Orthodontic Care in Desenzano: Addressing Crooked Teeth at Affordable Rates
Crooked teeth? They are a social issue. A statement that might seem a bit strong, but one that finds a precise response in the healthcare field. An answer explained by Professor Luigi Pettenella, former orthodontics professor at the Università di Bologna and now head of the new hospital service in Desenzano, which specifically addresses the correction of orthodontic defects in children and adolescents. It’s an important service because this issue affects the beauty of 70-80 percent of young people. An increasing number of children with braces in their mouths; almost an emergency that incurs very high costs for families. Which, however, at least in Desenzano, have an alternative. The so-called crooked teeth represent a significant problem — explains Pettenella —. Essentially, almost all families with children are dealing with this issue. And there’s another important aspect: a proper therapy, namely the use of the famous “braces”, usually takes place in a private clinic, and involves very high costs that many families cannot afford. We have therefore thought of tackling the problem by offering a qualified service at affordable rates, within the minimum tariff set by the Ordine dei Medici.
The value of orthodontic treatment
However, a current of thought assigns a purely aesthetic value to orthodontic interventions; what is your response? «It’s a gross mistake, and I dare to point this out even to school doctors. Let’s start with the premise – the healthcare professional continues – that beauty itself acquires great psychological significance, because it helps with self-acceptance, simplifies interpersonal relationships, and encourages maintaining order and cleanliness in oneself.» But are there other implications beyond psychological ones? «There are medically related reasons that necessitate correcting crooked mouths. I refer to the malfunction of the masticatory system, with easily imaginable consequences; to the imbalance of the dental gears, which can lead to periodontal disease in adulthood, meaning prematurely falling teeth; to temporomandibular joint disorders, which cause diffuse joint pain in the neck, mimicking cervical and head osteoarthritis. A substantial percentage of headaches originate from dental issues.»
When to intervene in adolescents
When is it best to intervene with teenagers? «The optimal age to start treatment is around nine years old, unless it concerns prognathism, which is an overgrowth of the chin: in that case – concludes Professor Pettenella – early treatment is necessary; otherwise, surgical intervention may be required.» In summary, families are warned: keep an eye on your children; careful prevention can avoid complexes and, more importantly, save quite a bit of money.