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Orthodontic treatment

With orthodontic treatment, we correct severe malocclusions.

Your bite is always examined during an oral and dental examination or a health check performed by a dentist or a dental hygienist. If a severe malocclusion is suspected during the examination, you may be referred to a specialist in orthodontics for an assessment of the severity of the condition.

Based on the severity of the malocclusion, the specialist will determine whether the criteria for starting orthodontic treatment are met. For decisions on access to care, we follow the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health's criteria for non-urgent care, which include a ten level scoring system for malocclusions (Uniform Criteria for Non-Urgent Care 2019). The scoring system takes into account the different developmental stages of the dentition. If the criteria are met due to the severity of the malocclusion, orthodontic treatment can be started, taking into consideration the patient's age, stage of growth, and dental development. The patient is also expected to commit to the treatment.

The start of orthodontic treatment may occur significantly later than the specialist's examination. The decision to begin treatment is always reassessed when the treatment period is about to start. In some cases, the malocclusion may be corrected naturally through normal growth and dental development, and orthodontic treatment may no longer be necessary. Orthodontic treatment may also be withheld if it is not expected to provide clear benefit when considering the patient's overall situation.

Conditions for receiving the Service

An individual treatment plan is made for every patient before orthodontic treatment begins. Orthodontic treatment requires long-term commitment, as it often lasts for several years. Good oral health is essential. Your teeth must not have cavities or gum inflammation, and you must maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout the treatment. Orthodontic appliances must be used according to instructions and brought to every appointment. Your orthodontic treatment may be discontinued if you do not follow the instructions for appliance use or cleaning, or if you miss several appointments. If your bite does not qualify you for public orthodontic treatment, you may choose to seek orthodontic treatment privately at your own expense.
The largest age group receiving orthodontic treatment is children and adolescents aged 6-17. Orthodontic treatment is free of charge until the age of 18. However, if an orthodontic appliance must be replaced due to loss, breakage, or improper use, the costs of repairing or replacing the appliance will be charged to the patient, including those under 18. For everyone aged 18 and over, dental care-including orthodontic treatment-is subject to fees according to the client fees for social and health services of the Wellbeing Services County of Western Uusimaa. The fee consists of a visit fee, procedure fees, and dental laboratory costs. A charge for a missed appointment will be collected from all patients aged 18 and over.