Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the correction of jammed teeth into an ideal line of teeth using detachable or fixed devices, as well as with the correction of skeletal disorders through growth orientation.
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Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the correction of jammed teeth into an ideal line of teeth using removable or fixed devices, as well as with the correction of skeletal disorders through growth orientation. The foundation of orthodontic treatment is based on the movement of the teeth in the bone by applying appropriate forces in the required direction and, if necessary, ensuring the ideal relationship of the soft tissues and bone structures by growth orientation.
During orthodontic treatment, the integrity of the teeth is not impaired; coating, filling, etc. operations are not done. This is a completely natural and long-term form of treatment.
Orthodontic treatment is performed with devices called 'braces' or 'orthodontic appliances' among the people. These devices may be fixed or removable. These devices can be used in a variety of combinations, including fixed or removable appliances, porcelain, metal, devices attached to the inner faces of the teeth, etc.
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Orthodontic treatment is a very different and special form of treatment compared to other dental treatments. To achieve the desired result from this treatment, it is important to devise a correct treatment plan is made and to follow this plan appropriately and frequently.
This special condition of orthodontic treatments necessitates the orthodontic procedures be performed by a specialist called orthodontist. After 5 years of dental education, specialization on orthodontics is achieved by obtaining a doctorate degree which consists of an additional 5 to 6 years of university education over the license degree. At the end of this long process, the dentist is granted the title of “Orthodontist” and a doctorate diploma.
When selecting an orthodontist, care must be taken to ensure that the orthodontist is accessible whenever needed. In case of disruption of communication between the patient and the orthodontist, the orthodontic treatment will be interrupted, and treatment periods will be unnecessarily prolonged; this is due to lack of communication. Make sure your dentist can be reached via e-mail or phone and your requests for appointment should be answered within a few days.
Before starting an orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will inform you of the overall plan and the cost of your treatment. Before your braces are installed, your oral care needs to be completed, all the fillings in the mouth done, gingival problems, buried teeth should be treated. Your orthodontist will draw up your treatment plan with your general dentist and other specialist physicians and start your treatment.
The American Orthodontic Society recommends that all children be checked by an orthodontist at the age of 6 or 7. At this stage, future problems can be diagnosed. If not urgent, orthodontic problems can be postponed until eruption of all permanent teeth. The purpose of this is to make it easier for children to better tolerate the treatment and properly clean the devices placed in the mouth. In cases where skeletal disorders are involved, such as maxillary or mandibular projections or misarticulation of teeth in the upper and lower arches, starting treatment in childhood has utmost importance in terms of efficiency and permanence of treatment. Failure in timely treatment of skeletal disorders can lead to problems that can only be corrected by surgical methods.
Age is no longer a factor in patients who want to be treated in adulthood. Problems that do not entail skeletal disorders and that only originate from the position of the teeth can be corrected at any age. These defects are solved by moving the teeth to the desired position by means of brackets. Orthognathic surgery can be performed, if orthodontic disorders are accompanied by skeletal problems and disorders of the jaws of the patient that are prominent externally.
The basic principle of orthodontic treatment is to eliminate the primary cause and proceed with correction of the disorder. If dental and skeletal disorders are caused by finger sucking or mouth breathing, these habits can be prevented using detachable or fixed devices. Eliminating such behaviors in the age of growth stops and even improves dental and skeletal problems.
In general, removable devices are used to correct simple disorders involving several teeth. These devices may have springs for pushing the teeth or screws for expanding the jaw. These devices can usually be used for several months.
Fixed devices, namely brackets, are bonded on the teeth and are often used for more challenging treatments. Brackets are available in metal color as well as in tooth color for use by adult patients. Porcelain brackets are generally used in adult patients. These brackets can display even the least discoloration and therefore oral hygiene and care must be the primary concern.
During the growth era of children, it may sometimes be necessary to get extraoral support in certain cases to correct skeletal disorders. In cases of mandibular progeny, support may be provided using mandibular external elements and in the case of maxillary progeny, collar supports may be used to pull back the upper jaw. Although these devices are generally used for 14-16 hours per day, your orthodontist will determine the duration of use specific to your child.
Patient participation is also very important for an effective and rapid orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics is a teamwork performed collectively by the patient, the orthodontist and the parents of the child. It is very important for patients to wear their detachable devices and intra-oral elasticities as described and in the desired time and to maintain oral hygiene at the highest level.
