Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities and disorders.
The main goal of orthodontics is to improve the alignment and position of teeth and jaws, which may have occurred due to genetic factors.
Orthodontic treatment can be done using various tools and devices such as braces, spacers, and wires. Orthodontic treatment can improve oral function, enhance appearance, correct speech, and improve oral and dental hygiene.
Orthodontic treatment results in straightening and aligning teeth and corrects bite problems, which means adjusting the improper contact between the upper and lower teeth.
Types of orthodontic appliances for correcting dental and jaw abnormalities include:
- Braces: These devices consist of small pieces that are placed on the surface of the teeth and are connected to each other using connectors such as bands or wires. Braces are usually made of metal or ceramic.
- Wires: These wires are used to adjust the pressure and position of the teeth. The wires are placed between the brackets and cause the teeth to move and change position.
- Expanders: These devices are used to adjust the size and width of the jaws. Expanders are placed between the teeth and by applying gradual pressure, they increase the space between the teeth.
- Retainers: These devices are used after orthodontic treatment is completed to maintain the teeth in their correct position. Retainers are usually made of plastic and are placed on the teeth.
- Aligners: These are transparent devices similar to lampshades and are used to correct simple dental irregularities. Aligners are custom-made and changes are made to them during the treatment.
The use of each of these tools depends on the type and severity of dental irregularity and is determined by an orthodontic specialist.
Orthodontic methods for aligning teeth
To straighten and align teeth, various orthodontic methods can be used. Some of the most common orthodontic methods include:
- Orthodontics with Braces: The use of brackets and wires attached to them to adjust and correct the position of teeth. This treatment method is very common and effective, and there are various types of brackets and wires available.
- Lingual Braces: In this method, brackets are placed on the inner surface of the teeth, so they are not visible from the outside. This method is suitable for individuals who do not want the brackets to be visible.
- Orthognathic Surgery: In some cases, for correcting severe abnormalities of the jaw and face, orthognathic surgery is necessary. This method involves changing the position of the jaws and using brackets and wires.
Each of these methods depends on the type and severity of dental irregularity and is determined by an orthodontic specialist based on the needs of each individual.
Benefits of orthodontics
- Improvement in appearance: Orthodontics can improve the appearance of your face and smile. By straightening your teeth, you will feel more comfortable and have increased self-confidence.
- Improved oral function: Dental abnormalities can have a significant impact on oral function and digestion. By straightening and aligning your teeth, you can eat, chew, and speak better.
- Oral and dental health improvement: Straight and well-aligned teeth are easily cleanable and provide the best conditions for oral and dental hygiene. This can reduce the risk of infections, cavities, and gum diseases.
- Improvement of jaw and facial evolution: In some cases, dental abnormalities can have a negative impact on the growth and evolution of the jaw and face. Orthodontics can improve this evolution and stabilize the correct position of the jaws and face.
- Reducing the risk of injuries: Straight and properly aligned teeth are less prone to injuries and fractures. This can help prevent risks associated with sports activities and dental injuries.
It is important to know that for benefiting from these advantages, your cooperation and collaboration with an orthodontic specialist and adherence to their treatment instructions and recommendations are very important.
Stages of orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment stages may vary in different individuals, but generally, there are some fixed stages, including:
- Initially, in the first session, the orthodontist examines your teeth and explains the dental problems, treatment options, and costs to you.
- After that, in order to be able to examine your teeth more accurately, he takes a radiographic image of them.
- Before starting the treatment, an orthodontist examines the condition of your gums and teeth. If your gums are infected or receding, it can prevent orthodontic treatment from being effective. Similarly, if you have decayed teeth or teeth that need to be extracted, it can disrupt the treatment process. Therefore, these issues need to be addressed first.
- Now, the treatment should begin based on the type of orthodontics (removable, fixed, or invisible) that you desire.
For the treatment of removable orthodontic appliances, dental impressions need to be taken so that custom-made aligners can be created. Around 15 aligners need to be made, although this number may vary depending on dental issues. They should be replaced every two weeks.
Frequently asked questions about orthodontics:
1.How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Orthodontic treatment with braces takes between 1 to 2 years, but the more complex and severe the orthodontic problem is, the longer the treatment period will be.
Similarly, if orthodontic treatment has been done preventively or in childhood, the duration of treatment in adulthood will be shorter. Furthermore, if jaw surgery is also needed, the treatment duration will be longer.
Care of orthodontic bracket
To prevent your braces from breaking or bending, you need to be careful about what you eat.
For example, hard foods like rice crust, chips, apples, carrots, cabbage, and the like can break or detach a bracket from your tooth or bend the orthodontic wire.
You should also avoid chewing sticky foods such as taffy, marshmallows, gum, chocolate bars, caramel, and the like throughout your orthodontic treatment. Unless you are undergoing orthodontic treatment with aligners. In this case, you should remove your aligners when eating.
Disadvantages and problems of dental orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment is necessary for the beauty and health of the teeth, mouth and surrounding structures, and it has many benefits. However, it is also important to be aware of its disadvantages, limitations and problems:
Those who undergo orthodontic treatment are more prone to tooth decay and gum infection. This is because it is more difficult to keep all surfaces of the teeth clean while brackets are attached to them. This can cause parts of the teeth to not be cleaned properly, and plaque and bacteria to accumulate. As a result, tooth decay and gum infection occur.
After removing the braces, you may notice that your teeth have white spots. These spots are areas where minerals have been lost from the teeth. By taking more care of your oral hygiene, you can prevent these problems.
During orthodontic treatment, pressure is applied to the teeth to move them. In this process, the roots of some teeth may be resorbed under the pressure and atrophy slightly. This usually does not cause any problems for the stability and health of the tooth, but in rare cases it may cause the tooth to loosen.
The difficulty of using orthodontic oral appliances can lead some patients to not cooperate with the use of non-fixed or removable orthodontic appliances. As a result, they do not achieve the desired result.
After orthodontic treatment with brackets is completed, another device called an orthodontic retainer or retainer must be used to prevent the teeth from regressing and keep them in place. Since it takes some time for the bone around the tooth to harden and hold the tooth in place, if a retainer is not used during this time, the teeth may move again and return to their previous position.
Contact Dentalland Dental Clinic for more information.