Orthodontics

Orthodontics (from the Greek: “orthos” – straight and “odous” – tooth) is a branch of dentistry concerned with the prevention and treatment of malocclusion and maxillofacial defects.

Orthodontic treatment aims to:

• improve occlusion (interdental) conditions – leading to beneficial, “rejuvenating” changes in the face,
• facilitate dental hygiene,
• have a beneficial effect on the gums and periodontium,
• improving facial appearance (symmetry and proportions).

In the past, this treatment was only available to children. Nowadays, age is not a limitation or contraindication for treatment. In the past, orthodontics was largely limited to the use of removable braces. With the development of materials science and treatment methods, orthodontists now have a full range of treatment options at their disposal, each tailored to the individual patient. Currently, various types of removable braces are used, as well as increasingly popular fixed braces.

Each patient’s case is considered individually, and the planned treatment is carefully analysed by several doctors in order to select the most optimal treatment method.

When should you go for your first orthodontic appointment?

The first orthodontic consultation should take place at the latest when permanent teeth start to erupt, i.e. around the age of 6–7 (unless abnormalities have been detected earlier). Early diagnosis of defects allows for faster treatment, requires less financial outlay and often eliminates the need for treatment at a later stage. Removable braces and simple exercises are often used in childhood, but this requires consistency, self-discipline and cooperation between the child, parents and doctor.

Irregularities indicating the need for orthodontic consultation in children:

• bad habits (nail biting, pencil biting, thumb sucking, pacifier sucking, drinking from a bottle for too long),
• mouth breathing,
• mouth constantly open during sleep or play,
• asymmetrical facial features,
• excessively protruding or receding chin,
• premature loss of milk teeth,
• delayed teething,
• malocclusion,
• abnormal speech,
• unilateral chewing.

What happens during a child’s first visit to the orthodontist?

The consultation begins with a detailed medical history. The dentist then discusses with the parents their expectations regarding the results, methods and duration of treatment.

Following an initial examination of the young patient, the dentist outlines the possible options for orthodontic treatment, the expected duration of treatment and the associated costs. They explain each stage of treatment in a clear and straightforward manner.

For a comprehensive diagnosis, assessment of malocclusion and to establish an individual treatment plan, it is necessary to take two, and sometimes three, X-rays:

• pantomographic (panoramic) X-ray
• cephalometric (lateral skull) X-ray
• PA (anterior-posterior) X-ray

These X-rays can be taken at the ARTIMEDICA Holistic Centre, ideally before your scheduled consultation with the orthodontist. Please book an appointment for the X-rays well in advance.

In the next stage, orthodontic impressions of the lower and upper dental arches are taken using special coloured trays, from which diagnostic plaster models are cast. These enable the progress of treatment to be compared at a later stage.

At the end of the appointment, every brave patient receives a well-deserved surprise reward! 🙂

How to prevent them? When can they be diagnosed and treated?

• During infancy and early childhood, pay attention to the correct positioning of the child during sleep and feeding, and avoid keeping a dummy or finger in the mouth for too long
• The health of milk teeth affects the condition of permanent teeth. Milk teeth are essential for chewing food, proper muscle and speech apparatus development, and they also maintain space for permanent teeth, preventing the formation of abnormal interdental contacts. Premature loss of milk teeth can cause malocclusion and increase the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease.
• During the period of milk teeth and their replacement, care should be taken to ensure that the child breathes through the nose while sleeping and playing. The composition of food is important, but so is its consistency (food should not be too soft or finely chopped).
• Malocclusion can be observed as soon as the first few teeth appear. Treatment at this stage mainly consists of exercises to strengthen muscle function

Abnormalities indicating the need for orthodontic consultation in adults:

• misaligned teeth,
• facial asymmetry,
• an abnormally protruding or receding chin,
• teeth grinding,
• chewing on one side only,
• frequent headaches and dizziness,
• temporomandibular joint pain,
• periodontal problems,
• the need to correct the alignment of the teeth, for example prior to prosthetic treatment.

