orthodontics

Orthodontics — BrusselsAdults · Children · Teenagers

More than straight teeth.

A straighter smile is only part of the story.

Move with purpose.

Orthodontics is often associated with straight teeth. But a healthy, harmonious smile involves much more than alignment. Whether you’re considering orthodontics for yourself or your child, our approach combines careful diagnosis, modern treatment options and personalized follow-up.

A woman smiling AlignmentBiteJaw relationshipHarmony
01 — Philosophy

The goal isn’t simply to move teeth. It’s to create harmony.

The way your teeth meetThe way your jaw movesThe position of each toothHow your upper and lower arches relateHow your smile fits your face

At Smilea, orthodontic treatment is about understanding all of these elements and creating a treatment plan around you.

Not simply alignment. Harmony.

02 — Your teeth don’t have to stay where they are

Movement can create change.

Teeth are not permanently fixed in one position. With carefully controlled forces, orthodontic treatment can gradually guide them into new positions. This can help address concerns such as:

Dental model with orthodontic braces
01 / 06 · Crowding

The appropriate treatment depends on your individual dental and skeletal characteristics.

03 — Straight teeth. Healthy function. A balanced smile.

Not only about appearance.

A well-planned orthodontic treatment can address both aesthetic and functional aspects of your bite and tooth position. But every case is different.

Easier to clean

Straightening teeth may make them easier to clean.

A better way to meet

Correcting certain bite relationships can help establish a more appropriate way for the teeth to meet.

Room to align

Creating adequate space can allow teeth to occupy more suitable positions within the dental arch.

The objective is not to make every smile identical. It is to find the right position for you.

04 — Before moving anything, we understand everything

Diagnosis comes first.

Orthodontic treatment should never begin with simply choosing between braces and aligners. First, we need to understand the situation.

A dentist examining a patient
Clinical examination
01Your teeth
02Your gums
03Your bite
04Your jaw relationship
05Your facial proportions
06Growth and development, when relevant

Depending on your case, this may involve:

Clinical examinationPhotographsDigital scansRadiographic imaging

The appliance comes after the diagnosis.

05 — The Smilea approach · Consultation

Your first consultation is about more than whether your teeth are straight. We discuss your concerns, objectives and expectations. Your teeth, bite and overall oral health are examined to understand what is happening and what may need to change.

Understand
05 — The Smilea approach · Treatment strategy

An individualized strategy takes into account the current position of your teeth, the desired result, your bite and the characteristics of your case. Different orthodontic solutions may be considered.

Every movement should have a reason.

Plan
05 — The Smilea approach · Active treatment

Appliances apply controlled forces over time to gradually guide the teeth toward planned positions: fixed braces, aligners or other appliances depending on the diagnosis. Progress is monitored so adjustments can be made when necessary.

Move
05 — The Smilea approach · Retention

The end of active treatment is not the end of the journey. Teeth can naturally move over time, so retention helps maintain the new positions. Your plan may include removable or fixed retainers.

A new position deserves to be maintained.

Maintain
06 — Braces or aligners? · Option 01

Clear aligners

A person fitting a clear aligner

Removable, custom-made trays designed to progressively move the teeth according to a treatment plan. They can appeal to patients who prefer a more discreet option, and can be removed for eating and oral hygiene.

However, aligners are not automatically suitable for every case. Their effectiveness depends on appropriate case selection and patient compliance.

Option 02

Fixed braces

Teeth with fixed orthodontic braces

Brackets and orthodontic wires apply controlled forces to the teeth. They remain attached throughout the active phase and can manage a wide range of orthodontic movements.

Today’s options can be considerably more discreet than traditional braces, depending on the system selected.

The answer should come from the diagnosis, not from the trend. The treatment comes first. The appliance comes second.

07 — For every stage of life

Adults. Children. Teens.

Orthodontic treatment is not limited to childhood. And during growth, timing can matter.

A man smiling
For adults

It’s never too late to reconsider your smile.

Many adults seek treatment to improve alignment, address changes over time or correct a bite that has always bothered them. Adult orthodontics comes with its own considerations:

Existing restorationsGum healthPrevious orthodontic treatmentTooth wearBone and periodontal conditions
For children and teenagers

Sometimes, timing matters.

Children’s teeth and jaws are constantly developing. Assessment during growth can help identify developing alignment or bite problems and determine whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.

Not every child needs immediate treatment. Sometimes, observation is the right first step.

08 — More than straight teeth

When alignment changes.

Orthodontic treatment can influence several aspects of the smile and bite. The exact benefits depend on the individual diagnosis and treatment plan.

  1. AlignmentMore appropriate positions for crowded, rotated or displaced teeth.
  2. SpacingReducing or redistributing gaps where clinically appropriate.
  3. BiteImproving certain relationships between the upper and lower teeth.
  4. FunctionA more appropriate relationship between the teeth during everyday function.
  5. HygieneBetter-aligned teeth can sometimes be easier to clean effectively.
  6. AestheticsImproving the overall appearance and harmony of the smile.
A dentist scanning a patient’s teeth with an intraoral scanner
Digital scan · 3D model of the teeth
09 — Digital orthodontics

See the movement before it happens.

