The orthodontist assesses and verifies the presence of malocclusions by performing several diagnostic tests:

• clinical examination;

• panoramic radiography and teleradiography to look at the teeth, jaw and soft tissues to get a complete picture of the skull and neck;

• fingerprints;

• photographs of the smile, inside of the mouth and face.

Data collection is used to get clear measurements of the space available, whether bone structures are in harmony, and whether aesthetics can be improved.

The most suitable appliance for the intended treatment plan is applied:

• mobile appliance: according to the plan it is to be used at certain times;

• fixed appliance: with or without attachments, it is placed and checked regularly;

• extraoral traction appliance: it is an additional support outside the mouth to increase the effect of the fixed appliance;

• invisible braces: series of customized transparent templates.

Applying braces is the active phase of the orthodontic process. Teeth are moved and set into the correct position. The bite, or occlusion, is also corrected. The benefits are felt already at this stage.

After the orthodontic examination, options, treatment plan and choice of the most appropriate device to be used to achieve the expected results are discussed.

Periodic checkups allow progress to be assessed, elastics and wires to be replaced if damaged, and any problems to be corrected in a timely and effective manner.

When the result is achieved, braces are removed.

During life, teeth, like other parts of the body, change. If one wants to keep the results obtained constant over time, braces can be fitted or used, to be worn as and when needed. With the new shape of the mouth, it may be necessary to intervene on the shape of the tooth to improve aesthetics even more with the application of veneers or Smile Design surgeries.