Treatment Options

What?

The full spectrum of modern Orthodontic treatment options is available to my patients. After a thorough clinical and radiographical diagnosis, the most suitable orthodontic treatment appliance is selected together to provide the best treatment outcome.

Removable Braces

Removable braces are mostly used for early orthodontic treatment in children, where the correction of the malocclusion cannot wait until the establishment of the adult dentition. Removable braces allow simple tooth movements and are often used to correct crossbites, reduce a large discrepancy between upper and lower front teeth or to facilitate the successful eruption of adult teeth.

Fixed Braces bonded to the outside of teeth

Fixed braces are mostly used where complex three-dimensional tooth movements are required. Brackets are bonded to the teeth and due to the interaction of carefully selected wires that fit in the bracket slots, the teeth are moved to the desired position. These brackets can be made out of metal or ceramic, with ceramic providing better aesthetics during treatment.

Free Brace

Children and adolescents up to the age of 18 years are eligible for the so-called “Free Brace” if their malocclusion fulfills certain predefined conditions. A specially developed Index called the Index of Treatment Need (IOTN) is used by an orthodontist to grade the severity of the malocclusion. Whether or not your child is eligible for a “Free Brace” can already be determined at the first visit.

The “Free Brace” includes:

Early interceptive orthodontic treatment for children with IOTN 4 and 5 up to the age of about 10 years, using mainly removable appliances
Definitive orthodontic treatment for adolescents with IOTN 4 and 5 between the ages of about 12 years and 18 years, using a fixed appliance with metal brackets.

Dr. Moriarty is a certified provider for the “Free Brace” in Salzburg

Fixed Braces bonded to the inside of teeth

It is also possible to bond the brackets to the inside of the teeth so that the appliance is virtually invisible. I use an individualised lingual appliance that has an extremely flat and tongue friendly design and ensures optimal patient comfort during treatment.

Aligners

Aligners are transparent removable orthodontic appliances that are custom made to move teeth using the latest computer-assisted technology. A three dimensional scan is taken of the teeth and a series of aligners is made according to a prescribed treatment plan. I also offer my patients the possibilty of viewing a three dimensional treatment simulation, which shows how the teeth will move step by step during treatment until the desired outcome is reached.

Retainers

Retainers are used after the active phase of orthodontic treatment has been completed and are necessary to maintain the corrected position of the teeth. Relapse can occur as a result of the periodontal fibres around the teeth which tend to pull the teeth back towards their pretreatment positions. Retainers also counteract the effects of further growth and soft tissue changes due to ageing, and are a vital part of orthodontic treatment. They can be removable or fixed to the teeth, the choice of which depends on each individual treatment plan. The need for retainers is always discussed with my patients before the start of orthodontic treatment, because straight teeth are a lifetime committment.

Who?

Early (or interceptive) orthodontic treatment can either prevent the need for future treatment or reduce its complexity should it still be indicated. Treatment is usually in the early mixed dentition when children are between the ages of about 6 and 10 years. Appliances usually consist of simple removable appliances or functional appliances, which create as ideal a soft tissue environment to encourage optimal jaw growth. Treatment duration is usually between one and two years, dependent on the complexity of the underlying problem.

I can advise parents on the ideal timing of treatment to ensure that developing problems are intercepted as ideally as possible.

Children

Comprehensive orthodontic treatment usually begins after the establishment of the adult dentition when adolescents are about 12 years of age. This is usually with fixed braces (metal or ceramic brackets) and lasts about two to three years (or longer), depending on complexity of the problem to be treated.

Adolescents

Orthodontic treatment has benefits for adult patients too – it can correct cosmetic or bite problems, and can facilitate the prosthetic replacement of lost teeth. Thanks to advances in dental technology, there are several discrete options of treatment available to adults at my practice.

Adults

It’s never too late for a beautiful smile!

When?

General guidelines

Correcting a dental malocclusion is in principle possible at any age.

Patients are welcome to see me at any time should they have a question about their own or their child’s general alignment of teeth or the quality of the bite.

Specific recommendations for children:

As not all problems are immediately recognisable by lay-persons, a consultation with an Orthodontist is advised as follows:

First examination: between 7 and 9 years (in the early mixed dentition)

Second examination: between 11 and 12 years (in the late mixed dentition)

In this way developing problems are identified and treated earlier, increasing the chances of avoiding or minimising the need for future treatment.

Online - Appointment

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Dr. Moriarty is a certified provider for the “Free Brace” in Salzburg