  • Digital scansDetailed three-dimensional representations of the teeth.
  • Digital planningVisualizing potential tooth movements and treatment stages.
  • Digital workflowsDepending on the treatment, used to fabricate customized appliances.

Technology remains a tool. The diagnosis and clinical decisions come first.

10 — Your smile is not a template

So your treatment isn’t one either.

Two people can have teeth that appear similarly crowded but require completely different approaches. Because orthodontics is not simply about where the teeth are. It is also about:

  1. 01How they meet
  2. 02Root positionWhere the roots are positioned.
  3. 03Available space
  4. 04Bone and gumsThe surrounding bone and gums.
  5. 05The jawsThe relationship between the jaws.
  6. 06AgeThe patient’s age and development.
  7. 07The outcomeThe desired treatment outcome.

Copying another person’s treatment is rarely meaningful. Your smile needs its own plan.

11 — What does orthodontic treatment look like?

First consultation, final retainer.

Eight stages across five phases.

Phase I · Stages 1–3

Assess

  1. 01Consultation

    We discuss your concerns, objectives and expectations.

  2. 02Examination

    Your teeth, gums, bite and overall orthodontic situation are assessed.

  3. 03Records & diagnosis

    Photographs, digital scans and radiographic imaging may be used, depending on your case.

Phase II · Stage 4

Plan

  1. 04Treatment plan

    Options are discussed, including expected stages and approximate duration.

  2. Every movement should have a reason.
Phase III · Stages 5–6

Move

  1. 05Active treatment

    Your chosen appliance begins guiding the teeth toward their planned positions.

  2. 06Regular monitoring

    Progress is reviewed and adjustments are made when necessary.

  3. Controlled, monitored movement.
Phase IV · Stage 7

Finish

  1. 07Finishing

    The final stages focus on achieving the planned alignment and bite.

  2. Alignment and bite, together.
Phase V · Stage 8

Retain

  1. 08Retention

    Retainers help maintain the result and reduce the risk of unwanted tooth movement.

  2. A new position deserves to be maintained.
12 — How long does orthodontic treatment take?

No universal timeline.

Some treatments may take several months. Others require considerably longer. At your consultation, Smilea can provide an estimated duration based on your individual situation.

01The complexity of the case
02The movements required
03The type of appliance
04The patient’s age
05Biological response
06Patient compliance

Good orthodontics is measured in movements, not promises.

13 — What makes a successful treatment?

It’s a partnership.

The orthodontic team plans and controls the treatment. But your participation matters too, and appointments and monitoring should be maintained throughout.

With alignersWear them according to the prescribed schedule.
With fixed bracesCareful oral hygiene, and following dietary and care instructions.

The plan is created together. The result is maintained together.

14 — Questions

Asked often.

Anything else on your mind? Your orthodontic team will answer it during your consultation.

Q.01Is orthodontic treatment painful?+

You may experience pressure, sensitivity or temporary discomfort when appliances are first fitted or adjusted. This usually relates to the controlled forces used to move the teeth. The experience varies from person to person, and your orthodontic team can advise you on managing any discomfort.

Q.02Can adults have orthodontic treatment?+

Yes. Adults can undergo orthodontic treatment when their teeth, gums and supporting structures are healthy enough for the planned movement. The approach may differ depending on the individual clinical situation.

Q.03Are clear aligners suitable for everyone?+

No. Clear aligners can treat many orthodontic problems, but they are not appropriate for every type or severity of tooth movement. A clinical assessment is necessary to determine whether aligners can achieve the desired result in your case.

Q.04Do I need to wear aligners all day?+

Aligners generally need to be worn for most of the day and removed for eating, drinking certain beverages and oral hygiene, according to the instructions provided by your orthodontic team. The required schedule can vary according to the treatment plan.

Q.05How long will I need braces?+

Duration varies according to the complexity of the case and the type of movements required. Your orthodontist can provide an estimated timeline after completing your examination and treatment planning.

Q.06Will my teeth move again after treatment?+

Teeth can move after active orthodontic treatment. This is why retention is an important part of orthodontic care: retainers help maintain the positions achieved during treatment.

Q.07Can orthodontics change my face?+

Orthodontic treatment can influence the relationship and position of the teeth and, in certain growing patients, may be part of a broader approach to jaw development. The extent of any visible facial change depends on the individual diagnosis, growth, treatment and type of correction required. Orthodontics should not be presented as a guarantee of a particular facial transformation.

Q.08Can orthodontics fix my bite?+

Orthodontic treatment can correct certain bite problems, depending on their nature and severity. Some cases may require additional approaches, particularly when skeletal jaw discrepancies are involved. A detailed assessment is necessary to determine the appropriate treatment.

Q.09How much does orthodontics cost in Brussels?+

The cost depends on the complexity of the case, the treatment duration, the appliance used and the amount of orthodontic care required. Clear aligners, fixed appliances and other treatments may have different costs. After your assessment, Smilea can explain the recommended treatment and provide the corresponding estimate.

15 — Next step

Your smile has room to move.

A smile is not something you have to accept exactly as it is. With the right diagnosis and a carefully planned approach, orthodontic treatment can gradually change the position of your teeth. No standard smile. No unnecessary treatment. No one-size-fits-all plan. Just a treatment designed around you.

Smilea Clinique Dentaire · Brussels, BelgiumMove with purpose. Smile with confidence.
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