1- What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the treatment of structural abnormalities in the upper and lower jaws, spaced teeth, malocclusions related to dental occlusion, and dental misalignments. Untreated misaligned teeth can lead to difficulties in cleaning, resulting in tooth loss and periodontal, or gum, problems. Moreover, misalignment of the upper and lower jaw bones can cause excessive pressure on the jaw muscles, leading to temporomandibular joint disorders and pain in the head, shoulders, and back. Orthodontic treatments aim to prevent all these health problems from occurring and also improve aesthetics by achieving a better appearance.
2- How is Orthodontic Treatment Performed?
Orthodontic treatment is performed using various fixed or removable appliances applied to the teeth or jawbone. The type of appliance used is determined based on the requirements of the treatment, rather than personal preference.
3- When Should You See an Orthodontist?
In children, primary teeth begin to erupt around 6 months of age and are completed by around 2.5 years of age. Permanent teeth start to erupt around 6-7 years of age and continue until around 12 years of age.
4- What Are Orthodontic Problems?
Orthodontic problems include:
- Dental Misalignments: Misalignments in teeth due to dimensional discrepancies in tooth and jaw structure.
- Spaced Teeth: Gaps between teeth often seen in the front teeth due to small teeth or thick gum fibers.
- Rotated Teeth: Teeth rotated to the right or left, taking up more space and causing dental misalignments.
- Impacted Teeth: Teeth trapped between bone and soft tissue, causing damage to adjacent teeth.
- Missing Teeth: Congenital absence of teeth leading to disruption in dental arch. Treated by closing the gap with other teeth or applying prosthetic teeth after complete dental arch expansion.
- Midline Discrepancy: Misalignment of the upper and lower midline between two front teeth.
- Malocclusions: Abnormal bite patterns such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite.
- Narrow Jaw: Narrow upper or lower jaw causing crossbite of back teeth.
- Protruded Jaw: Upper or lower jaw protruding forward, leading to eating and speech problems.
Early diagnosis of potential orthodontic problems and, if present, their cessation is useful when permanent teeth start to erupt. Early intervention may be required around 7-8 years of age for jaw abnormalities. In cases where only dental irregularities are present, treatment is generally delayed until permanent dentition is completed. In adult patients, teeth can always be moved, but it should be noted that advancing age may decrease treatment duration and tolerance.
5- Orthodontic Treatments
With advances in medicine and technology, orthodontic treatments are now more aesthetic and faster to apply. Treatments aimed at moving teeth or enlarging muscle or jaw structures can be either mobile or fixed. Treatment methods vary depending on the presence of orthodontic problems.
Commonly used treatment methods include:
- Clear Aligners: Transparent aligners used in the treatment of dental misalignments, providing an aesthetic treatment option.
- Braces: Brackets attached to teeth surfaces, connected by wires to apply force to teeth. Brackets can be colored or transparent.
- Fixed Space Maintainer: Used in cases of early loss of primary teeth to maintain space until permanent teeth erupt.
- Removable Retainer: Used after treatment to maintain tooth position and may also be used to stop finger-sucking habits.
- Jaw Appliances: Placed on the upper or lower jaw to ensure correct jaw closure and treat temporomandibular joint disorders.
- Jaw Expander: Used to widen the upper jaw and prevent crossbite of back teeth.
- Headgear: Attached to the front of the head, applying pressure to the upper jaw to maintain the position of posterior teeth and improve overbite.
6- Duration of Orthodontic Treatment
The duration of orthodontic treatments varies depending on the individual and the type of treatment. Treatment of dental irregularities alone takes less time than treating irregularities involving both teeth and jaw. Positive results can be achieved in orthodontic and orthopedic treatments within an average of 6-24 months. The duration of treatment may vary depending on the patient and factors such as compliance with oral hygiene, avoidance of certain foods, and proper use of appliances.
7- Frequency of Check-ups During Treatment
During orthodontic treatment, check-ups are initially more frequent, typically every 4-6 weeks.
8- Is There Pain or Discomfort During Orthodontic Treatment or Afterwards?
There is no pain during the application of braces. However, after adjustments during appointments, mild discomfort or sensitivity may occur for a short period, which is normal.
9- Maintenance and Oral Hygiene for Braces
During treatment, it is essential to brush teeth immediately after eating, regardless of what is eaten. Brackets provide an ideal environment for food particle and bacterial plaque accumulation, so they should be thoroughly cleaned after each brushing. Additionally, flossing or using interdental brushes should be done once daily, preferably in the evenings. Regular dental and gum checks should be done every six months.
10- What to Consider During Orthodontic Treatment
The most crucial factor during treatment is the harmony between the Patient-Doctor-Family triangle. Patients should adhere to scheduled appointments and fulfill the tasks and responsibilities given by the doctor. Oral hygiene is essential for the success and duration of treatment. During treatment, hard foods such as apples and carrots should be eaten by cutting them into small pieces. Similarly, sandwiches or burgers should not be bitten into but cut and eaten. Avoiding nuts, seeds, and pits of fruits like cherries and olives is advisable as they can damage brackets.
11- Is There an
