In the old days, there were only teenagers with a smirk on their faces. Today, it's obvious, more and more adults are asking to rectify the alignment of their teeth. It is quite possible under certain conditions, because it is above all a medical act, which poorly laid out, on bad indications, can cause irreversible disasters.

Before fitting any orthodontic appliance , you should check with your dentist that any cavities have been treated, that your gums are in good condition and that the underlying bones are healthy. You must also program with him descaling and regular checks.

Before the treatment: a precise and careful state of the art

During a first visit, the specialist carries out a thorough examination of your face, smile, mouth and teeth in occlusion (closed jaw) and discusses with you the appropriate treatment that will be offered to you.

Second visit: to make up your file, photographs, (face, smile, profile and teeth in occlusion) are realized, as well as a panoramic radiography, a teleradiography of profile and a taking of impressions to visualize your occlusion. In some cases other complementary examinations may be required (if you are considering implants, in case of canines included etc.).

Third visit: the specialist determines a treatment plan adapted to your case, specifies the duration and stages of treatment and the corresponding quote. It also gives you this quote for your mutual. Social Security does not take care of you if you are over 16 years old. After the time of reflection that you need, treatment can begin.

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For adults: three types of equipment

Depending on your wishes and the corrections to be made, the practitioner can offer you several types of orthodontic appliances.

• Totally invisible, lingual orthodontics

These are "brackets", metal or gold rings glued on the inner side of the teeth, so totally hidden.It is the ideal solution for all those (and those) who do not want their treatment is reflected on their social or professional life.

How it works: the practitioner has a print of the jaw , which sent to the laboratory will prepare according to the recommendations of the specialist your treatment plan and your equipment to measure. Then, plan a meeting long enough because the orthodontist must place these rings one by one on the teeth. The following visits are scheduled every 4 to 6 weeks to check the progress of treatment and to adjust the device. Throughout the course of treatment you should consult your dentist regularly.

Number of sessions: everything depends on the correction to be made. This can last from 6 months to 2 years, with regular visits.

The consequences: you can feel temporary discomfort for 3 to 5 days after each activation of the equipment. You can in this case take an analgesic. The rings inside the mouth can also cause discomfort to speech (lisp) for two to three weeks, the time to get used to.

The price: From 2500 to 9000 € according to the duration of the treatment. No support by social security. Some mutuals may participate.

• More classic: multi-rings, metallic or transparent

How it works: the appointment lasts about 45 minutes. The specialist sticks rings on each tooth. They are connected to a wire (or bow) that will cause the rectification movement of the teeth .

Number of sessions: every 5 to 6 weeks, the orthodontist will adjust the compression and check the progress of the alignment during an appointment of 15 to 20 minutes. The treatment lasts from 6 months to 2 years.

The suites: as for brackets, a little discomfort can be felt for a few days. No discomfort, however, at the level of speech.

The price: from 950 € to 1200 € per semester.

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• Removable: transparent gutters or aligners

They are made from fingerprints and software that studies and plans the movement of the teeth and the desired result.

How it works: a series of gutters adapted to the sessions will reflect the different tooth movements to bring your teeth, little by little, in the desired position. These gutters should be worn 20 to 22 hours a day, and removed for meals.

Number of sessions: Gutters are changed every two weeks. You may need 10 to 40 gutters depending on the desired correction.

The suites: this device is quite comfortable and does not cause any discomfort.

The price: it depends on the number of gutters. A fixed price is established ranging from 2500 € to 6500 €.

After orthodontic treatment

A consolidation phase is mandatory to ensure the outcome of orthodontics.

The practitioner sticks a small thread of contention on the inner face of the teeth and checks every three months about the stability of the alignment, then he makes sure, once a year, that everything is durable.

Essential precautions

Hygiene is essential during (and after) treatment. Careful brushing for 5 minutes after meals, teeth, brackets and gums to avoid cavities or inflammation of the gums that could lead to stop treatment. There are special brushes and brushes.

Control visits to the attending dentist should be scheduled in parallel with your orthodontic treatment.

Do not bite your pens, do not bite your fingernails. Do not munch on apples, pears, bread croutons. At first cut small bites.

Avoid anything that can stick, move the device: caramel, chewing gums, nougats, and other soft candies.

* Thanks to Dr. Jean Khoury, orthodontist.