Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a medical specialty that deals with the correction of orthodontic anomalies of the teeth and jaws. The aim is not only to create a regular and aesthetic set of dentures, but also to adjust the position of the upper and lower jaws in relation to each other.
This is important because malocclusion is the result of misaligned teeth:
- leads to overloading of the periodontal ligament, which can cause premature tooth loss,
- speech impediments and chewing difficulties,
- Jaw disorders (pain, clicking).
The process of orthodontic treatment
During the first two consultations, we will assess your needs and see if orthodontic treatment is medically or aesthetically justified. Photographs and impressions will be taken, and Dentyst’s dentists will use these to draw up a treatment plan. Together with the patient, we will discuss the process and begin treatment. If necessary, bad teeth are filled and dental floss is removed. Before bonding, all our patients are informed about complications and side effects. Every 4-6 weeks we check the braces fitted, replacing the archwire, spring, rubber band if necessary. Each time we take photos of the current condition, which are part of the documentation. Before removing the braces, we take control x-rays, evaluate the position of the teeth and finally remove the braces.
It may be necessary to consult an additional specialist, e.g. speech therapist, periodontist, otorhinolaryngologist, etc., if we feel it is necessary.
Orthodontic appliances
Removable appliances:
- Removable appliances are used to try to influence the growth of the jawbones in the right direction, thus providing adequate space for the remaining teeth to erupt. It is a misconception that you have to wait for all the remaining teeth to erupt.
- Removable appliances act mainly on the jawbones, “pre-treating” them before fixed appliances.
- Using them can avoid tooth extraction later on and helps to avoid bad habits (finger sucking, tongue thrusting, etc.).
- Starting age: 6-12 years.
- Wearing time: 14-16 hours per day.
Fixed appliances:
- The fixed appliance is used to align the teeth and to adjust the position of the jaws in relation to each other using various accessories (rubber band, button clasp…)
- Start of treatment: depends on the individual, no upper age limit.
- Treatment time: 1.5 to 2 years, but it depends on the misalignment of the teeth, up to 3 to 4 years.
- Once the fixed appliance is removed, a fixed appliance is required, usually consisting of 2 components. A fixed appliance and a removable appliance
- The fixed appliance is placed on the inner surface of the teeth, is invisible and may remain in place for life. A removable appliance is worn 12-14 hours a day for a minimum of 3-4 years. This is the time needed to achieve the desired condition and to ensure that the teeth do not move back after the appliance is removed.
- Thanks to the new generation of adhesives, the enamel is not damaged when the brackets are removed.
Recommended age
There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment, but the younger, growing body responds earlier to treatment. In adults, treatment may be longer and more complicated, tooth extraction more frequent and more compromises may be needed.
What to look out for?
Oral care: brushing after every meal and using special instruments to remove plaque and bacteria stuck on the appliance is recommended, as these damage teeth. White spot, discolouration, caries may develop around the bracket.
Food: avoid sticky, sticky foods, boiled corn, oil seeds, chewing gum. No biting into food with braces and chewing everything into small pieces.
What is needed to achieve the desired result?
Motivation, persistence, cooperation. You can’t stop halfway through the treatment. The dentist’s instructions must always be followed, e.g. setting removable appliances at home, wearing them for the right number of hours, pulling a rubber band for fixed appliances, etc.