PROGRESSION OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
 

Orthodontic treatment typically spans several months during which the patient is monitored at the
dental practice during appointments.

It consists of several stages:
 

1. Initial Consultation

This stage involves a thorough interview and clinical examination of the oral and facial regions, as well as the orofacial functions (chewing, swallowing, breathing, masticatory apparatus, etc.). Its purpose is to understand the patient's needs and expectations. Following this consultation, the practitioner determines whether the patient requires orthodontic treatment and the ideal time to commence. A comprehensive orthodontic assessment, including radiographic images (panoramic dental X-rays, profile/frontal cephalometric X-rays), and intraoral and extraoral photographs, is prescribed.
 

2. Orthodontic Assessment with In-Depth Case Study

Using radiographic images and photographs, the practitioner conducts a cephalometric study and establishes a precise diagnosis with a specific, tailored treatment plan. The proposed treatment option is discussed with the patient and their parents if the patient is a minor. A detailed estimate is then provided.
 

3. Treatment, Appliance Placement, and Follow-Up
Appointments

An appointment is scheduled for appliance placement, which is a lengthy procedure. At this time, the rules to be followed during treatment, including hygiene and appliance care, are explained. Subsequent appointments occur every 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the type of appliances used. Explanatory documents about the appliances placed in the mouth are provided to the patient.

 
                                                   

4. ​Appliance Removal and Retention
 

Once the correction of dental misalignment is achieved, an appointment is scheduled for the removal of the active appliance, and a retention appliance is placed to maintain the results and prevent relapse (return to the initial position before treatment). The retention phase is crucial for preserving the acquired position.

Three types of retention are used:
 

• Permanent retention with a wire bonded to the inner surface of the front teeth, typically from canine to canine, on the lower arch, and sometimes on the upper arch if occlusion allows. The wire is thin and non-irritating.

• Removable retention using clear and custom-made thermoplastic aligners. These are primarily worn at night.

• A third type of retention is a fine resin palatal plate (Hawley plate) that conforms to all contours of the maxillary teeth, associated or not with a bonded lingual arch on the mandibular arch.
   

These retention devices require rigorous hygiene after each meal, upon waking, and before bedtime.

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HOW LONG DOES ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT LAST?
 

Orthodontic treatment can range from 6 to 24 months, depending on the severity of the dental and maxillary misalignment to be corrected. Oral hygiene and patient cooperation (wearing Invisalign aligners, using removable appliances, wearing elastics, etc.) are essential and determining factors in reducing the duration of orthodontic treatment. While it is possible to achieve faster treatments, the stability and long-term success of the treatment may be compromised, leading to potential relapse. Respecting the natural physiology of the human body is important: a multi-month orthodontic treatment, although it may seem lengthy in our contemporary society, ensures the durability and stability of the results and avoids traumatizing the dentition and its periodontium (the surrounding mucosal and osseous tissues).
 

​WHAT IS THE COST OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?
 

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the nature of the orthodontic issue, the causes of misalignment, the complexity of the case, and the chosen orthodontic technique. The initial consultation fee is 150 NIS, which is deductible from the total treatment cost.