When you look in the mirror, do you feel a little unhappy with your smile? Maybe your teeth are a little crooked, or your upper teeth are protruding, so you can't smile as you want? This is a problem that many people have. But there is a very effective solution to this. That is dental orthodontics, or as we all know it, orthodontics. This is a treatment that not only cares about beauty, but also about your oral health. Let's talk about this from the beginning.
Simply put, what is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating problems with the way your teeth are positioned, known as "malocclusion." Simply put, it's about how your upper and lower teeth fit together.
Imagine, if your teeth don't fit together properly, that is, if the upper set of teeth is too far forward, or if the teeth are crooked and crowded, it not only affects the beauty of your smile. At such times, it is difficult to clean between the teeth properly. Then the chances of developing diseases like cavities , gum disease are very high. Also, teeth can wear down unnaturally (erosion). So, orthodontic treatment provides a solution to all of these.
Who performs this treatment? Who should I seek advice from?
This treatment is usually performed by an orthodontist . This is a doctor who has completed two or three years of additional specialized training in this field after graduating from general dentistry. His or her full focus is on correcting the position of your teeth and giving you a healthy and beautiful smile.
The most important thing is that these specialists do not do things like regular fillings and crowns. For that, you should see your regular dentist.
When should I take my baby to an orthodontist?
This is a question that many parents have. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child's first visit to an orthodontist be by age 7 .
Don't think, "Oh, my child is too young?" Not all children need treatment at this age. However, this is important because if a dental problem develops, it can be identified early . Sometimes, a small treatment at a young age can prevent a lot of big, complex treatment later. So if you have any doubts about your child, talk to your dentist and, if necessary, see an orthodontist.
What are the common problems that orthodontics solve?
We can find solutions to various dental problems through this. Let's see what they are.
| The nature of the problem | Simply explained |
|---|---|
| Overbite (overbite) | The upper teeth protrude significantly more than the lower teeth. |
| Underbite | The lower teeth are positioned further forward than the upper teeth. |
| Crowded Teeth | Due to insufficient space for the teeth in the jawbone, the teeth are positioned one above the other, side by side, and crowded together. |
| Crooked/Overlapping Teeth | The teeth are not aligned, but are positioned in a way that they fall one on top of the other. |
| Rotated Teeth | A tooth rotates and twists around its intended axis. |
| Impacted Teeth | A tooth that is partially or completely stuck in the jawbone, unable to come out of the alveolar bone. |
Are there people who should not have this treatment?
Yes, it's important to be aware of that too. Your oral health should be in good condition before starting orthodontic treatment. That means, if you have severe tooth decay or active gum disease , you can't start this treatment right away.
The reason is, putting braces on such diseased teeth can do more harm than good. Therefore, you should first see your general dentist to treat and control those conditions. After that, you can ask your dentist if you are now suitable for orthodontic treatment.
What are the main treatments?
There are various treatment options depending on your needs. Let's look at some of the most commonly used methods.
| Treatment method | What happens in that? |
|---|---|
| Braces | This is the traditional method that we all know. It involves moving teeth into the correct position using small brackets that are glued to the teeth and a wire that connects them. In addition to regular metal braces, there are also ceramic braces that are not as obvious. |
| Clear Aligners | This is a popular alternative to braces. Invisalign® is a well-known brand of this type. Instead of wires, you use a set of clear plastic aligners (Aligner Trays) that are specially made for your teeth. You have to change to a new tray every one to two weeks. Over time, these push your teeth into the correct position. |
| Retainers | This is a must-have after your braces or Clear Aligners treatment is complete. This will stop your teeth from moving back into their old positions. Your doctor will tell you how long you should wear them and how many times a day. |
| Palate Expanders | These are usually used on children because their jawbones are still developing at that time, making them easier to adjust. If the child has a narrow upper palate, this device can help widen it and create space for the teeth. |
What are the benefits of these treatments?
Having a beautiful smile is an obvious benefit, but there are many health benefits beyond that.
- Cleanliness: When teeth are aligned, brushing and flossing are much easier. Then there is less chance of dirt accumulating.
- Good functionality: When the teeth are properly aligned, any difficulties with chewing and speaking will be avoided.
- Pain relief: These treatments can help relieve the pain caused by TMJ disorder , a painful condition of the jaw joint.
- Reduced risk of future diseases: Correct tooth alignment reduces the risk of developing things like tooth decay and gum disease.
- Mental well-being: Having a beautiful, healthy smile increases self-confidence.
Isn't there any disadvantage then?
The main downside is that it takes some time and patience. Some people can complete the treatment in less than a year. Others can take two years or more. It varies depending on the condition of each person's teeth. So talk to your doctor to get an idea of how long it will take you.
Another important thing is to take great care of your oral hygiene during treatment. If you don't clean around your braces properly, you are more likely to develop tooth decay.
Take-Home Message
- Orthodontics is not just about making your teeth look beautiful, it is a treatment that improves your overall oral health.
- This has effective solutions for many problems, such as crooked teeth, protruding teeth, and gaps between teeth.
- For this, you must definitely see an orthodontist .
- The health of the teeth and gums is very important before and during treatment.
- After treatment is complete, it is essential to use the retainer exactly as the doctor recommends in order to maintain the results for life.
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