Orthodontics.

Digital Orthodontics

In this office, orthodontic treatment can be performed 100% digitally all the way from the collection of the patient’s data (x-rays, scan and pictures that are needed for the diagnosis and the treatment plan) to the actual appliances that will be used by the patient in order to achieve the correction of the teeth and jaw positions (aligners, 3-D printed brackets, removable/fixed appliances). With these techniques, we achieve more comfort for our patients:

• No need to take impressions with alginate (the soft material used in metal trays to get a coy of the bite)

• No need to visit the office on a monthly basis

• Easier communication with laboratories and colleagues when treatment requires multiple specialists involved.

• Faster starts of treatment.

• Possibility of treating patients that live abroad or moved during the course of treatment with the help of specific applications used to monitor the treatment’s progress such as Zoom, Teams, Skype, etc.

Young children, teenagers and adults

The orthodontist is a specialist that completed 3 more years of studies after receiving their degree in dentistry (which usually takes 5 years). A certified orthodontist, like Dr. Gaby, can treat all kinds of problems in the positions of the teeth and the jaws in all population, whether the patient is 7 or 70 years old. The concept that “I am too old to fix my teeth” is a thing from the past. All that is needed is a correct diagnosis, treatment plan and the cooperation of the patient.

One-phase treatment versus Two-phase orthodontic treatment

This applies when the family of a young child seeks for orthodontic correction of their teeth. A correct diagnosis together with the input of the family will determine if this young child should be treated earlier than the average (from around 7 to 9 years old). This phase usually involves the use of appliances (removable or fixed) or clear aligners (Invisalign First). After this phase is finished, the patient will continue to be monitored by Dr. Gaby so that their growth and development can be evaluated. This control will determine if a second phase of orthodontic treatment is needed. This second phase can be done with brackets (braces), aligners or/and surgery, depending on each case.

Clear Aligners - Invisalign®

One of the most evident evolutions in orthodontics was the use of something that looks like transparent removable “retainers” instead of the traditional braces. These are called clear aligners. They were developed in 1996 in the USA with the brand name “Invisalign”. Even though braces are a very valid and efficient method of treating orthodontic problems, the use of clear aligners has increased very rapidly in the past years. The reasons for this vary from the fact that these aligners are very discreet once in the mouth to the fact that they do not involve discomfort or emergencies commonly caused when wearing brackets (braces). Today, many other companies fabricate clear aligners with their own brands and in-office 3-D printer aligners are a reality, just like in this office.

Metal brackets, aesthetic brackets

Brackets (braces) can be made of metal alloys - these are the “traditional metal braces” or other materials (such as porcelain)- also known as the “white or aesthetic braces”. There are differences in their use and indications. All these will be explained to you during the consultation so that you can make the best decision for you.

Lingual brackets

Another discreet modality of orthodontic treatment can be achieved when the brackets are placed on the inside of the teeth, rather than on the outside, like most cases. Of course it involves different brackets. These brackets are design is a specific way so that they can adapt to the inside anatomy of the teeth.