Dental braces?

When it comes to orthodontics, we're talking about aligning and straightening teeth, a common problem among children and teenagers, but not only. It is necessary that the teeth fit harmoniously on the bony bases of the jaws because otherwise both overstrain and lack of demand during chewing lead over time to the ramification of the patient's teething problems.

The dental braces is a medical device used by the orthodontist to apply certain forces to the teeth in order to move them along the dental arch to the correct position in terms of aesthetic, and functional. Thus, dental braces act on teeth by glued brackets, depending on the treatment plan (personalised to each patient). Braces can be made of: metal, ceramic or sapphire.

Dental braces for children

In children, dental braces can guide the eruption of permanent teeth, correct developmental problems of the jawbones and dental arches or mismatches in tooth size.

Dental braces for adults

In adults, braces can correct the incorrect position and occlusion (bite) of teeth, but they can no longer correct certain serious bone abnormalities. For these, the doctor may recommend surgical treatment.

The main role of a dental appliance is therefore to correct the incorrect position of the teeth and provide normal functionality. Properly aligned teeth will give anyone a naturally beautiful smile, regardless of age. A visit to your orthodontist will help you detect any dental abnormalities and correct them with the right braces. Correcting incorrect teeth during childhood will provide balance and harmonious development of the future adult's teeth.

Who needs orthodontic treatment?

If the jaws and teeth do not develop properly, malocclusion or malocclusion (defective or abnormal bite) can occur. Teeth will be crooked and misaligned, and the lower and upper arches may not line up. Malocclusion is not a disease and does not affect physical health. It is more accurately a malpositioning of the teeth. However malocclusion, or abnormal bite, can have an impact on the shape of the face and the appearance of the teeth, leading to embarrassment, lack of self-confidence and even depression.

Orthodontic treatment helps with the following problems:

  • Protruding front teeth: treatment can improve the appearance and protect teeth from damage during sports injuries or falls;
  • Crowded teeth: In a narrow jaw, there may not be enough room for all the teeth. The orthodontist may remove one or more teeth to make room for the others;
  • Teeth that haven't erupted: This can happen when the adult tooth does not erupt from the gum or bone or only partially erupts;
  • Asymmetrical teeth: Top and bottom teeth don't mesh properly, especially when the mouth is closed;
  • Bite defects (incorrect bite / reverse bite): When the upper teeth descend too far over the lower teeth or when the upper teeth bite into the lower teeth;
  • Bite defects (open bite): When there is an opening between the upper and lower teeth;
  • Bite defects (underbite): the upper teeth are positioned too far back, or the lower teeth are positioned too far forward;
  • Bite defects (crossbite): at least one of the upper teeth does not come down in front of the lower teeth, but when they come together the upper tooth is behind the corresponding tooth on the lower arch;
  • Abnormal spacing between teeth: there are gaps or spaces between teeth, either because a tooth is missing or because the teeth do not "fill" the arch; the opposite of crowding.

An orthodontist can also help with problems such as teeth grinding and TMJ popping with certain jaw movements.

When do we need orthodontic treatment / braces?

Abnormal alignment of teeth and jaws is very common. Nearly 50% of the world's population has malocclusions (bite defects) severe enough to benefit from orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment can last from a few months to several years and involves the use of special medical devices known as braces and/or other orthodontic appliances used to gradually adjust the position of the teeth and the alignment of the jaw.

At what age is it recommended to start orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment can usually begin around the age of 12 or 13, when the permanent teeth have erupted and fully developed. If problems do not appear until later, treatment may start at a later date depending on the onset of the condition. Good oral hygiene is essential before starting any orthodontic work. When braces are placed on teeth, food debris is more likely to get stuck between teeth. It is recommended that people using orthodontic treatments brush their teeth more carefully and more often to prevent tooth decay during treatment. Without proper oral hygiene, the risk of tooth decay during treatment increases.

Types of dental braces

Fixed dental braces

These are the devices most commonly used in orthodontics. Fixed braces are used when precision is very important. A person can normally eat with fixed braces, but some foods and drinks should be avoided: fizzy drinks, hard sweets, chewing gum and other sticky foods. Fixed braces consist of brackets, springs (wires) and elastic bands. The bands are fixed firmly around the teeth and serve as anchors for the appliance, while the brackets are usually connected to the front of the teeth.

The arched wires (wires) pass through brackets and are fixed to the strips. As the spring wire is tightened, tension is applied to the teeth. Thanks to these forces the tooth moves into the desired position over time. Treatment supervision involves mandatory monthly visits to adjust or tighten the braces. Treatment can last from a few months to several years.

Space maintainers

If a child loses a baby tooth, a space maintainer will prevent the two teeth on either side of the space from moving until the permanent tooth appears. Removable space retainers: These are an alternative to fixed space retainers. Special fixed braces: These can help control tongue thrusting or thumb sucking. They can be uncomfortable, especially during mealtimes, and are therefore only used if necessary.

Invisible dental braces - aligners / transparent aligners

This alternative to traditional braces can be especially useful for adults. Transparent aligners are almost "invisible" and can be easily removed during daily oral hygiene, flossing or mealtimes. An aligner is worn for 2 to 3 weeks, after which it is replaced.

Mobile dental braces

They can be used to treat minor problems such as preventing thumb sucking or correcting slightly crooked teeth. Braces should only be removed when cleaning, during meals and when flossing. Sometimes the orthodontist may advise the patient to remove them during certain activities, such as playing a wind instrument or riding a bicycle.

Headgear

The device consists of a strap that encloses the back of the head which is attached to a metal wire, or facebow. The purpose of this brace, is to slow the growth of the upper jaw and hold the back teeth in place while the front teeth are pulled back.

Lip bumper

Orthodontic appliances specifically designed to relieve cheek or lip pressure on teeth.

Disjunctors

Dental device designed to widen the arch of the upper jaw.

Retention braces

They are used after orthodontic treatment in order to maintain the achieved position of the teeth on the arch and prevent the teeth from shifting to their original positions.

Jaw repositioning braces

They are placed on either the upper or lower jaw. They help the jaw to close properly. They are commonly used to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Regardless of the device or treatment, it is important to follow both your doctor's instructions and oral hygiene instructions carefully to ensure the best result.

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