Reasons for orthodontics
Many patients seek orthodontic treatment primarily for aesthetic improvements. While enhancing appearance is undoubtedly important, poorly aligned teeth can make brushing difficult, increasing the risk of periodontal disease and cavities.
Additionally, misaligned teeth can cause bite discrepancies, which may lead to tooth pain, fractures, or even temporomandibular joint disorders.
For these reasons, our clinic sometimes recommends orthodontic treatment to help protect and maintain the health of our patients’ oral environment.
Type of teeth alignment
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Maxillary prognathism
It refers to a condition where the upper front teeth are excessively protruded when viewed from the side. -
Mandibular prognathism
It refers to a condition where the upper and lower bite is reversed, with the lower jaw protruding beyond the upper jaw. -
Gap teeth
It refers to a condition where there are gaps between the teeth.
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Crowding
It refers to a condition where the teeth are overlapping or growing in a misaligned, irregular manner. -
Open bite
It refers to a condition where the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the jaws are clenched. -
Over bite
It refers to a condition where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth so much that the lower teeth become invisible when the jaws are clenched.
Orthodontic treatment〜wire orthodontics〜
Braces are applied to the front or back surfaces of the teeth to correct the alignment.
Traditional Braces (Labial Braces)
This is the most common orthodontic treatment method. For those who prefer less noticeable braces, we offer options such as white wires or clear brackets.
Lingual Braces (Invisible Braces)
For those who are concerned about the visibility of the wires, we also offer “lingual braces,” where the wires are placed on the back of the teeth. This has the advantage of being less visible from the front. Additionally, lingual braces, also known as tongue-side braces, can help address “tongue habits,” which are often a cause of relapse after treatment.
Orthodontic treatment〜mouthpiece orthodontics〜
For those who want to start orthodontic treatment more casually than with traditional braces, we also offer teeth alignment correction with clear aligners. At our clinic, we use Mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance (Invisalign), which has the most proven track record worldwide for clear aligner treatments (as of February 2022, over 12 million people have undergone Invisalign treatment).
Clear Aligner: Invisalign GO
Clear Aligner (Invisalign GO) is a clear aligner treatment specifically designed for the front teeth. Since it doesn’t move the molars, it has more limited applicability, but it offers advantages such as a shorter treatment period and reduced costs.
Clear Aligner: Invisalign
While Clear Aligner (Invisalign GO) is limited to the front teeth, it treats all teeth, including the molars, with clear aligners. Our clinic also offers Clear Aligner (Invisalign) for children.
Flow of orthodontic treatment
Counseling
If you are considering orthodontic treatment, please come for a consultation. We will listen to your concerns and questions. Additionally, we will discuss the necessity of orthodontic treatment and the associated costs.
Detailed examination, diagnosis
We will conduct an examination of your mouth. After performing an oral examination, taking X-rays, and making impressions of your current dental alignment, we will create a treatment plan.
Treatment plans and suggestions
Based on the results of the thorough examination, we will propose a treatment plan to the patient. We will explain the treatment options and process that are tailored to the patient’s dental alignment and budget.
Start of treatment
We will begin the treatment based on the chosen treatment method.
Orthodontic retention
After the orthodontic treatment is completed, there is a retention period to prevent relapse. Since the teeth are more likely to shift back after the braces are removed, you will need to wear a device called a retainer. Additionally, during the retention period, regular maintenance appointments will be required.
Orthodontic price
| Content | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Examination | first consultation price | ¥2,200 |
| Detailed examination price | ¥22,000 | |
| Diagnosis price | ¥11,000 | |
| Routine visits and treatment for Children | ¥3,300 | |
| Routine visits and treatment for Adults | ¥4,400 | |
| Adult Orthodontic | Permanent Dentition (Full Mouth) | ¥660,000 |
| Permanent Dentition (Partial) | ¥220,000 | |
| full teeth mouthpiece orthodontics（invisalign） | ¥990,000 | |
| front teeth mouthpiece orthodontics（invisalign go） | ¥396,000 | |
| Children’s Orthodontic | Primary Dentition | ¥110,000 |
| Mixed Dentition | ¥330,000 | |
| mouthpiece orthodontics（invisalign） | ¥440,000 |
All treatments at our clinic are provided as private, self-funded care and are not covered by public health insurance.
*Typical number of visits: 18–36
*Typical treatment period: 18–36 months
General risks and side effects of orthodontic treatment
Please understand that orthodontic treatment involves the following general risks and side effects.
Note: The risks and side effects listed below do not necessarily occur in all patients.
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1, At the beginning of treatment, you may experience discomfort or pain from the orthodontic appliance. This usually subsides within a few days to one or two weeks.
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2, The rate at which teeth move varies among individuals. As a result, the anticipated treatment period may be extended.
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3, Your cooperation is crucial to the success of orthodontic treatment. Factors such as appliance wear, use of intermaxillary elastics, and regular check-ups can significantly affect both treatment results and duration.
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4, Appliances can make it more difficult to brush your teeth during treatment. This increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, so thorough brushing and regular maintenance are essential. In some cases, previously hidden cavities may become visible as teeth move.
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5, Tooth movement can sometimes cause root resorption (shortening of tooth roots) or gum recession.
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6, In rare cases, a tooth may be ankylosed (fused to the bone) and unable to move.
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7, In rare cases, tooth movement may damage the nerve inside a tooth, leading to pulp necrosis.
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8, Some patients may develop allergic reactions to metals or other materials used in appliances.
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9, Symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (such as jaw joint sounds, jaw pain, or difficulty opening the mouth) may develop during treatment.
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10, Various issues may require changes to the initial treatment plan.
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11, Tooth reshaping or minor bite adjustments may be necessary.
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12, There is a risk of accidentally swallowing an appliance.
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13, When removing appliances, there is a possibility of causing small cracks in the tooth enamel or damaging part of an existing crown or restoration.
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14, If retainers are not worn as instructed after appliances are removed, relapse (teeth shifting back) is more likely to occur.
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15, After appliance removal, it may be necessary to replace crowns, fillings, or other restorations to match the new bite.
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16, Jaw growth and development may change your bite and tooth alignment.
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17, Wisdom teeth may erupt after treatment and cause crowding. Changes in bite or alignment may also occur over time due to aging or bone loss from periodontal disease. In such cases, retreatment may be necessary.
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18, Once orthodontic treatment is started, it is difficult to return the teeth to their original position.
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(Excerpt from the Japan Orthodontic Society website)
Dental clinic information
Location
Rubia 1F 5-3-5 Mashiki Ginowan Okinawa
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00～12:00 | ● | ● | ／ | ● | ● | ● | ／ |
| 13:30～18:00 | ● | ● | ／ | ● | ● | ● | ／ |
Holiday
Sunday & Wednesday & National Holidays
Phone
098-943-6533
Fax
098-943-6538