Orthodontic treatment is widely used in childhood. The child can do anything during orthodontic treatment, except minor restrictions. He/she can participate in sports activities, sing and play musical instruments. Orthodontic treatment will not adversely affect the success of the child at school and it will improve both the appearance and oral health of the child during development of personality and physical aspects and will provide a more balanced physical and mental health.
The most important consideration during treatment is the correct brushing of the teeth after each meal. Your dentist will help your child how to maintain oral hygiene. The establishment of the habit of tooth brushing during orthodontic treatment is the guarantee of oral and dental health that will last a lifetime.
Prevention of damage to fixed devices is crucial to the effectiveness of treatment. Biting hard foods can damage the wires. In order to prevent this, the patient must be careful in eating fruits with kernels, potato chips, crackers, etc. and avoid frequent consuming of foods that may tack on brackets.
During the initial phase of treatment, the teeth, gums and cheeks may temporarily have various disturbing conditions. This is a natural consequence of the process of getting used to orthodontic devices. This mild discomfort, which can last for 2-3 days, will not be seen during the rest of the treatment.
Simple perplexity, which only concerns the teeth, requires a treatment period ranging from 6 months to 1 year. Although this period differs in each patient, it depends on the type of treatment applied, the type of devices used and the individual factors such as age and sex. In some cases, it may be necessary to extract a tooth in order to correct dental irregularities. In this case, the treatment will usually last 18 to 24 months.
In some skeletal problems that are diagnosed earlier, and which should begin to be treated in childhood, treatment may take longer but the intensity of treatment is reduced. During your treatment, you will need to visit your orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks on the average. This time may vary depending on your treatment process.
Age Factor in Orthodontic Treatment is the first and most important step for an individual to express himself/herself correctly with healthy and regular teeth and a beautiful smile. Perplexed and irregularly aligned teeth do not only cause an aesthetically adverse appearance, but also deteriorate oral and general health.
In childhood, the necessary orthodontic treatments may not be provided due to financial problems. Sometimes smooth teeth may deteriorate due to extractions and gingival problems. The lost teeth may cause the remaining teeth to move towards the oral cavity, causing formation of a gap between the teeth or may lead the teeth to tilt over one side. In the case of misarticulation, in other words, if the lower and upper teeth do not close properly, irregularities in the jaw joint, pain and problems that may build up in the jaw can be experienced, in addition to certain aesthetic problems. Dental perplexity does not only have an adverse impact on dental and general health, but it also makes the individual feel unhappy and an unwell in the society.
In the past years, porcelain veneers have been used to correct dental disorders. Nowadays, thanks to the developing treatment techniques and materials technology, it is now possible for adults to benefit from orthodontic treatment. With the help of aesthetic brackets and wires used in orthodontics, treatment will proceed without attracting the attention of other people.
The individual is free to do anything except minor restrictions during orthodontic treatment. He/she can continue his business and social life and participate in all kinds of sports activities. Brackets will not restrict activities such as talking, singing or playing musical instruments.
In the beginning of your orthodontic treatment, it is not unusual to feel some discomfort. Your teeth and mouth tissues will get used to your brackets within a few days. Your dentist will take measures to reduce your problems at the beginning of the treatment.
The most important rule you should follow during your treatment is to keep your oral hygiene at the highest level in order to protect your teeth and gingival health. For this purpose, your orthodontist will tell you the appropriate brushing techniques. You should brush your teeth after each meal. During and after your treatment, flossing will help prevent interface caries.
To avoid damaging your wires, you should avoid hard and tacky foods. Kernelled foods such as olives, plums, nuts, hard chocolates can damage your teeth and the wires of devices.
Thanks to advancing treatment techniques, it has been possible to apply rapid and effective treatment in adult age. Simple perplexity, which concerns only the teeth, requires a treatment period of 12 to 24 months. Although this period differs in each patient, it depends on the type of treatment, the type of devices used, and the individual factors such as age and sex.
During orthodontic treatment, appointments will usually be between 4 to 6 weeks. This time may vary depending on your treatment needs. You can consult your orthodontist for any problems you may encounter during treatment.
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Last Updated : September 25, 2022
