Equipment selection

Choosing the device

This choice will be done, after having established a diagnosis (according to the clinical examination, to the mouldings, various radiographies, photographs and other elements necessary), which leads to a treatment plan.

FOR A CHILD AGED 5 TO 10:

A removable retainer is preferred.

These devices have limited objectives, their use is temporary and they allow an easy control over hygiene.

It is also ideal for «thumb suckers», as they can be part of a transfer in affection.

There is a large variety of such devices suited to the child’s needs (gaining space, correcting the mandibular position, widening the jaw, etc).

It It is important to stress that the child must be mature enough to accept orthodontic equipment, in order to understand the need to wear it seriously, to integrate it in his everyday life, to take care good care of it so that it accomplishes its function.


CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS AGED 10 TO 17:

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For older patients, braces are preferred, because they provide a greater degree of precision, because each element – as it glued to teeth separately – exerts pressure on each tooth tri-dimensionally.

On the other hand, hygiene will require more time and precision, and this must be advised as soon as the treatment begins in order to obtain good results.

These braces are made of steel or of ceramics (transparent).
In case of very small range movements to be corrected, clear removable braces can be used.


YOUNG ADULTS AND ADULTS AGED 17 TO 77:

These treatments are increasingly common. Many corrections are possible after having established, just like for children, a comprehensive clinical file, taking of course into account that the patient has reached or nearly reached his final physical development.

Just like for teenagers, steel or ceramic, or clear braces may be used for minor corrections.

But currently the most popular device are multi-braces using the lingual technique, i.e, totally invisible because they are stuck on the inner side of the teeth.

Note that results obtained will be similar whatever the kind of brace that is glued (steel, ceramic or lingual brace).