COMPREHENSIVE CONSULTATION
At UNIDENT UNION Dental Spa Clinic, the first consultation is carried out by dr Iwona Gnach-Olejniczak. The consultation includes:
- taking panoramic images and digital cephalometric tracing images (of lateral cranium),
- taking photos of a face, profile and teeth with a digital camera,
- taking impressions for 3D diagnostic models,
- creating a 3D model of the lower and upper jawbone, all in the form of full 3D visualisations which are later digitally archived.
The following are also examined:
- temporo-mandibular joints,
- tongue,
- respiratory system,
- speaking habits,
- chewing habits,
- a general bone heath in the upper and central part of spine.
During the consultation, dr Iwona Gnach-Olejniczak assesses whether the patient requires a consultation with a speech therapist, an ear and nose doctor or a face and jaw surgeon. Such consultants are available at the Clinic.
TREATMENT PLAN
Based on the entire imaging documentation and 3D models, a dental surgeon plans the orthodontic treatment including: treatment stages, estimated length of treatment, the cost of fitting and removing the braces, check-up appointments and retention treatment costs. The treatment plan is included in the so-called Consent to Orthodontic Treatment each patient receives prior to fitting the braces.
FITTING THE BRACES
It usually takes about 1.5 hour to fit the braces. During the appointment, all the patient's teeth are cleaned with special putties and brushes as well as removing dental plaque and applying the orthodontic brackets in the upper and lower dental arches. The brackets have a wire inserted which is replaced during check-up appointments. The patient is then instructed how to maintain proper oral hygiene and informed about a recommended diet, the next appointment date and how to use the flexible intermaxilliary extractors.
CHECK-UP APPOINTMENTS THROUGOUT THE TREATMENT
A patient comes for a check-up appointment every 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the original dental problem, the treatment progress and the need to adjust the orthodontic force applied to each tooth and groups of teeth.
BRACES REMOVAL – THE END OF ACTIVE TREATMENT
After the orthodontic treatment has been completed, the braces are removed and the next stage of cosmetic re-contouring process commences. The re-contouring is a process to correct the shape of teeth using the following:
- gentle grinding treatment with grinding and Sof-Lex™ discs,
- composite reconstructions,
- porcelain veneer placement.
The next stage is scaling or dental plaque removal, polishing, fluoride treatment, lacquering and placement of retainers, both fixed and removable ones in order to stabilise the achieved outcome of the orthodontic treatment. All these treatments take about 1.5-2 hours.
DOCUMENTATION
After the braces removal, the following are prepared:
- impressions for 3D models,
- complete X-ray imaging documentation,
- digital photos of the patient’s face and teeth.
The above are necessary in order to complete a comparative documentation of ‘before and after’ the orthodontic treatment.
