Orthodontics in El Hamma – Gabès: Children and Adults

Who is it for?

People seek orthodontic treatment for:

• crowded, crooked or widely spaced teeth;
• upper teeth that sit too far forward, or behind the lower teeth;
• a jaw mismatch, an open bite or a crossbite;
• a tooth that has not come through or is growing in the wrong place;
• preparation for other treatment, for example before an implant or veneers.

In children, a first assessment allows growth to be monitored and, when needed, early treatment with a simple appliance. In teenagers, the main treatment usually starts once the adult teeth are in. In adults, treatment is still possible and is sometimes combined with other care.

Before teeth are moved, the gums must be healthy, so gum treatment may be needed first.

Types of appliance

• Fixed braces (brackets): small attachments bonded to the teeth and joined by a wire. They come in metal or tooth-coloured ceramic.
• Clear aligners: a series of custom-made trays, changed regularly, which you take out to eat and brush.
• Removable or functional appliances for children, to widen a jaw or guide growth.

How treatment works, step by step

1. Consultation and assessment

Examination of the mouth and face, photos, impressions or a scan of the teeth, and X-rays (a panoramic X-ray and, depending on the case, a side-view skull X-ray).

2. Treatment plan

The dentist explains the options, the expected duration and what each appliance involves, and gives you an estimate. Nothing starts without your agreement.

3. Fitting the appliance

The brackets are bonded or the first aligners handed over, along with advice on cleaning and eating.

4. Regular follow-up

Check-ups are used to adjust the brace or move on to the next aligners, usually every 4 to 8 weeks.

5. End of treatment and retention

The appliance is removed and a retainer is fitted to keep the result stable.

How many visits, and how long?

It depends a great deal on the case: a few months for a minor problem, often 12 to 24 months for full treatment. Check-ups are a few weeks apart. Wearing elastics or aligners as instructed has a direct effect on how long treatment takes.

During and after treatment: advice

• Brush after every meal; with braces, use interdental brushes to clean around the brackets.
• With fixed braces, avoid hard or sticky foods (sweets, chewing gum, whole almonds).
• Aligners are worn most of the day and night, usually around 20 to 22 hours a day.
• If a bracket comes loose or a wire scratches, cover it with wax and call the clinic.
• Wear your retainer as instructed, even after active treatment has finished.

In our dental clinic in El Hamma

• Assessments for children, teenagers and adults, with the different options explained.
• Coordination with other treatments: gums, cosmetic dentistry and crowns.
• Close follow-up throughout treatment and during retention.