Orthodontic Services
Orthodontic services encompass a range of treatments designed to correct issues with the teeth and jaw, improving both function and appearance.
The most common orthodontic services include:
Braces
Clear aligners
Retainers
Palatal expanders
Space maintainers
Headgear (attached to braces)
Surgical orthodontics
Orthodontic appliances
What’s the Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist?
The main difference between an orthodontist and a dentist lies in their specialization and training.
While dentists provide a wide range of oral health services, including cleanings, fillings, and extractions, orthodontists focus spe
What Are Orthodontic Services For?
Orthodontic services can benefit a wide variety of individuals, regardless of age. The most common situations and signs that indicate it might be time to see an orthodontic specialist are:
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If you notice that your teeth are crowded, overlapping, or have significant gaps between them, an orthodontic specialist can assess and correct these spacing issues. Treatment might include braces to align your teeth properly, extraction of some teeth to create more space, or using expanders to widen the jaw.
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Problems with your bite, such as an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite, can lead to difficulties in chewing and speaking and can cause uneven wear on your teeth. The treatment for these conditions may include braces, clear aligners, and specialized orthodontic appliances.
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Persistent pain, discomfort, or clicking sounds in your jaw may indicate a misalignment issue that an orthodontic specialist can address. Whether it’s through braces, appliances, or specific jaw exercises, addressing these issues can enhance your comfort and overall oral functionality.
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If you find it difficult to chew food properly or you experience discomfort while biting, this could be a sign of misalignment that requires orthodontic attention. Treatment for difficulty in chewing or biting may involve braces, aligners, or other appliances to correct misaligned teeth and jaws.
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When baby teeth fall out too early or stay in place too long, it can hinder the proper spacing and alignment of permanent teeth, potentially requiring intervention from an orthodontic specialist to use space maintainers.
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Teeth that stick out significantly can be prone to injury and may affect your appearance, which an orthodontic specialist can correct. Through braces, aligners, or other orthodontic devices, specialists work to bring these teeth into a safer, more aligned position.
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An orthodontic evaluation can help determine if alignment issues are the cause of speech difficulties. Issues such as lisps or other speech impediments may be mitigated or resolved through orthodontic treatment, leading to clearer and more confident communication.
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If crowding or misalignment is making it difficult to clean your teeth properly, orthodontic treatment can help improve accessibility for better oral hygiene. The best treatment is to reposition the affected teeth, to make daily cleaning more effective and improve your overall oral health.
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If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile due to misaligned teeth or jaws, an orthodontic specialist can provide treatment options to enhance your smile aesthetics. With advancements in orthodontic technology, there are now more discreet and faster treatment options available, such as Invisalign or lingual braces, making a beautiful smile more accessible than ever before.
Types of Orthodontic Procedures
Orthodontic procedures vary widely depending on the issues being addressed and the treatment plan developed by the orthodontist.
The most common orthodontic procedures include:
1. Braces
If you're dealing with issues like crooked teeth, crowding, or misaligned bites, braces are a common solution that your orthodontist might suggest.
Traditional metal braces are metal brackets that are directly attached to your teeth and connected with wires. Over time, these wires are tightened to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position.
2. Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, including Invisalign, offer a discreet way to straighten your teeth. Aligners are a series of custom-made trays that fit snugly over your teeth, gently moving them over time. A major benefit of clear aligners is that they are removable, so you can take them out while eating or brushing your teeth.
3. Orthodontic Appliances
Depending on your situation, your orthodontist might recommend additional appliances to address certain issues. A palatal expander, for instance, is used to widen a narrow upper jaw, which can create more space for your teeth and improve your bite.
After braces or aligners, you might need to wear retainers to help maintain the new position of your teeth and prevent them from shifting back.
4. Surgical Orthodontics
In cases of severe malocclusions or jaw misalignment, your orthodontist might recommend surgical orthodontics, which could involve jaw surgery to correct the alignment. Tooth extraction might also be necessary to create space and facilitate the proper alignment of your teeth.
How Much Do Orthodontic Treatments Cost?
The cost of orthodontic treatments can vary widely based on a variety of factors, including the type of treatment needed, the duration of the treatment, the orthodontic issues being addressed. Getting these treatments in Latin America is substantially less expensive, resulting in a significant cost savings.
Schedule a Consultation at PSP to Find the Best Orthodontic Specialists
At Passport Surgical Partners, we act as intermediaries, to connect you to esteemed dental facilities and specialists. Our goal is to ensure your confidence in the treatment you decide on, and to help you find excellence in care and precision throughout your smile transformation journey.
We will coordinate your appointment, along with your hotels, drivers, local guides and even excursions.
In addition to orthodontic services, other dentistry procedures we help facilitate include:
Teeth whitening
Dental implants
Porcelain veneers
Your journey towards a more confident and radiant smile begins with this important decision, and our team at PSP is committed to supporting you every step of the way.
FAQs About Orthodontic Services
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The most common orthodontic service is the use of braces to correct misaligned teeth and jaws.
Traditional metal braces are the most common type, but there are other options available, such as ceramic braces, lingual braces and self-litigating braces.
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The process of applying porcelain veneers is typically not painful, as the area is numbed with local anesthesia during the procedure. After the procedure, there may be some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for a few days, but this usually subsides quickly.
Over-the-counter pain medication can help alleviate discomfort. It’s important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions and attend any follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth and pain-free recovery.
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It is never too late to get braces. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults make up a significant portion of individuals seeking braces or other orthodontic procedures.
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Invisalign is often considered less painful than braces due to its smooth plastic design that minimizes irritation to the soft tissues of the mouth, and the application of gradual, consistent pressure for tooth movement, which tends to cause less discomfort.
The information and material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. Passport Surgical Partners is not a healthcare provider and no material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.