Orthodontics of the Child

Regarding the children there are two phases of orthodontic treatment:

A - The first phase is defined as "interceptive" because the causes that lead to malocclusion are intercepted: oral breathing, atypical swallowing, thumb sucking, early loss or congenitally missing baby teeth or permanent teeth.

Orthodontics does not only serve to "straighten" the teeth but also to guide the harmonic development of the maxillary bones and to correct any anomalies of the dental exchange.

However, it is the orthodontist who has to decide on a case by case basis the best time to start orthodontic treatment and the number of phases in which to complete it. The choice to intervene early on the growth of the child already in mixed dentition can allow to optimize the final result and can reduce the risk of needs in older age of extractions of permanent teeth or orthognathic surgery.

In the same way, it is not always necessary to intervene early. Some dental misalignments can easily be treated at the end of the development of the arches.

B - The second phase of orthodontic treatment is performed with fixed multi-brackets equipment. This type of therapy can follow the interceptive phase to correct rotations or inclinations of teeth and to perfect the occlusion or it can be implemented in subjects that present themselves to our observation when all the definitive dental elements are present, usually in males around 12 -13 years in females 11-12 years.

Adult orthodontics

Orthodontics is now widely used in young and adult patients. In these cases the therapeutic programming is different from that of the child.

Both the periodontal and joint conditions must be held in high consideration in addition to the obvious fact that in the adult patient it is not possible to exploit the growth processes but only those of remodeling.

In addition to fixed metal multi brack brackets in adults, frontal ceramic attacks are often used. Translucent products with a new ceramic material to blend in with the natural color of each patient's tooth. They maintain their beauty during the entire duration of the treatment without staining or changing color.

Orthodontics with transparent Invisalign or Nuvola masks

The treatment is a method of last generation to align the teeth without applying the orthodontic attachments and the metal wires consists of a series of removable, super-transparent and very thin masks, to be replaced every month, which gradually move the teeth to reach the ideal position.

A new possibility to get the straight teeth you've always wanted - without a fixed appliance.

A consultation with Dr. Colangelo can determine if invisible orthodontics is the right method for your dental situation.

What is it ?

Invisible Orthodontics uses a series of invisible, removable and comfortable aligners that no one can say you're wearing. So, you can smile more during treatment and later.

It is a 3-D computer imaging technology that has proven effective and predictable.

In practice, after having scanned the initial models of the patient's arches, a simulated orthodontic treatment is performed on the computer, then a series of lithographed stereo models are produced on which transparent masks will be printed which, once worn, will produce small and gradual movements of the teeth.

Why do I want it?

The invisible masks, are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want during therapy.

Toothbrush and dental floss can be used normally during the entire duration of the treatment.

They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause abrasion in the mouth during treatment. Absence of metal and wires usually means spending less time in the doctor's office for adjustments.

The method also allows you to view your virtual treatment plan at the beginning of the treatment so you can see how your teeth will appear when the treatment is completed.

How does it work?

You wear every set of aligners for about 2-3 weeks, removing them only for eating, drinking, using a toothbrush and dental floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, the teeth will move - little by little, week after week - until they have reached the final position that the Dr. Colangelo has planned.

You will need to go to the checks about once every 6 weeks to ensure that the treatment is proceeding as planned.

The average duration of treatment is 9-15 months and the average number of aligners carried during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both vary from case to case. In which cases is this technique indicated?

The technique can solve numerous situations of crowding, also subsequent recurrences of previous orthodontic treatments.

The indications are in continuous development because the combination of this method with conventional elastics or the use of orthodontic mini-implants for anchoring, is able to solve situations even of a certain complexity.

How much does it cost?

The cost varies depending on the complexity and therefore from the number of aligners that become necessary.

A quotation will be provided already after the initial consultation and confirmed after having performed the planning on the computer.

A 3D animation allows you to view the final result before starting the treatment.

However, the cost of treatment is comparable to a traditional orthodontic treatment.

Pre-prosthetic Orthodontics

Adult patients with complex problems such as loss of dental elements, periodontal problems and temporomandibular joint disorders, frequently need multi-disciplinary treatments, where the orthodontist supports the prosthodontist for the achievement of excellent results.

Orthodontics allowed a correct sagittal and vertical positioning of the jaw, prepared suitable spaces for the implants, besides obviously aligning the teeth.

Dental implants can be used as well for anchorage, introducing new terapeutic solutions.