontic Treatment Steps

The following diagnostic documents are required in order to be able to plan orthodontic treatment:

• X-ray analysis – taking digital X-ray images, including three-dimensional images (DVT) if necessary
• Photo analysis – intraoral and extraoral with digital camera
• Model analysis – taking impressions of the teeth with bite registration.

The average treatment duration for orthodontics is two years. Ongoing stabilisation of the successful treatment is also recommended. This is done with individual and invisible wires attached to the inner surfaces of the teeth, called retainers or retaining splints.

The treatment and cost plan is discussed in detail with the patient or her/his parents before the start of the treatment on the basis of the individual analysis of the diagnostic documents, and the treatment is started after the parent’s have given their consent. If the treatment is for a young child up to the age of 10 or for an adolescent between the ages of 12 and 18, (partial) reimbursement by the health insurance can be expected if certain conditions are met.

Make an appointment now

Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm

+43 (0) 2732 70478701
zahnambulatorium-krems@dp-uni.ac.at