Orthodontics

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tooth alignment problems, such as crooked or misaligned teeth.

It also corrects bite problems and poorly positioned jawbone, using orthodontic appliances, such as conventional metal or ceramic braces, as well as more discreet techniques such as clear or invisible braces, which are increasingly popular with patients.

Should I have an appointment with an orthodontist?

To find out if you need to see an orthodontist, it is recommended to schedule an orthodontic evaluation appointment. Routinely, this consultation should be made at age 6.

If your child has already reached that age, it is important to schedule the appointment. It is important to remember that orthodontic problems are common and many people need to align their teeth. Studies indicate that more people need orthodontic treatment than do not.

What is the goal of orthodontic treatment?

The main goal of orthodontic treatment is to improve one’s oral and overall health, as well as one’s appearance through a beautiful smile. In addition, orthodontic treatment can also correct speech and chewing problems by aligning the teeth and jaws.

In addition to aesthetics, orthodontic treatment can relieve pain in the neck, joints, head, and ears caused by incorrect tooth fit. It can also restore healthy, aesthetic teeth to adults, youths, and children, correct the position of teeth that have already erupted, and allow the correct growth of permanent teeth.

Types of Orthodontics

There are several options of orthodontic appliances available on the market today, ranging from removable to fixed options. Some of the popular options include:

Fixed Orthodontics: there are several types of fixed dental appliances, such as metallic (conventional orthodontic treatment) and aesthetic (made of ceramic or sapphire), which are similar in terms of function, but more discreet.

Invisible orthodontics: These aligners are thin, clear, and snap onto the tooth with pressure, gently moving it into the desired position. They are very discreet and aesthetic, which makes them a popular option among adults.

Lingual Orthodontics: in this type of treatment, the brackets are custom-made for each patient and placed on the inner side of the tooth, facing the tongue, thus becoming imperceptible.

At what age should I have an orthodontic evaluation?

The recommendation is that the first orthodontic evaluation should be done around 6 years of age.

However, in some cases, the pediatric dentist may recommend an earlier evaluation, around 3 or 4 years of age, if any functional alteration of the jaws is detected.

Some signs that should be observed by parents include: thumb sucking habit after the age of 4, early loss of milk teeth, children who breathe through the mouth.

Preventive orthodontics for children

Preventive orthodontics in children is a type of treatment that seeks to develop the jaws in a balanced way to ensure proper tooth alignment. It includes treatments such as:

Treatment of bad oral habits, such as thumb sucking;
Correction of open bite, when the front teeth do not touch when closing the mouth, causing swallowing and speech problems;
Prevention of space problems, when the child prematurely loses teeth and there is no space for the growth of permanent teeth.

Braces for Teens and Adults

Orthodontic treatment is generally recommended during adolescence, as this is when the jaws and teeth are in the developmental stage, making it easier to correct problems.

However, it is important to remember that age is not the only factor to be considered, and even adults can achieve significant results with orthodontic treatment.

Are braces painful?

In general, putting braces on your teeth does not cause pain. The patient may feel some discomfort in the first few days, but this is normal and tends to disappear with time.

It is common to feel a little mobility in the teeth during the treatment, but this is also normal and is part of the teeth alignment process.

How long does the orthodontic treatment last?

The treatment time for teeth correction varies according to several factors, such as the patient’s individual biological response, the type of malocclusion and the type of orthodontic appliance used.

In addition, the patient’s attendance at follow-up appointments is also a key determinant of treatment success. In general, treatment can last from 12 to 24 months.

What care should I take with my braces?

When braces are placed, you will be given detailed instructions on the care and limitations required during treatment.

Some common precautions include avoiding hard and sticky foods such as gum, mints and candy, drinking carbonated beverages, biting fingernails, and cleaning your teeth and braces right after three main meals.

It is important to follow the orthodontist’s recommendations to ensure treatment success.

Does having misaligned teeth have any health implications?

Dental and jaw misalignments can cause a host of health problems, including head, neck, shoulder and back pain, ringing in the ear, joint noises and clicking, difficulty opening the mouth, teeth grinding, and anxiety.

In severe cases, anxiety can lead to personality disorders. In addition, there may be an increased risk of periodontal disease due to the difficulty in keeping teeth clean and sanitized.

Misaligned teeth can also affect image, confidence, and negatively interfere with social and professional life.

At the end of the treatment, is it necessary to use a retaining appliance?

After orthodontic treatment is completed, it is recommended that a retainer be worn to maintain the results achieved.

The retention period may vary depending on the final treatment result, the patient’s age and the degree of initial malocclusion. Bonding is important to maintain the stability of the teeth and prevent treatment regression. If it is not used, the treatment may not be effective in the long term.