Where do orthodontic plans diverge?
Orthodontic plans diverge in three main places: whether to extract teeth, which appliance to move them with, and what to hold them with afterward. People ask, “Isn’t it just about lining them up nicely?” but orthodontics is a treatment that moves teeth at the pace at which the alveolar bone (the bone supporting the teeth) is resorbed on one side and refilled on the other. Applying more force does not straighten them faster.
| Point of divergence | Basis for the decision | What happens if it is missed |
|---|---|---|
| Whether to extract | Missing space, mouth protrusion, bone thickness | Forcing non-extraction makes the mouth protrude more |
| Appliance | Amount and direction of movement, wearing habits | Movements the appliance cannot achieve remain |
| Bite | How the upper and lower teeth meet, biting force | The alignment is right but the bite is off |
| Retention | Type and duration of retainers, checkup intervals | The teeth move back to where they were |
Why does one clinic say extraction and another say non-extraction?
Extraction is a choice for when space is very short or the mouth already protrudes; it is not the default. When the shortage is borderline, opinions can differ on whether to solve it with interproximal reduction or moving the molars back, or with extraction. Forcing the teeth in without extraction pushes them forward, and conversely, extraction does not always make the mouth look less protruding. The criteria are written up in detail in Extraction vs. non-extraction orthodontics: how to choose.
So if two clinics give different diagnoses, there is no need to conclude that one is wrong. If you hear why each one made that judgment and what the limits of that choice are, you can see where the difference came from.
Do different appliances give different results?
The appliance is a means, and the result is decided by the movement plan. Whether clear aligners or brackets, results come only when they are worn as designed and checked. With removable appliances, movement stops for as long as they are left out, and teeth will not go in a direction the bone cannot support no matter what the appliance is called. The differences between appliances are summarized in Comparing types of orthodontics.
What happens if the treating doctor changes during orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a treatment followed from start to finish with the same records, so if the treating doctor changes midway, there is a process of readjusting the direction and speed of force. That can lengthen the period or lead to repeated adjustments. Working with other specialties for gum or surgical issues helps the result, but it is better to carry the overall framework of orthodontics through as one plan whenever possible.
Should retainers be part of the plan?
Yes. The day the teeth become straight is the middle of treatment. Without retainers, teeth tend to move back to where they were, so which retainer to wear, for how long, and when to have checkups should be in the plan from the start. If a small gap is left for a long time, a large movement becomes necessary again. A plan that does not talk about retention is not a plan.
How we do it at Wonjin Dental
In consultation, I start by telling you what state your teeth are in now, whether extraction is right, whether the direction you want is within what the bone can support, and what side effects might remain. I tell you first which directions won’t work. The orthodontic diagnosis (₩100,000), prices by appliance, and retainers (₩300,000 each by type) are all published on All treatment fees, and there are no numbers we only reveal in consultation. Even if the front desk guides you on scheduling and payment, I explain the treatment details to you myself.
Frequently asked questions
How many orthodontic consultations should I get?
For a major treatment, it is fine to get diagnoses at two or three clinics and compare. If the plans differ, simply asking each clinic why the difference arises reveals a lot.
Can only orthodontic specialists do orthodontics?
Any dentist can provide orthodontic treatment. Rather than the credentials displayed, I recommend looking at whether the plan considers the bone, gums, and bite together and clearly states which movements won’t work.
What tests are done for an orthodontic diagnosis?
Using photos, X-rays, and dental impressions, we look at the alignment and bite, the position of the roots and jawbone, and the side profile of the face. These records become the basis of the plan and the reference for comparison during and after treatment.
Can the orthodontic plan change during treatment?
If the teeth move differently than expected or the condition of the gums changes, we adjust midway. It is good to have the reason for the change and any change in duration explained each time.