What happens during the first visit to the orthodontist?

The consultation begins with a thorough medical history. The dentist discusses in detail the patient’s expectations regarding the method, duration and results of treatment.

Following an initial examination, the dentist presents the possible options for orthodontic treatment, the planned duration of treatment and the associated costs. They explain, in a clear and straightforward manner, the individual stages of treatment on the path to ‘creating’ a beautiful and healthy smile.

For a comprehensive diagnosis, assessment of malocclusion and to establish an individual treatment plan, it is necessary to produce diagnostic models and take two X-rays:

• a pantomographic (panoramic) X-ray,
• a cephalometric (lateral skull) X-ray.

These X-rays can be taken at the ARTIMEDICA Centre, preferably before your scheduled consultation with an orthodontist. Please book an appointment for the X-rays well in advance.

Orthodontic treatment absolutely requires prior conservative dental treatment and a periodontal check-up.

Each patient is treated as an individual, and the planned treatment is carefully analysed by several doctors in order to select the most optimal method.

An individual treatment plan is prepared based on a thorough analysis of the collected materials. It contains information about the diagnosis and treatment strategy, i.e. the type of braces, procedures, involvement of other specialists, expected treatment time, costs and securing the treatment results.

The main criteria that determine the choice of the appropriate treatment method are:

• the type of defect,
• costs,
• treatment time,
• aesthetics.

Removable braces

They are mainly used in children with deciduous or mixed dentition (deciduous and permanent teeth). Effective orthodontic treatment with removable braces requires consistency, self-discipline and cooperation between the young patient, parents and dentist.

Based on the impressions taken during the first visit, individually tailored braces are prepared in the laboratory. They take the form of coloured acrylic plates connected with metal elements (brackets, springs, screws and arches).

After minor adjustments and thorough instructions on how to use them, the patient receives their beautiful, multi-coloured braces. The duration of treatment depends on the type of defect, the age of the patient and, consequently, the susceptibility of the bite to change, but in particular it depends on how regularly the braces are worn.

It is important to remember to meticulously follow all the instructions given by the doctor and to attend check-ups every 5-6 weeks to assess the progress of treatment.

Removable braces should be:

• worn for the number of hours specified by the orthodontist,
• activated according to the doctor’s recommendations,
• thoroughly cleaned with a toothbrush and stored in a dry container.

Removable braces can also be used to consolidate the effects of treatment with fixed braces. In this case, it is also important to remember to use them regularly to prevent the defect from recurring.

Fixed braces

In children, thin-arch fixed braces can only be fitted once all their permanent teeth have come through.

There are no age restrictions for older people, but due to the fact that bone development is complete, surgical intervention is sometimes necessary to treat certain types of malocclusion.

The most popular are traditional fixed braces, known as metal braces. They consist of metal brackets, rings and arches bonded to the teeth, which are secured with coloured ligatures (rubber bands). During monthly check-ups, the braces are activated, which gives patients a lot of scope to show off, as everyone can create their own unique look by choosing colourful ligatures that are changed during the visit.

Treatment with fixed braces provides comfort for both young patients and their parents, as it is no longer necessary to strictly monitor the time the braces are worn. The 24-hour operation of the orthodontic braces enables faster and more effective treatment.

Fixed crystal and porcelain braces

Ceramic braces are matched to the colour of the patient’s teeth, making them invisible to others.

Standard metal arches are usually used in braces, but it is possible to replace them with coated arches, which can also be matched to the colour of the teeth.

Crystal braces are made of perfectly transparent sapphire, providing even greater comfort and aesthetics.

Lingual braces

The brackets in lingual braces are bonded to the lingual or palatal side of the teeth, making them completely invisible to the person you are talking to. These braces are mainly made of gold and are designed according to the individual needs of the patient, which is why the cost of treatment is higher.

The direct contact of the braces with the tongue causes initial discomfort and may be associated with difficulties in speaking, but these disappear after the patient has adapted to the braces.

Herbst braces

The Herbst braces is a fixed complex orthodontic braces, cast individually for each patient.

