Having teeth that are properly aligned significantly impacts oral health, it mean "orthodontics". The way your upper and lower teeth fit together is called "occlusion." When this alignment is poor, it's known as malocclusion. Treating malocclusion can help prevent oral health problems such as cavities, gum disease, and excessive tooth wear.
Ortodontics: What Is It?
Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that involves the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth, jaw irregularities, and improperly aligned bite patterns. It also encompasses the modification of facial growth.
Positional abnormalities of teeth and jaws are quite common. Therefore, many people benefit from orthodontic treatment, and patients who have completed treatment often report an improvement in their quality of life.
The duration of orthodontic treatment can vary from several months to several years. The length of treatment needed for teeth and jaws depends on the disorders present, the patient's oral and dental health, and their age. During this process, an orthodontist may use braces and similar appliances to gradually adjust tooth positions and jaw alignment. In cases where malocclusion, or poor bite, is severe, surgical intervention may be included in the treatment plan.
What Does Orthodontics Mean?
Orthodontics is a dental specialty. The word comes from the Greek terms "ortho, meaning straight or correct, and "odont, meaning tooth. As the name suggests, orthodontics focuses on properly aligning the teeth in the mouth and diagnosing and treating irregularities related to the teeth, jaws, and facial structure.
Orthodontic Treatment: What Is It?
Orthodontic treatment may sometimes increase the risk of tooth decay and gum problems. Therefore, an orthodontist may expect the patient to have good oral hygiene before starting treatment.
An orthodontist may use braces to correct the position of the teeth. Braces, which are one of the most commonly used orthodontic appliances, work to straighten teeth through the use of an external wire attached to the teeth. Although this process can be uncomfortable at times, it is frequently chosen by patients and orthodontists because it achieves the desired outcome.
Furthermore, an orthodontist may employ mechanical devices or perform maneuvers related to the jaw. In some cases, the patient may need to wear headgear or have temporary screws placed in their jaw. The exact treatment approach is determined based on the dental issue present.
If teeth are overcrowded and braces are required, an orthodontist may recommend the extraction of some teeth, even if they are healthy.
The duration of treatment generally depends on the complexity of the cases. Roughly speaking, orthodontic treatment lasts between 6 and 30 months. After the process is completed, retainers may be placed in the patient's mouth to prevent the teeth from returning to their original position. Retainers are not removable like braces and help maintain the alignment of the teeth. Sometimes, after the braces are removed, the patient may need to wear a type of removable retainer. These types of retainers can be taken out and put back in, unlike other treatment methods. It is generally recommended to use them for at least 12 months. The use of retainers varies from case to case. Therefore, if you have any questions about how to use retainers after orthodontic treatment, you can consult your orthodontist.
Benefits and Process of Orthodontic Treatment:
- Straightened teeth enhance chewing efficiency and improve speech clarity.
- Misaligned teeth are more likely to trap food particles, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Orthodontic treatment helps prevent this by correcting teeth alignment.
- Malocclusions can increase the likelihood of gum injury and trauma, but orthodontic treatment reduces this risk by improving bite alignment.
- Properly aligned teeth make it significantly easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Orthodontic treatment can help relieve pain associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders by correcting bite alignment.
- Orthodontic treatment results in a healthier and more attractive smile.
- By enhancing their smile and appearance, orthodontic treatment can boost an individual's confidence.
Patients play a vital role in the orthodontic process, which is a long-term commitment extending beyond routine office visits. Active participation and adherence to the orthodontist's instructions are crucial for achieving the best results. While orthodontic interventions”such as braces”can cause initial discomfort, most patients find that this subsides over time as they adjust to the treatment. Following professional guidance throughout the process is essential for maintaining dental health and ensuring treatment success.
Orthodontic Prices:
The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on factors such as the specific procedure, the clinic's location, the duration of treatment, and the materials used. Because oral and dental health are essential to overall well-being, it is important to prioritize choosing a trusted orthodontic specialist over focusing solely on price. Liv Hospital provides orthodontic services with an experienced team, ensuring quality care for its patients.
What to Know About Orthodontic Treatment:
Orthodontic treatment can be used to address many issues, and patients can benefit from orthodontics in various ways. For example:
- Correcting dental misalignments,
- Straightening teeth,
- Correcting malocclusion (poor bite),
- Reducing the risk of damage to protruding teeth, are some of the benefits.
In orthodontic treatment, sometimes the shape of the face affected by the abnormal position of the patient's teeth and jaw can be corrected. Additionally, it can also help correct other health issues such as cleft lip and palate.
A common complication of orthodontic treatment is white spots on the teeth. These spots can occur when plaque builds up on the patient's teeth and around the braces, producing acid and indicating early tooth decay. To prevent such issues and reduce the risk of tooth decay, orthodontists may recommend high-fluoride toothpaste or fluoride-containing mouthwash for patients. Additionally, avoiding sugary foods and carbonated drinks during orthodontic treatment is often advised.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
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FAQ
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies from case to case but generally ranges from 6 to 30 months. Patients may complete treatment more easily depending on the duration of the treatment and their adherence to post-treatment instructions.
What are the side effects of orthodontic treatment?
The side effects and possible complications of orthodontic treatment can vary for each case. However, a common problem is an increased risk of cavities. If patients do not clean their orthodontic appliances properly, the risk of cavities rises. Therefore, it is important for patients to follow their orthodontist's oral hygiene recommendations.
Oral and Dental Health Treatment
Alternative treatments are offered to patients of all ages, from childhood to adulthood. The clinic successfully carries out the correction of irregular and crowded teeth, as well as the resolution of disharmonies in the teeth, jaw, and face. In addition to traditional methods, there are also alternative treatment options that are more comfortable for adults.
Traditional Orthodontic Treatment (Porcelain, Sapphire, Metal Brackets): Traditional orthodontic treatment is used for correcting crooked teeth, resolving lower and upper jaw misalignments, and supporting gum health. With advances in technology, invisible brackets have replaced those attached to the outer surfaces of teeth, allowing every age group to undergo orthodontic treatment comfortably.
Invisalign: This is a treatment method carried out with custom-made transparent aligners. As there are no metal brackets, it is not apparent that treatment is underway.
Lingual Orthodontics: This method involves applying traditional metal brackets to the inner surfaces of the teeth. Since the brackets are not visible on the teeth, this aesthetic solution can be used comfortably by adults who are concerned about appearance.