Orthodontics

A tooth in the wrong position can cause other teeth to shift, with the risk of overlapping the entire dental arch. The entire balance of the dentition and jaw can thus be altered, with various complications :

• Imperfect mastication and occlusion, with food getting stuck;
• Complicated oral hygiene, with the risk of bad breath (halitosis);
• Increased mechanical stress on other teeth, increasing the risk of periodontal disease and micro-mobility;
  malfunctioning of the jaw and TMJ (temporomandibular joint), often a source of pain, headaches, tinnitus, bruxism, premature osteoarthritis…

Orthodontic treatment is not just about aesthetics. Above all, it aims to restore normal, balanced oral function.

There are several situations in which treatment should be considered for children:

• if the teeth are too far forward ;
• if the mandible (lower jaw) is too far back or too far forward;
• if the upper gums are very visible and exposed when smiling;
• if teeth overlap or other teeth have difficulty coming out due to lack of space;
• if a tooth is too far out of line with the dental arch;
• if the lower jaw moves to one side when closing the mouth with an upper jaw that is too narrow;
• if, when sucking his thumb, the child’s lower lip is positioned behind the upper incisors instead of covering them;
• if the incisors do not touch when the teeth are clenched (it is difficult for them to cut their sandwich).

In children and adolescents, the main problem is often related to the visibility of braces or appliances, which is a source of complexes.

To alleviate this problem, we offer an invisible orthodontic solution with Invisalign transparent aligners. By combining the art of orthodontics with the latest advances in artificial intelligence, this orthodontic treatment is faster and more effective. The transparent aligners make the treatment much more comfortable for the child, as they are less restrictive.

Our clinic has a multi-disciplinary team at your disposal, with an exclusive orthodontic dental surgeon who can treat children of all ages !

Adults can also consider orthodontics. There are three types of indication:

• aesthetic, when an imperfect smile with poorly positioned teeth is detrimental to social or professional life;
• preventive, when a mandibular advancement orthosis (MAO) or maxillofacial surgery to treat sleep apnoea syndrome is being considered;
• medical, to treat certain disorders of the temporomandibular joint, bruxism, phonation or ventilation.

Adult orthodontic treatment requires a healthy periodontium, which is why it is important to combine orthodontic and periodontal check-ups beforehand. Our multidisciplinary team can provide you with this comprehensive service.

In adults, it is often advisable to fit a wire on the lingual side (so it is invisible) at the end of treatment, and to wear safety aligners at night to prevent any tooth movement.

Orthodontic screening is an important concept that aims to identify dental malocclusion or jaw irregularities in children and adolescents at an early stage. This early detection makes it possible to intervene at an optimal stage of development, often making treatment simpler and more effective. The American Orthodontic Association recommends an initial orthodontic examination around the age of 7. At this age, it is possible for the orthodontist to assess the relationship between the teeth and jaws, and to detect signs of orthodontic problems such as overcrowding, crossbites, open bites, or other anomalies in the alignment of the teeth and jaws.

During this screening, the orthodontist may use X-rays, photographs and dental impressions to assess the situation. If treatment is required, the orthodontist may suggest several options, including conventional braces or clear aligners. In some cases, early intervention can reduce the need for more complex orthodontic treatment in adolescence.

It is important to note that even if a child has no visible signs of dental problems, a preventive orthodontic examination is always recommended, as some orthodontic problems are not immediately apparent. Furthermore, orthodontic screening is not just for children; adolescents and adults can also benefit from an orthodontic assessment, although treatment options and duration may vary according to age.

An orthodontic check-up is a comprehensive assessment carried out by an orthodontist to determine whether orthodontic treatment is necessary and, if so, to plan the most appropriate treatment. This assessment is essential for identifying problems with the alignment of the teeth and jaw, and for drawing up a personalised treatment plan. It usually includes a clinical examination supplemented by X-rays, dental impressions (to create exact models of the patient’s teeth) and photographs of the face and teeth.

The development of digital technology in recent years has profoundly transformed orthodontic treatment. Less restrictive and more effective, orthodontic treatment is better tolerated by patients of all ages.

Our team can offer you a range of solutions for tailor-made, personalised orthodontic treatment.

Braces are temporary oral devices that are attached to the teeth to exert a constant mechanical stress, with the aim of gradually realigning the teeth by generating a gradual micro-displacement. The braces are regularly readjusted to maintain the correct amount of physical stress on the targeted teeth.

Invisalign is invisible orthodontics. It is indicated for teenagers and adults, for discreet and highly effective treatment.
A 3D scanner is used to sculpt a custom-made, transparent and invisible mouthpiece. Data and artificial intelligence are used to optimise and adjust the treatment plan. Precise deadlines to restore a harmonious smile.

Children should consult an orthodontist as early as possible.

The treatment takes place in two stages. The first phase lasts from 6 to 12 months from the age of 8 (mixed dentition) and the second from around 18 months from the age of 12 (permanent dentition). This is often the best way to encourage harmonious, symmetrical jaw growth.

