Why braces?

How orthodontic treatment works?

Orthodontic treatment work by placing gentle pressure on the teeth and jaws to straighten teeth that have already grown out of place; through a constant and controlled pressure over time, teeth will move to a correct position. Orthodontic appliances are used to help move teeth, they can be removable or fixed, made of metal, ceramic or plastic, and the most effective for each patient depends on the severity of their problem.

Treatment timing

The American Association of Orthodontists recommend an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, since this can help to avoid future orthodontic problems like eruption and crowding problems. In most cases orthodontic treatment could start between 10 and 14 years, when all of the permanent teeth are present. However, treatment timing will depend on the specific problems a patient has and so you can get an orthodontic treatment at any age.

Treatment´s duration

The duration of an orthodontic treatment usually takes from 18 to 24 months to complete, but varies depending on the severity and complexity of the problems, age of the patient and type of treatment is recommended in individual cases.

Common bite problems

Crowding:

This occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gum. Crowding can often be corrected by expansion, and many times, tooth removal can be avoided.

Spacing:

This problems may be caused by missing teeth, or they may only be a cosmetic or aesthetic issue.

Open bite

Proper chewing is impacted by this type of bite, in which the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. Open bite may cause a number of unwanted habits, such as tongue thrusting.

Deep bite:

Is a condition that causes the teeth to line up improperly when the upper front teeth almost completely overlap the lower teeth. Also it is one of the most common malocclusions we see in children and adults.

Underbite:

An underbite is characterized by the lower jaw extending out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.

Upper FrontTeeth
Protrusion:

The appearance and function of your teeth are impacted by this type of bite. It is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending far enough forward.

Crossbite:

The upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which may cause tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth.

Overbite:

The upper front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.

Dental Midlines
not Matched:

This type of problem is caused when the back bite does not fit and match appropriately, which may negatively impact jaw and proper dental function.

Types of treatments

Early prevention

Age 4 or older are good for a first visit to a dentist as a preventive care. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur no later than age 7 or at the first sign of orthodontic problem. Permanent teeth have already erupted at this time so detecting problems at an earlier age makes easier to treat them and will benefit children in the long-run. Early prevention could help to avoid problems related to malocclusions, such as difficulty to proper brush and floss, accidental chipping, tongue-thrusting habits or speech impediments. Early treatment is also known as Phase-One, usually beginning around age 8-9 to correct growth of the jaw, certain bite problems and help to make room for permanent teeth. It performs all the treatments needed before the adult teeth develop. The goal is minimize skeletal discrepancy that might interfere with normal pattern of growth or the eruption of permanent teeth besides, prepare the oral environment.

The two-phase orthodontic treatment -also known as interceptive or preventative orthodontics- consists of two separate times when a patient receives orthodontic treatment.
Phase-Two will begin around age 11, when permanent teeth have erupted and the orthodontist makes sure each tooth has an exact location. At this time the goal is to complete all the corrections made on early treatment: align all the teeth, check the right position and functioning of teeth, jaw and bite for a beautiful, straight smile.

Two-Phase
treatment

Orthodontics
for teens

The main difference between treat adults and children is younger patients are still growing, so they have different needs and require different levels of attention and care.
For teenagers appearance becomes an important part of their lives. Dental issues like crowded, crooked protruding teeth can make them feel insecure, avoid smiling, affecting their self-esteem and their relationship with friends.
Braces can improve not only their smile, the harmony of mouth and jaws, but also benefit oral and body health and self-confidence showing a healthy, radiant, beautiful smile to their social environment.

Orthodontics aren’t just for kids or teenager, quite the opposite, orthodontic treatments can be performed at any age. As an adult, you deserve a new smile to feel confident and we can help you feel your best. Today’s technology treatments are comfortable and there are many options, braces aside, including translucent braces or transparent aligners, less noticeable but equally efficient and esthetic. It’s never too late to receive an orthodontic care that will make you feel better than ever!

Adult
orthodontics

Orthodontics
and surgery

Surgical orthodontics is a type of orthodontic treatment used to treat adults with improper bites, aesthetic concerns or other condition that cannot be solved with orthodontic treatment alone.
As a part of your first visit examination and depending on the severity of your case, your orthodontist can tell you if you need or not to perform an orthodontic surgery on you.

Dentofacial orthopedics is a process directed towards normalize the growth of a patient’s bone structure, guiding the facial growth and development and repairing any imbalances of the face and jaws.
Dentofacial orthopedics is used to treat children (around 7 or 8 years old) or adults in the two-phase treatment.

Dentofacial
orthopedics

Damon smile

Doral Smiles offer you the Damon System which is not just about revolutionary braces and wires, it’s a whole new way of treating patients. Traditional treatment often requires removal of healthy teeth and/or the use of palatal expanders to make space. This approach is often uncomfortable, takes longer, and can leave a narrower arch and a flat profile. Damon smiles are full, natural 10-tooth smiles achieved with light biologically-sensible forces, and are specifically designed to improve the overall facial result of each patient.

Oral Hygiene

Good cleaning and care habits when you wear braces is crucial for avoiding complications while they’re on. Brushing and flossing your teeth every day must be a regular practice; keeping your braces clean it helps to maintain the health of teeth and gums.
Brush your teeth with a special toothbrush (ask your orthodontist) after every meal, or at least twice a day; also brush your removable appliance every day to prevent plaque and bacterial accumulation
A poor oral hygiene could increase not just treatment time but carries additional time in braces and consequently extra money costs.

Life with braces

Eating with braces

With new braces you may feel your mouth a little different and it’ll take you certain time to adapt to biting and chewing in a different, comfortable way. Just be patient! Changing your eating habits for the first few days could be wise while you get used to your new braces. For your first few weeks of braces watch what you eat: chew slowly and carefully; avoid stringy foods; cut your food into small pieces; try cold foods like ice cream, popsicles, or frozen yogurt.

Foods to avoid

in order to prevent repairing or damages to your braces you should avoid mostly sticky, hard or crunchy foods, (they can break or lose brackets); candies or caramel (sugar can cause teeth decay); nuts and ice; raw vegetables. Chewing could be easier if you cut food into pieces before eating, even fruits

Soreness

In case of discomfort, pain or injuries caused by braces call us immediately to find out what you can do.

What to do in case of emergencies?

Orthodontic emergencies are not frequent, however if your braces (or other appliance) breaks, cause severe pain or discomfort you should call us. Though some problems could be solved over the phone, we’ll assist you on what to do or schedule an emergency appointment if is necessary.

Playing sports with braces

There is no reason to stop playing your favorite activities: we just recommend a mouth guard for protection to play both sports and musical instruments after a short adjustment period to your braces.

Take care of appliances

It is very important to maintain a good hygiene during the orthodontic process. You should brush your teeth three times a day, after meals and before bedtime. We’ll show how to brush it properly with the right toothbrush, preferably, a small head and soft one.

Loose teeth

In case of discomfort, pain or injuries caused by braces call us immediately to find out what you can do.

Loose wires/bands

Some issues with braces could be resolved by your own but others requires your orthodontist replace, attach brackets or wires. In case of discomfort, pain or injuries caused by braces call us immediately to find out what you can do.