At what age should I take my child to a Specialist in Orthodontics?

The first Orthodontic appointment should be no later then 7 years-old. Prevention is the name of the game.

What are the benefits of Orthodontic treatment?

Immediate benefits are facial aesthetics and a beautiful smile, elevation of self-esteem and ease in social situations.
Correct alignment of teeth facilitates oral hygiene (reducing caries’ risk);
Improves mastication and function, which all leads to an evident benefit in oral health and well-being.

See the links below for more information:

Adults
Find your Orthodontist
Children

Will my braces interfere with playing a musical instrument?

In time and with practice, you will adapt and soon you will be playing your instrument perfectly. If difficulty persists your orthodontist can make a custom mouth guard adapted to your musical instrument requirements.

How can I be sure that a Specialist in Orthodontist is treating me?

The easiest way to find a true specialist is through our website - APO. However, in alternative you can always seek on the Portuguese Dental Association website (OMD – Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas) at www.omd.pt.
After entering the webpage on the lower right corner you will find a description box with the inscription “encontre um médico dentista” (“find a dentist”).
Fill in the box with the name of the clinician and then click on the name and verify that “Especialidade de Ortodontia” (“Specialist in Orthodontics”) pops up. See the links below for more information:
Find an Orthodontist
What is an Orthodontist?
Dentist or Orthodontist

Do orthodontic braces cause pain?

No. They can induce discomfort, especially after their placement or adjustment. This discomfort is related to forces that are applied to the teeth during chewing and after your monthly adjustment of your appliance. No spontaneous pain is to be expected. Discomfort coincides mainly with meals.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

That depends with case complexity. Average treatment time is 24 months for both upper and lower jaws.

Can I do sports with braces?

Yes. However in contact sports we recommend a mouth guard.

Teeth that have braces require additional care?

Yes. Extra care should be taken to avoid hard, chewy, elastic and crunchy types of food or chewing on hard objects such as pens, pencils and nails.
To keep healthy teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment needs a little more effort and time. Remember that teeth move faster when they are clean and healthy.

What causes orthodontic problems?

The causes are hereditary, environmental or a combination of both.

See the links below for more information:
Adults
Find your Orthodontist
Children

Can orthodontic treatment improve my speech?

Yes. Certain speech problems such as the “S” sound are related to orthodontic problems and can benefit from treatment.

FAQS