Orthodontic coverage in Spain with Caser

With the rise of celebrity culture, reality TV shows and social media, another trend has also been thrust into the limelight and become the latest epitome of beauty and style. It’s not a shiny Ferrari or a Louis Vuitton handbag but is something more integral to our personal look – it´s the perfect smile!

As a society, I would say we are now much more aware of our teeth than ever before, and being able to flash a set of perfectly straight, gleaming white teeth is high on the list of aspirations of many people. The one good thing is that, unlike a Ferrari, we were all born with our own teeth, so we all have the basics to work with! But what do you do if your teeth are far from perfect or have grown a little crooked?

In the past, dental treatment focused on necessity, but now the realm of dental aesthetics and orthodontics is highly advanced and is here to help fix you smile and turn your frown upside down.

What is dental orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic dental treatment focuses on correcting anomalies in the alignment, position and functionality of the teeth and jaw, to obtain good occlusion (or bite), and also, improved aesthetics.

There are different methods of orthodontic coverage or treatment in dentistry. The most common is a fixed orthodontic appliance, more colloquially referred to as “braces” in the UK and “brackets” in the USA. Small braces/brackets are attached to your teeth and connected with rubber bands and arches. They help to move the teeth gradually and gently into a corrective alignment. This is stereotypically something done in adolescence, when children’s milk teeth have fallen out and their adult teeth have grown through, and their teeth alignment needs correcting. However, older adults have this treatment too. It´s not the same as it was when I grew up. Now it is stylised, and you can even choose different options and colours to make your own fashion statement!

In addition, there is also a new kid on of the block of orthodontic options– the invisible aligners, also known as Invisalign. This treatment is less intrusive, as it uses invisible clear aligner shields to correct the position of your teeth. They are made from moulds of your teeth so that they fit perfectly over the top of your teeth. These aligners are much less visible or noticeable than the traditional fixed braces/brackets, and are removable, making eating and cleaning much easier.

Phases of Orthodontic treatment 

Braces/brackets 

1.    Orthodontic study

Dental specialists will do a personalised orthodontic study, consisting of an orthopantomography, a lateral x-ray and impressions and photographs to review your current dental situation and plan the corrections required.

2.    Placement

The initial placement of the brackets, arches and bands can be performed in one or two consultations, depending on your characteristics.

3.    Revisions

A series of monthly check-ups will be scheduled where the arches and rubber bands are changed to ensure continual corrective treatment.

4.    Termination of processing

Once the goal of the planned treatment has been achieved, the brackets will be removed, and the retention device will be placed in both arches.

Invisalign

1.    Orthodontic study

An orthodontic study will be carried out consisting of extra and intraoral photographs, an orthopantomography, and a teleradiography to plan your personalized treatment

2.    Virtual Treatment Planning

Impressions of the upper and lower arch will be taken to carry out the virtual planning of the treatment using a specific software. This allows you to visualize your treatment from the beginning to the end in order to review with the dental team, and once you are satisfied, the treatment is approved, and the laboratory will make the aligners to measure.

3.    Placement

At this point we also proceed to the delivery of the first aligners and give you the guidelines for placement, use and hygiene. Based on your plan, you may have some stripping/attachment requirements at the interproximal level to improve the grip of the aligner. This is not always necessary and does not weaken the tooth and attachments can be removed when they are no longer needed.

4.    Reviews

A series of reviews will be scheduled to monitor the evolution of the treatment, the progress made and make the necessary adjustments. The new aligners, which should be changed at home every 10 – 15 days, will be delivered, as recommended by the orthodontist.

5.    Termination of Processing

Once the planned target is reached, a retention apparatus will be placed in both arches for the maintenance of the results.

Benefits of orthodontic treatment 

For both methods, the treatment is bespoke to each person, and the benefits are not just aesthetic. The results of orthodontic treatment also help with long term oral hygiene, prevention of cavities and minimising tooth loss. This is because with each tooth is in its own place, it helps prevents tooth wear and allows the teeth and gums to be cleaned and maintained more effectively.

In addition, for those with malocclusion of the jaws (incorrect bite) it also helps prevent possible pressure on the jaw joint, and give a more harmonized facial appearance.

Cost of orthodontic treatment and coverage

I am sure the main question on everyone’s lips, is the associated cost, as it is commonly perceived that this type of treatment can be expensive and not accessible financially for the average person.

The good news is that you can access this treatment through Dental insurance, such as Caser´s “Essential Smile” and “Perfect smile” policies.  

Orthodontic coverage is part of these dental plans, and you can enjoy dental cover with Caser from only 6.85€ per month. There are many Caser Dental Clinics all over Spain, who offer the first visit, including oral check-up, panoramic x-rays and teeth cleaning, for free. These clinics use the latest in dental technology and the team of professional are with you in every step to ensure that you get the best results.

You can download a free guide below and see an example of Caser dental facilities. And there is more good news: you can visit these Caser clinics and access their services, with or without insurance!

So, as you can see, with Caser orthodontic coverage there is plenty to smile about! Download our free guide to choosing Dental insurance below: