Orthodontics in Bilbao
We correct the position of the teeth and the bite at any age, with braces or with clear aligners. It is not just cosmetic: it is health. Free first consultation and study.
What is orthodontics?
It is the dentistry specialty that aligns the teeth and corrects the way they fit together when biting (the occlusion). It improves the appearance of the smile, but above all it improves the health and function of the mouth.
When teeth are crowded, crooked or do not bite well, they are harder to clean (more decay and more gum problems), wear unevenly and discomfort can appear. Orthodontics moves the teeth little by little, with gentle, controlled forces, into their ideal position. If you are looking for the most discreet option, you will be interested in our invisible orthodontics (Invisalign) page.
Benefits of orthodontics in Bilbao
At any age
There is no age to correct your smile: we treat children, teenagers and adults.
Health, not just looks
A correct bite prevents wear, decay and gum problems.
Several options
Metal or aesthetic braces and clear aligners: we choose with you.
Better hygiene
Aligned teeth are much easier to clean and stay healthy for longer.
A better bite
Eat and chew well, and avoid the wear and pain caused by a poor bite.
More confidence
A smile you like changes how you present yourself to others.
What orthodontic treatment is like
Orthodontic study
Check-up, photos, X-ray and, where appropriate, a 3D scan. We study how you bite and how your teeth are positioned to plan the treatment. At the free first visit we explain what you need and why.
Plan and choice of appliance
We present the options that work for your case (braces or aligners), with their advantages and a closed quote, so you can decide with the information in front of you.
Fitting and follow-up
We fit the braces or hand over your aligners and the movement begins. Periodic check-ups (adjustments or tray changes) guide the teeth into place.
Retention
At the end we fit a retainer (fixed behind the teeth or removable) so the teeth do not move and the result lasts over time.
Types of orthodontics
| Type | What it is | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | The classic ones, very effective and affordable | All kinds of cases; great value for money |
| Aesthetic braces | Ceramic or sapphire, tooth-coloured | Those who want braces but more discreet |
| Lingual orthodontics | Braces on the inner side of the teeth | Maximum discretion (not visible from outside) |
| Clear aligners | Transparent, removable trays | Comfort and aesthetics; most cases |
There is no "best" type in the abstract: the best is the one that fits your case, your day-to-day life and your budget. We decide that together at the initial study.
What problems it corrects
Orthodontics solves most positioning and bite problems:
- Crowding: overlapping or crooked teeth from lack of space.
- Diastemas: spaces or gaps between teeth.
- Overbite: the upper teeth cover the lower ones too much.
- Open or crossbite: the teeth do not fit together as they should.
- Protruding or stuck-out teeth.
- Relapses from previous orthodontics that has shifted again.
At the free first visit we assess your case and tell you what can be improved and how.
Orthodontics for adults
More and more adults decide to align their smile, and clear aligners have a lot to do with it: being able to correct your teeth without it showing at work or in photos has removed the fear of "getting braces as an adult". There is no age limit for orthodontics; the only thing that matters is that the teeth and gums are healthy.
As well as the aesthetics, in adults orthodontics usually has a health goal: improving the bite, making hygiene easier to halt gum problems or preparing the mouth before placing implants or prosthetics. We assess it in your specific case.
Shall we talk about your smile?
Free first consultation and study: we assess your case and tell you which orthodontics suits you, with a closed quote and no commitment.
Everything about orthodontics
At what age should the first orthodontic check-up be?
A first check-up is recommended around the age of 6-7. It does not mean the child will start treatment then: it is about monitoring growth and spotting in time problems that are better corrected early. Most treatments start later. In adults there is no age limit.
Is orthodontics only for children?
No, not at all. More and more adults are being treated, especially with clear aligners, which let you correct the teeth almost without it showing. What matters is not age, but having healthy teeth and gums. It is never too late to align your smile.
Braces or invisible orthodontics?
Both work; the choice depends on your case, your aesthetics and your budget. Invisible orthodontics is more discreet and comfortable and solves most cases; braces can have an advantage in some very complex cases. We assess it at the free first visit and tell you honestly what suits you.
How long does an orthodontic treatment take?
Usually between 12 and 24 months, depending on the complexity. Simple cases can be shorter. At the initial study we give you an estimate of how long your treatment will take.
Does orthodontics hurt?
It does not hurt, although when the appliance is fitted and after each adjustment you may feel pressure or discomfort for a couple of days: that is a sign the teeth are moving. With braces, in addition, at first they can rub and cause some sores until the mouth gets used to them. With aligners that discomfort is less.
Is orthodontics only cosmetic or is it also health?
It is both. As well as a nicer smile, a good tooth position and a correct bite make cleaning easier (less decay and fewer gum problems), spread the forces well when chewing and prevent wear and pain. It is health, not just appearance.
What types of braces are there?
Mainly metal (the classic ones, cheaper and very effective) and aesthetic (ceramic or sapphire, tooth-coloured, more discreet). There is also lingual orthodontics, on the inner side of the teeth. And as an alternative to all of them, clear aligners. We explain which fits your case.
Will I have to wear a retainer at the end?
Yes, always. At the end of any orthodontics a retainer is fitted (fixed or removable) because the teeth have a natural tendency to move again over the years. The retainer is what makes the result last; it is an essential part of the treatment.
Can I have orthodontics if my gums are delicate?
First the gums must be healthy. Moving teeth with active periodontitis can worsen the bone loss. If you have gum problems, we treat them first (with periodontics and a cleaning) and, once they are stabilised, orthodontics is perfectly possible and often advisable.
