Frequent Asked Questions

What is a dental implant?

An implant is a small device placed into the jawbone to replace a tooth's root. It is made of titanium and inserted through a minor, high-precision surgical procedure. Subsequently, a crown, a fixed bridge, or a removable denture will be placed over the implant(s), resulting in the replacement of one or more missing teeth.

Who can receive a dental implant?

Anyone suffering from the absence of one or more teeth, provided they meet the necessary health requirements, which will be carefully assessed by our team.

Will I feel any pain?

Although current techniques are virtually painless, medication will be prescribed to ensure your comfort after the procedure.

Can smokers receive dental implants?

Yes. However, smoking reduces the success rate of implants, which currently ranges between 95% and 98%.

How long do I need to wait to receive the tooth after surgery?

It depends on the location and the volume of your bone. The timeframe can range from immediate placement to 6 months.

Will I need a general anaesthetic?

No. The anaesthetic is local and very similar to the type we provide for conventional dental treatments.

What is a bone graft?

It is a technique used to stimulate bone formation in areas where it would otherwise be impossible to place an implant. It involves using the patient's own bone (taken from another site) or synthetic materials that act as a matrix to encourage bone growth in the target region.

Which brace is the most suitable?

Only an orthodontist (a dentist specialising in corrective treatments) can answer this question.

Who needs braces?

The reasons vary from person to person, depending on age and other factors. Key objectives of the treatment include achieving a harmonious dental aesthetic and correcting clinical issues such as crowding, malocclusion (poor bite), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and more.

What is the best age to start?

The first visit to a specialist should take place from the age of 6. However, it is never too late to achieve the dream of a more beautiful smile. With advancements in technology, it is now possible to treat patients ranging from 3 to 70 years old.

Can a general dentist perform this initial assessment and refer the patient if necessary?

Yes. General dentists or paediatric dentists (specialists in children's dental care) are typically trained to detect any deviations from the norm and provide a referral for an orthodontic assessment.

What types of corrections are performed?

Nowadays, orthodontists begin treatment with simpler procedures, such as space maintenance in cases of premature tooth loss, ranging to more complex cases, such as orthodontic treatments combined with surgical jaw realignment (orthognathic surgery).

When treatment is necessary, what are the benefits beyond aesthetics?

The primary function of orthodontic treatment is to restore dental occlusion (the perfect alignment of the upper and lower teeth), which is essential for proper chewing and, consequently, adequate nutrition and oral health. By restoring the occlusion, issues related to breathing, swallowing, speech, and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be avoided.

Can adult patients undergo treatment?

Yes. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. However, special care must be taken with adult patients, particularly regarding the supporting tissues of the teeth, which in some cases may contraindicate treatment. The process can be slower and more limited due to the lack of bone growth, periodontal issues, or missing teeth resulting from previous prostheses or extensive restorations.

Is it painful?

Orthodontic treatment causes some sensitivity during the initial phase, particularly when the braces are first fitted. Following this stage, patients may experience some discomfort for approximately 24 to 48 hours after the adjustments performed by the orthodontist.

Are there any risks associated with the treatment?

When treatment is carefully planned and performed by a qualified professional, there are no significant risks to the patient, provided that all instructions are followed. This is especially important regarding oral hygiene, as food debris can lead to gum disease, periodontal issues, white spots, or even tooth decay.

If parents have misaligned teeth, could the same happen to their children?

Yes. Although genetics is a significant factor in the development of malocclusion in children, other factors can also lead to the need for orthodontic treatment. These include mouth breathing, prolonged finger or dummy sucking, atypical swallowing, and dental anomalies.

Is it necessary to extract permanent teeth?

In many cases, the extraction of permanent teeth becomes necessary, particularly when there is a lack of space to accommodate all teeth within the jaw. The goal is to achieve a harmonious and pleasing smile, without muscular strain, and in perfect dental alignment. When correctly indicated, extractions do not cause any harm to the patient.

Is there a possibility that my teeth will return to their original position?

Not to their original position. However, minor post-treatment shifts may occur, often linked to natural growth and functional changes. This tendency is typically well-controlled and minimised through careful planning, precise orthodontic technique, and the correct use of retainers.