It is mainly used for the treatment of retrognathia (receding chin and lower jaw). The Herbst braces consists of metal tubes attached to the rings of the fixed braces with screws. The constant force causes the lower jaw to protrude, changing its relationship to the upper jaw. The braces has a beneficial effect on the masticatory muscles and the temporomandibular joint, and helps to restore more attractive facial features. The braces are fixed for a period of several to several months, depending on the individual needs of the patient.

Adaptation to the braces is successful, although lateral movements of the mandible are limited due to the presence of tubes.

Palatal transfer

Palatal transfer (palatal arch, TPA) belongs to thick arch braces (made of 0.9 mm diameter wire). It has the shape of an arch running along the convexity of the palate (but not touching it), connecting the first or second permanent molars on both sides of the maxilla.

The palatal arch is used to stabilise the anchorage of teeth or to actively move them. The palatal expander is widely used as a stand-alone therapeutic braces or as an auxiliary braces in combination with almost all fixed braces techniques.

Face mask

A face mask (Delaire mask) is an extraoral braces used in conjunction with fixed or removable braces. The mask consists of a metal frame to which supports resting on the forehead and chin are attached. Metal whiskers are attached to the frame at lip level, to which elastic extenders are hooked, which are hooked intraorally to the elements of the braces. The face mask is used primarily in children, preferably before their growth spurt (in boys aged 12-13, in girls aged 10-12). The retractor is used to move the upper teeth forward, and in growing children it can also have an orthopaedic effect, stimulating the forward growth of the jaw. The face mask is used in cases of jaw bone hypoplasia and anterior defects.

Widening plate

A bite splint is a plate that raises the bite, needed in cases where the bite is too deep (lower teeth covered by upper teeth) or where the upper teeth are “hidden” behind the lower teeth. It helps to position the teeth correctly and correct the bite without the risk of the patient breaking the braces.

HYRAX braces

The HYRAX braces consists of rings mounted around the teeth, a metal structure connected with a screw. It is by activating the latter element in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations that the jaw is widened and space is created for the correct insertion of crowded teeth into the arch.

By widening the jaw, the Hyrax braces causes the bottom of the nasal cavity to spread apart, which has a positive effect on breathing.

Initially, the patient may experience discomfort and speech problems. These symptoms should subside about a week after the braces is fitted.

In the first stage of treatment, a “gap” (known as a diastema) may be noticed between the upper incisors, which is the result of the expansion of the palatal suture and is closed in the next stage of treatment.

In order to fully monitor the progress of treatment, visits every two weeks are recommended.

A few months after the braces are fitted, once satisfactory results have been achieved and stabilised, the braces can be removed and further orthodontic treatment can be carried out.

Widening the upper or lower jaw significantly improves the appearance and symmetry of the face, eliminates one of the causes of speech defects and creates proper occlusal relationships.

Mini-implants

Micro-implants (mini-implants, orthodontic implants) are screws several millimetres long (6 mm) placed in the jawbone, allowing for faster tooth movement in special situations.

A microimplant creates a so-called maximum anchorage unit, enabling faster movement of individual teeth or groups of teeth. The microimplant is placed in the bone during a routine orthodontic visit under local anaesthesia. After completion of a given phase of treatment, the orthodontic implant is removed from the bone, also painlessly, under local anaesthesia.

Preparing the teeth before treatment

Before starting orthodontic treatment, it is extremely important to prepare the mouth properly. All teeth should be free from tooth decay, and the gums free from inflammation. It is also recommended to undergo professional dental hygiene treatment, including scaling (removal of tartar) and polishing (cleaning the tooth surfaces of deposits and discolouration).

Thanks to these measures, the braces will be able to fit properly against the surface of the teeth, which increases comfort during fitting and the effectiveness of the entire treatment. It is also worth ensuring you have up-to-date diagnostic X-rays, if your orthodontist recommends them, so that the treatment plan is as precise as possible.

