A straight smile is more than an aesthetic issue — it is about health, comfort, and self-confidence.
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that corrects crooked teeth, misalignments, and bite problems, restoring balance to the mouth and harmony to the face.
Today, orthodontic treatments are faster, more discreet, and more comfortable than ever.
At OnlySmile in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, each orthodontic plan is personalized: from traditional fixed braces to modern invisible aligners, adapting to the age, lifestyle, and goals of each patient.
Whether for aesthetic or functional reasons, aligning your smile is a decision that improves chewing, speech, and self-esteem — and can change how you see yourself in the mirror.
The Essentials
- Orthodontics corrects misaligned teeth and bite problems.
- There are various types of braces, both fixed and removable.
- Invisible aligners are a modern, discreet, and comfortable option.
- Children, teenagers, and adults can benefit from this treatment.
- In Ponta Delgada, São Miguel (Azores), OnlySmile offers personalized orthodontic solutions with digital technology and close monitoring.
Index
- What is orthodontics and what is its purpose
- When are dental braces recommended
- Types of dental braces (fixed, aesthetic, and invisible)
- Invisible aligners: technology and advantages
- Pediatric and adolescent orthodontics
- Adult orthodontics: it is possible to correct later in life
- Average treatment duration and check-ups
- Care during orthodontic treatment
- Retainers: the secret to maintaining results
- Orthodontics in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel (Azores)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Schedule your evaluation
1. What is orthodontics and what is it for
Orthodontics is the area of dentistry responsible for correcting the positioning of teeth and jaws, ensuring a beautiful smile and functional chewing.
When teeth are misaligned, they can cause difficulties in oral hygiene, excessive wear, and muscle pain.
Orthodontic treatment allows for smile alignment, bite improvement, and prevention of future problems — from cavities to jaw joint dysfunctions.
More than aesthetics, it is a matter of health and well-being.
A straight smile facilitates daily cleaning, improves digestion, and has a direct impact on self-confidence.
2. When is it indicated to get braces
Misaligned teeth are not always just an aesthetic problem.
There are several situations where the use of braces is recommended:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth.
- Large spaces between teeth.
- Open bite (front teeth do not touch).
- Crossbite (upper teeth close behind the lower ones).
- Deep bite (upper teeth cover the lower ones too much).
- Midline deviation of the smile.
Even without pain, misalignment can compromise chewing function and cause uneven wear.
Therefore, it is ideal to have a complete orthodontic evaluation, which includes X-rays and digital models.
3. Types of braces (fixed, aesthetic, and invisible)
Today, braces have evolved significantly.
Patients can choose from different options, depending on clinical needs and aesthetic preferences.
Metal fixed braces
These are the most traditional and durable. They use metal brackets and colored elastics, very common among teenagers.
Although visible, they are effective and have excellent control over tooth movements.
Aesthetic fixed braces
They work like metal ones but use ceramic or sapphire brackets with a translucent appearance.
They are ideal for those seeking a more discreet option without compromising results.
Self-ligating braces
They do not require traditional elastics, reducing friction and making the treatment faster and more comfortable.
Removable braces
Mainly used in children, they help guide jaw growth and correct minor misalignments.
Invisible aligners
These are transparent, removable, and almost imperceptible plates worn over the teeth.
They correct alignment discreetly, practically, and without wires or brackets.
4. Invisible aligners: technology and advantages
Invisible aligners have revolutionized orthodontics.
Made from transparent, biocompatible material, they are digitally designed to gradually move teeth.
Each set of trays is worn for about two weeks, and the treatment is digitally monitored.
The main advantages include:
- Total discretion – almost invisible.
- Comfort – no wires or irritations.
- Removable – you can eat and brush your teeth normally.
- Predictability – the result is digitally planned.
- Fewer appointments – monitoring is quick and efficient.
At OnlySmile, orthodontics with aligners is done with 3D planning and advanced technology, ensuring natural and predictable results.
5. Pediatric and juvenile orthodontics
Pediatric orthodontics plays an essential role in facial growth and development.
Between the ages of 6 and 12, it is possible to guide bone growth and correct poor positions before they become permanent problems.
At this stage, treatment is preventive and educational.
Removable or functional appliances can be used to stimulate the correct growth of the jaw and maxilla.
Additionally, it is the ideal time to correct habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, or teeth grinding, which can affect alignment.
Parental involvement is crucial — the success of the treatment depends as much on technique as on the child’s motivation.
6. Adult orthodontics: is it possible to correct later
It is never too late to align your smile.
Adult orthodontics is increasingly sought after, not only for aesthetic reasons but also for functional ones.
With advances in materials and techniques, it is possible to correct misaligned teeth or incorrect bites without compromising aesthetics.
Aesthetic braces and invisible aligners have made treatment more comfortable and discreet, allowing you to continue your professional and social life without constraints.
