Bite correction

A bite is the relationship between the upper and lower teeth when they are in maximum contact.

Normally, the teeth of both jaws touch, forming an even line of contact. In pathological bite cases, the teeth do not align properly. Signs of malocclusion include:

• Incorrect tooth positioning;
• Crowded teeth or gaps between teeth (tremas, diastemas);
• Areas of enamel wear;
• Gum recession;
• Vertical tooth fractures;
• Clicking sounds when opening/closing the mouth;
• Ear noises;
• Morning migraines;
• Rapid plaque accumulation on enamel;
• Oral mucosa diseases due to regular irritation.

The precise answer to the question, “How much does bite correction cost?” can be provided after a consultation and diagnosis with an orthodontist. Generally, the cost of bite correction depends on the complexity of the case, the orthodontic system used, and the treatment duration. Our prices are lower than those in other dental clinics in Odessa.

• Removal of the brace system
• Follow-up visits during treatment with braces
• Diastema correction
• Determining bite type using a facebow
• Retention plate
• Retention cap
• Distal bite correction
• Crossbite treatment
• Treatment with metal ligature braces
• Treatment with ceramic ligature braces

• Improves appearance and attractiveness. Restores the shifted eye line and natural facial contour.
• Relieves muscle tension and headaches. Reduces tension in facial muscles and joints, eliminating headaches and temporal pain.
• Resolves health issues. Improves food chewing and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal and intestinal diseases.
• Reduces the risk of dental and gum diseases. Reduces pressure on teeth, prevents enamel wear, chips, hypersensitivity, and decreases the risk of periodontitis.
• Improves speech. Speech becomes clearer, boosting confidence and self-esteem.
• Simplifies oral hygiene. Crowded and misaligned teeth make cleaning difficult. Removing plaque between closely spaced teeth with a toothbrush is challenging. Bite correction promotes more effective oral hygiene.

In most cases, malocclusion in teenagers and adults can be corrected using braces.

If indicated, bite correction without braces is possible using clear aligners (invisible trays), removable orthodontic appliances, crowns, and veneers.

In complex cases, surgical intervention is the only way to correct malocclusion.

Brace systems are non-removable structures consisting of special brackets and a steel arch wire attached to them. The tensioned arch wire gradually returns to its original position, thereby correcting the irregularities of the dental arch.

Orthodontics uses the following types of brace systems:

• Vestibular—Classic braces attached to the front of the teeth.
• Lingual—Fixed to the back of the teeth.
• Ligature—The wire is tensioned with elastics (ligatures) of varying stiffness.
• Self-ligating—No ligatures; the orthodontic wire is tensioned using brackets.
• Metal—All components of the system are made of metal, suitable for complex cases.
• Ceramic—The most aesthetic option, made from ceramics or sapphires.

Application: Suitable for adults and children with permanent teeth.

Advantages of Braces

• Effective in complex cases for all types of malocclusion and crowding.
• Patients can choose any system depending on their preferences and budget.

Disadvantages of Braces

• Cause discomfort during the adaptation stage.
• Affects the smile's aesthetics.
• Requires diligent care and a special diet.
• Increases the risk of surface cavities.

Aligners are clear silicone trays, custom-made for each patient. Aligners should be worn for at least 20 hours a day and should only be removed before meals or oral hygiene.

The patient receives several sets of aligners with varying degrees of rigidity, to be changed as the teeth align.

Application: Mild to moderate tooth misalignment in adults and teenagers.

Advantages of Aligners

• Maintains an aesthetic smile.
• Easy to care for.
• Does not restrict food choices.
• Suitable for teeth whitening procedures.

Disadvantages of Aligners

• Cannot be fixed to the teeth.
• Requires disciplined use (it’s challenging to monitor whether children wear the trays consistently).
• Not suitable for severe bite anomalies.

Veneers and Crowns

Veneers are thin ceramic overlays cemented to the tooth after minimal preparation. Unlike crowns, they only cover the front side of the tooth.

Application: Aesthetic defects in the smile zone (diastemas, tremas, minor rotations of incisors).

Advantages of Veneers

• An effective and cheaper alternative to braces and aligners.

Disadvantages of Veneers

• Requires tooth preparation and depulping.

• Cannot be used to straighten

  molars and premolars.

• Not suitable for severe bite defects.

Trainers

Trainers are removable devices in the form of a splint-like plastic tray that fix the jaws in the required position, worn overnight and for a few hours during the day.

Application of Trainers

• Corrects malocclusion in adults and children.
• Complementary to brace treatment.
• Used during the retention stage after orthodontic treatment.

Advantages of Trainers

• Affordable price.
• Well-suited for correcting minor issues in baby teeth.

Disadvantages of Trainers

• Limited in application.

Orthodontic Appliances

Orthodontic appliances are special plates with hooks (clasps), rings, screws, and wires that move molars in a specific direction. They can be removable or non-removable. The appliance plates are located in the palate or sublingual space, while the rings and clasps grip the teeth.

Advantages of Orthodontic Appliances

• Treats various malocclusion anomalies.

Disadvantages of Orthodontic Appliances

• Causes discomfort, impacts aesthetics, and affects speech.

Steps to Correct Malocclusion

• How to clean teeth with braces?

  Patients with braces should use interdental brushes and irrigators for effective plaque removal. Brush your teeth as usual—twice a day. After meals, it is recommended to rinse your mouth and use dental floss to remove food particles.

• When is the best time for children to get braces?

  The best time to install braces is between 12 and 14 years old. By this age, the jaw system has fully formed. However, the jaws are still malleable, making bite correction easier.

• Can braces be placed on only one arch?

  The upper and lower jaws are closely connected, so braces should be placed on both arches simultaneously. Otherwise, bite correction will be ineffective: the arch wire corrects the crooked teeth, but the antagonist teeth will try to return them to their original position.

• Is wearing braces painful?

  Discomfort usually occurs immediately after the braces are fixed and every time the arch wire is tightened or replaced. On average, discomfort subsides after 5-7 days, but some patients do not feel it at all. Patients with low pain tolerance may experience discomfort for up to 4-6 weeks.

• Do teeth get damaged when wearing braces?

  Braces contribute to plaque buildup and make it harder to remove. As a result, poor oral hygiene increases the risk of cavities. However, if you maintain good oral hygiene—brushing your teeth twice a day, rinsing after meals, using floss and an irrigator—you will end up with a healthy, straight smile at the end of your treatment.