The main difficulty with orthodontics for children is compliance. Some children find the treatment difficult to tolerate or refuse it.

Beyond the technique, orthodontics for children requires pedagogy, psychology and patience. The young patient needs to be fully integrated into the treatment process, allowing him or her to take co-responsibility and be proactive.

With an exclusive orthodontic dental surgeon, Clinique Dentaire Sana Oris guarantees ultra-specialised care, using innovative, high-performance techniques to make treatment simpler, faster and more acceptable.

We believe it is vital to establish a relationship of trust between our practitioner, the child and his or her parents. We support all our patients, especially the most vulnerable, to ensure that they receive treatment with complete peace of mind. It is important to us that the child understands the benefits of the treatment and is reassured. So we take all the time we need to explain.

Orthodontic treatment involves several key stages, each of which is important in the overall process of improving tooth alignment and occlusal function:

• Initial consultation : this first meeting with the orthodontist is used to assess the patient’s dental situation, discuss any aesthetic or functional concerns and determine whether orthodontic treatment is necessary.
• Orthodontic check-up : This includes a detailed clinical examination, X-rays, dental impressions and photographs. This assessment allows the orthodontist to accurately diagnose dental problems and plan the appropriate treatment.
• Treatment planning : The orthodontist draws up a personalised treatment plan, taking into account the patient’s specific situation. This plan details the type of braces to be used, the length of treatment and the goals to be achieved.
• Placement of braces : Braces, such as braces, clear aligners or other devices, are placed or given to the patient. They exert controlled pressure on the teeth to gradually move them into the desired position.
• Regular follow-up visits : These appointments allow the orthodontist to adjust the braces and monitor treatment progress. The frequency of visits depends on the type of appliance used and the specific nature of the treatment.
• Removing the braces : Once the treatment goals have been achieved, the braces are removed. This is an important moment for the patient, as it reveals the final result of the teeth alignment.
• Retention period : After the braces have been removed, a retention period is required to stabilise the teeth in their new position.
• This usually involves wearing fixed or removable aligners.
• Post-treatment follow-up : Follow-up visits may be necessary to ensure that the teeth remain in their correct position and to assess overall oral health.

The principle of dental orthodontics is based on the permanent remodelling of bone as a function of the stress forces exerted on it. It is a delicate balance between bone destruction by osteoclasts and new bone synthesis by osteoblasts. Any mechanical or inflammatory imbalance in this bone remodelling can alter the final result. To avoid this risk, it is important to follow the recommendations.

For optimal bone remodelling, the periodontium must be perfectly healthy.

• Before treatment, a periodontal check-up is carried out to verify its state of health. If necessary, the periodontium will be cared for before treatment.
• During treatment, this healthy periodontium must be maintained with impeccable oral hygiene. Teeth should be brushed after every meal and before bedtime, and flossed once a week.
  Poor hygiene during treatment can lead to white spots on the enamel (leucomas) or cavities, especially as braces can encourage saliva and germ stasis.

The same strict hygiene should be applied to the trays or braces, by rinsing them and keeping them in their boxes.

You need to be very careful about the mechanical stresses exerted on teeth that you are trying to “weaken”, but in a controlled way.

You should therefore avoid contact sports, hard fruit or sweets, sticky sweets, chewing gum, etc. Any violent blow to the appliance should be reported to your orthodontist, even if you do not detect anything abnormal.

Check-up X-rays can be taken to check the mineralisation of the bone tissue, if necessary.

Good quality tooth movement requires the pressure exerted on the tooth to be low but constant, without jolts.

This is why the removable appliance must be worn at all times, except when eating. Not wearing it will not only delay the final result, it may also alter it.

The multidisciplinary approach adopted by Clinique Dentaire Sana Oris means you can achieve excellent results in the shortest possible time. The dental arch and smile regain harmony and balance. The functionality of the jaw is improved.

The expertise and skills of our practitioners mean that, in most cases, the treatment plan can be adhered to, barring individual contingencies.

The choice of invisible aligners means that the treatment is very discreet and very well tolerated by both children and adults.

At the end of the first consultation, your practitioner and his team will give you a tailor-made estimate based on the orthodontic techniques chosen.

We are aware that orthodontic treatment represents a significant investment for many people. Part of these costs may be covered by Social Security and mutual insurance companies. Social security provides reimbursement for orthodontic treatment, but this is often limited and subject to specific conditions, in particular the patient’s age and the nature of the treatment.

To supplement this reimbursement, many mutual health insurance companies offer specific cover for orthodontic treatment. These supplementary health insurance schemes may reimburse a significant proportion of the remaining cost, depending on the contract taken out. It is important to check with your health insurance provider to find out exactly what level of cover you have and any limits on reimbursement. It is also advisable to ask your orthodontist for a detailed estimate before starting treatment.