The duration may be slightly longer than for teenagers, but the results are equally effective — and the impact on self-esteem is enormous.
7. Average treatment duration and reviews
The duration of orthodontic treatment depends on the complexity of the case, the type of appliance, and the patient’s cooperation.
On average, it lasts between 12 and 24 months, with check-up appointments every 4 to 8 weeks.
In treatments with invisible aligners, monitoring can be even more spaced out, thanks to digital predictability.
During the process, it is essential to follow the dentist’s instructions and maintain rigorous hygiene — this accelerates the treatment and ensures stable results.
8. Care during orthodontic treatment
Braces require specific care to avoid problems and keep teeth healthy.
During the treatment:
- Brush after each meal with an orthodontic toothbrush and specific dental floss.
- Avoid very hard or sticky foods.
- Maintain regular check-ups.
- Use a mouthguard if you play sports.
For invisible aligners:
- Wear the trays for at least 22 hours a day.
- Remove only to eat or brush your teeth.
- Clean the trays with cold water and mild soap.
Discipline is the key to a beautiful and lasting smile.
9. Retainers: the secret to maintaining the result
After removing the braces, teeth still tend to move slightly — this is natural.
Therefore, the use of retainers is essential to maintain the achieved result.
There are two main types:
- Fixed retainer: a wire bonded to the inner side of the teeth, invisible and permanent.
- Removable retainer: a transparent tray worn at night.
Both are comfortable and prevent teeth from returning to their initial position.
With periodic reviews and correct use, the smile remains aligned for many years.
10. Orthodontics in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel (Azores)
In Ponta Delgada, OnlySmile offers comprehensive orthodontic treatments for all ages — children, teenagers, and adults.
The clinic combines digital technology, precise diagnosis, and personalized monitoring, ensuring predictable and aesthetically natural results.
In the Azores, where the quality of local services is an important factor, it is possible to find modern and safe treatments without the need to travel to the mainland.
The smile is treated with clinical rigor and human sensitivity — because each alignment is unique, and each patient deserves individual attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is orthodontics just for aesthetics?
No. It also improves chewing, speech, and prevents dental wear.
2) Can I get braces even as an adult?
Yes. Modern braces are effective and discreet, ideal for adults.
3) Is treatment with invisible aligners as effective as fixed braces?
Yes, as long as they are used correctly. They are suitable for most cases.
4) Do braces hurt?
They may cause slight discomfort in the first few days, but it is temporary and normal.
5) How long does the treatment last?
On average, from 12 to 24 months, depending on the case.
6) Do I need to wear a retainer after braces?
Yes. It is essential to keep the smile aligned in the long term.
7) Are appointments frequent?
Usually every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the type of appliance.
8) How much does orthodontic treatment cost in Ponta Delgada?
It depends on the type of appliance. OnlySmile always provides a written plan and budget.
9) Can I undergo treatment in the Azores or do I need to go to the mainland?
You can do everything in the Azores at OnlySmile, with quality equivalent to mainland clinics.
10) Is it necessary to extract teeth to get braces?
Not always. Only in cases of lack of space and after a detailed evaluation.
Protocolos & Parcerias
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Associação Agrícola De São Miguel • Grupo Bensaude • Camara Municipal De Ponta Delgada • Grupo Finançor • Montepio Geral – Associação Mutualista • Grupo Sata • Grupo EDA • Cooperativa Agrícola Do Norte • ACP Automóvel Club De Portugal • Açorlider Tabacaria • ALZA • Associação Humanitária Dos Bombeiros Voluntários De Ponta Delgada • Associação Sindical Dos Profissionais De Polícia • Azores Padel Club • Azoróptica • Camara Municipal Da Lagoa • Cartão Do Idoso – Município De Ponta Delgada • Coliseu Micaelense • Clube De Atividade Física Dos Bombeiros De Ponta Delgada • Clube Naval De Ponta Delgada • Fundação Inatel • Grupo Ilha Verde • Grupo Lince Hotels • Grupo R – Construções • José Cymbron • Liga Dos Combatentes • Ordem Dos Advogados • Ordem Dos Enfermeiros • Ordem Engenheiros Região Açores • Portos Dos Açores • Prolacto • Servicater • Serviços Municipalizados De Ponta Delgada • Sindescom • Sindicado Dos Enfermeiros • Sindicato Democrático Dos Açores • Sindicato Profesores Região Autónoma Dos Açores • Sintap • Unipelago
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Schedule your evaluation
Clear plan, deadlines, and written budget
If you are looking for orthodontics in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel (Azores), the best decision starts with clear information, a predictable treatment plan, and personalized monitoring. At OnlySmile, we combine technology and empathy to align your smile with comfort, safety, and confidence — because smiling without complexes changes everything.
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