The first few days after braces are fitted

The first few days after braces are fitted are a time for the mouth to adapt to the new appliances and the gentle orthodontic forces. The patient may experience:

• a feeling of pressure on the teeth,

• sensitivity when biting,

• mild irritation of the cheeks or lips.

These symptoms usually subside after 3–7 days.

Practical tips:

• Eat soft or liquid meals for the first few days.

• Apply orthodontic wax to any parts of the braces that are irritating the mucous membrane (included in the ARTIMEDICA starter pack).

Daily oral hygiene with braces

Proper oral hygiene is crucial for preventing tooth decay and enamel demineralisation.

For fixed braces:

• Brush the surfaces of the teeth not covered by brackets using a traditional toothbrush.

• Clean the surfaces with braces using an orthodontic toothbrush or a single-tufted brush.

• The spaces between your teeth are best cleaned with dental floss or an interdental brush.

• It is worth using a water flosser, which removes food debris from hard-to-reach areas.

• You should brush your teeth after every meal, and if this is not possible, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.

For patients with removable braces:

• The appliance should be stored in a dry container.

• After removing it from your mouth, clean it with a toothbrush and soapy water or a denture cleanser.

Follow-up appointments

Regular follow-up appointments are essential to ensure that your treatment is progressing as it should:

• The dentist checks your oral hygiene and the results of your treatment.

• Replaces parts of the braces (archwires, ligatures) as required.

• Enables a rapid response in the event of brackets coming loose or other problems.

Fixed braces encourage the build-up of food debris and plaque, which is why the teeth require more thorough and careful cleaning.

We recommend brushing your teeth after every meal, paying particular attention to the areas around the brackets and the spaces between your teeth. As part of your daily oral hygiene routine, it is advisable to use:

• an orthodontic toothbrush,

• a single-tufted toothbrush,

• interdental brushes or dental floss,

• a water flosser.

With proper oral hygiene, you can effectively prevent tooth decay, enamel demineralisation and gum inflammation.

With removable braces, oral hygiene is simpler, but just as important. The braces should be removed before meals and then thoroughly cleaned with a toothbrush and water (or special cleaning solutions). They should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated container.

At the ARTIMEDICA Holistic Centre, every patient starting orthodontic treatment receives a starter pack containing essential accessories and detailed hygiene instructions. During the appointment, the dental hygienist demonstrates how to look after your teeth whilst wearing braces, tailoring the methods to the patient’s individual needs.

During orthodontic treatment, diet plays a key role in maintaining dental health and ensuring comfort whilst wearing braces. In the first few days after the braces are fitted, the patient may experience slight pressure or sensitivity when biting — so it is advisable to eat soft, easy-to-chew foods.

Recommended foods:

• soft vegetables and fruit (chopped or puréed),

• rice, pasta, groats,

• eggs, fish, lean meat,

• yoghurts, quark, cream soups,

• cocktails and smoothies.

Products to avoid:

• hard bread, nuts, crisps,

• caramels, jelly sweets, chewing gum,

• hard fruit and vegetables (e.g. apples, carrots – best cut into small pieces).

Removable braces:

• remove your braces during meals,

• clean your braces thoroughly after meals.

At the ARTIMEDICA Holistic Centre, every patient receives practical dietary advice and a starter pack to help them through the first few days with their braces. With the right diet, you can minimise discomfort, speed up treatment and maintain healthy teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment.

Clear Correct aligners — invisible teeth straightening

For adults who do not wish to wear traditional braces, we offer treatment using Clear Correct clear aligners (from 9,600 PLN). The aligners can be removed for eating and oral hygiene, and the treatment plan is drawn up based on a 3D scan. During your consultation, the orthodontist will assess whether your condition is suitable for aligner treatment.

Orthodontic treatment in Wrocław — [Price list 2026]

Do you have any questions about the cost of treatment? Call: 71 321 61 07 — we’ll draw up a personalised plan with a cost estimate.

View the full price list · Pay for your treatment in instalments (MediRaty)

The price list is for guidance only and does not constitute an offer within the meaning of the Civil Code. You will receive a detailed cost estimate following your consultation.