Orthodontics is a branch of science that examines the perplexity of teeth, the relationship of jaw bones to each other and the skull bones, and diagnoses existing problems related to them. Orthodontic treatment is a way of treating disorders in this system.
Can orthodontic treatment change the location of my teeth?
With orthodontic treatment, the crowding and gaps in the teeth can be easily corrected and a correct and healthy smile can be obtained.
Why is there a mess?
In the causes of orthodontic disorders, genetic factors play a role, as well as environmental factors. The crowding may be due to hereditary real space constraints, or they may be entirely due to environmental factors. Due to the decays in the milk teeth due to disruption of oral hygiene and the loss of place due to the loss of early milk teeth, the teeth continue in different places from where they should be. For this reason, crowding and closing disorders occur.
In addition, long-term habits such as mouth breathing, sucking fingers, sucking lips or tongue, nail biting, biting a pen, and using bottles and pacifiers for a long time also cause permanent skeletal problems. However, tonsil and adenoid problems, which are common in children, cause permanent disorders in the maxillofacial system if not intervened in time.
Will my teeth improve after this age? Can there be orthodontic treatment in adults?
It can be treated easily in adults. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to move teeth at any age with a healthy gum. However, since the treatment options of early diagnosed anomalies are more, it is absolutely necessary to evaluate the closure at an early age by an orthodontist.
What is the ideal age in orthodontics?
Generally, the ideal age for the treatment of dental disorders is around the age of 10-12, when the replacement of milk teeth is about to be completed and the time of canine teeth replacement. However, early treatment is of great importance for problems involving some jaws and for letting go of bad habits. That’s why you should definitely ask your dentist for an orthodontist consultation around the age of 6-7 when fissure protectors are applied.
How will I know if I need orthodontic treatment?
The first orthodontic check is made by the orthodontist at the age of 6-7 years, when permanent dentition begins. Your next checks will be done by your dentist. Around the age of 10-12, if your physician deems necessary, he / she may request an orthodontist consultation again. In addition, orthodontic treatment can be performed to help prosthetic treatment or for aesthetic purposes when necessary even in adulthood.
How long will my orthodontic treatment take?
Active treatment takes an average of 1.5-2 years. However, the time varies according to the form of treatment, age of the patient and cooperation. It can be shorter as well as longer.
Will my appointments take long? How often will i come
The first one or two appointments where your records will be taken and your braces attached can take up to an hour. Your next appointments will be every 3 to 4 weeks and will take between 15 minutes and half an hour unless there is a break in the bracket or a wire break.
Do I need to have a tooth extracted?
In order to provide space in the mouths with very crowded teeth, it can be extracted from the permanent teeth.
Will it hurt or hurt me or my teeth when the wires are attached?
The brackets are attached to your teeth with a special adhesive and they do not hurt at all. It may cause some soft tissue injuries in the lips and cheeks in the first few days, but this is temporary.
During orthodontic treatment, the risk of tooth decay increases, so it is very important that no food residue accumulates between the braces. Teeth and braces should be cleaned after each meal.
Will my wires be visible?
The main element of fixed orthodontic treatment is brackets. The brackets are available in metal, plastic and porcelain types and are attached to the enamel surface of the teeth. In addition, treatment can be performed with brackets applied by the tongue and transparent plaques that can be attached and removed. During the treatment, orthopedic devices (extra-oral appliances) can be used to achieve skeletal movement with forces against the jawbone, especially at early ages when growth and development are active.
What can we do to prevent orthodontic disorder?
The family can prevent or minimize environmental factors. First of all, a periodic dental check is a must. Since milk dentition, regular fluoride application and protective application to permanent molars are required. In addition, milk teeth, which have to be extracted early, should be kept in place until the permanent teeth erupt and a placeholder should be made for this.
It is necessary to discourage children from bad habits such as finger sucking, using a long-term bottle, mouth breathing until the age of 4 at the latest. After this age, impairments in chin facial development become permanent.
When the family or dentist suspects any jaw and teeth disorders, it is useful to be evaluated by an orthodontist.