Orthodontics
When and for whom is recommended orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is recommended for those, who want to enjoy a beautiful correct smile – who want to replace irregular set of teeth, bite, smile beautify and improve chewing function. Orthodontic treatment improves the appearance of teeth, helps to improve the masticatory function and helps to maintain healthy gums, teeth, and jaw joint.
When it is recommended to start orthodontic treatment?
First visit to the doctor orthodontist is recommended for 7-8 years old kids. During the first visit a doctor orthodontist evaluates if the child needs orthodontic treatment.
During examination, the doctor orthodontist inspects if there are visible germination sequence discrepancies or potential crowding of teeth, or too much space between the teeth. The doctor also assesses whether there is a missing tooth bud, jaw growth problems. In view of the results of his examination, the doctor orthodontist plans when treatment should be started, selects the best treatment.
Commonly, orthodontic treatment is recommended to begin, when the child reaches adolescence, when all the milk teeth have dropped out, but the child is still growing. When the child is 10-16 years old the best orthodontic treatment outcomes can be achieved.
Early diagnosis of orthodontic problems and treatment helps to prevent occurrence of complex problems. Early treatment is usually shorter and easier.
Orthodontic treatment can be applied to grown ups as well. Doctor orthodontist, selecting appropriate machines and tools, can achieve encouraging results.
Before orthodontic treatment it is recommended to fix the bad teeth or uproot them. However, the aesthetic restoration, teeth whitening is advisable to start after orthodontic treatment
What signs show that the child needs orthodontic treatment? /h3>
Finger sucking, premature or late loss of milk teeth, teeth crowding, crooked or appearance of teeth out of place, breathing through the mouth, asymmetrical face. The orthodontic treatment need not be taken lightly, and if the child hardly chews, while he is opening the mouth, the lower jaw deviates to the side of the mouth and, biting the teeth, between the upper and lower jaws a gap can be seen or teeth constantly bite into the cheek or palate.
What means are used for orthodontic treatment?
A variety of means is used for treatment. Less serious cases are usually treated with removable orthodontic devices: plates, removable functional appliances, the external distraction devices. The patient can take out these devices, and they are easier to maintain. Choosing these devices it is easier for the patient to maintain his oral cavity. In addition, the removable orthodontic appliances are cheaper than the fixed ones. However, they also break more easily.
Removable orthodontic appliances are made of plastic base and stainless steel collars and hooks. The hooks help the devices to stay on the teeth. Removable orthodontic appliances are fastened from the lingual or palatal side. They are most suitable for the expansion of the upper jaw.
The usage of these devices can give good results only when the patient strictly adheres to the orthodontist recommendations and the treatment provided.
For the treatment of more complex cases fixed orthodontic devices are used. They can be removed only by a specialist. These devices can cause some discomfort. However, this is probably the best and most effective orthodontic treatment.
Top fixed orthodontic devices are braces (teeth staples) .Braces correct adjusted various dental situations, occlusion abnormalities. Braces are glued to the tooth surface and connected by a metal wire. Can braces solve all orthodontic problems?
Sometimes orthodontic treatment needs implants. Their goal is to provide extra support for braces or other orthodontic devices. Orthodontic implants are temporary. During a short surgical procedure they are fastened in the bone.
There is not one kind of braces. How to choose the best?
There are several types of braces, so for the patient is not always easy to choose. OZO aesthetic dentistry and implantology clinic orthodontists’ advice helps you to choose the most suitable for each case quality braces.
Metal braces – the most commonly used kind of braces. Treatment, using them, goes a little faster than with the other kinds of braces, but they do not look as aesthetically as the other braces.
Ceramic braces – less visible, so they look much more aesthetically, but they are more expensive. Treatment, using them, them usually takes longer than with metal braces. In addition, crashed or cleft braces need to be replaced.
Not ligature braces – a new generation of aesthetic braces with a special lock. With them teeth are exposed to lower power. Because of lower friction treatment takes less time, and for supportive treatment one can visit orthodontist less often .However they are not suitable for all clinical situations.
Lingual braces – are the most aesthetical ones as they are as stuck in the teeth lingual side. However, these braces aren’t suitable for all clinical situations. In addition, they can be irritating to the mucous membrane of the tongue. These braces are the most expensive of all the types of braces.
How long does the procedure of putting on braces last?
One should not be afraid, as this procedure is totally painless. It takes about one hour to put braces onto one jaw. After the procedure for few days one can feel slight tooth ache, braces can scratch mouth mucous membrane. Commonly after the procedure painkillers are prescribed for the patient.
Does the treatment end after removing braces?
No. After removing the braces are made retaining plates or other orthodontic appliances (retainers). They must be used all the period, told by the doctor. Not dutifully wearing the retaining devices, the teeth return to their former position.
Not removable arch is often glued in the lower jaw from the tongue side, which is invisible. For retaining the teeth of the upper jaw usually the plate is produced.
How often one has to visit his/her orthodontist, starting the orthodontic treatment?
Repeated visits to a specialist are usually given every 6-8 weeks. Choosing non- ligature braces one will have to visit orthodontist less often, every 8-10 weeks.
How long does orthodontic treatment usually last?
The duration of treatment depends on the individual. Such factors as a patient’s age, whether he/she is growing, and the initial nature of bite abnormalities have significant impact on the duration of treatment. The duration of treatment depends on the chosen treatment methods. Sometimes treatment lasts only a few months. However, the average duration of orthodontic treatment is one year. Careless visits to the orthodontist, the disregard to doctor’s instructions extend the treatment period.
Is orthodontic treatment enough, if one wants a nice smile?
Orthodontic treatment is not enough in cases of complicated occlusion. Then the occlusion is corrected by surgery and before it the orthodontic preparation, using braces, is performed.