What is orthodontics
Simply put, orthodontics is a branch of cosmetic dentistry that deals with the proper arrangement of teeth and the relationship between dental arches, the diagnosis, and correction of problems with teeth and jaw. It aims to improve the overall vision of the dentition and the functions of the masticatory apparatus.
The orthodontist should be one of the first specialists to see your children. The first visit to Kavident Dental Clinic should occur before or during the start of the school year.
Types of orthodontic problems
The appearance of deciduous teeth causes problems with the bite at a young age. When permanent teeth start to grow, a consultation with a dental specialist is necessary.
Some orthodontic problems are hereditary, while others are acquired as a result of different circumstances. Even seemingly insignificant habits of children, such as sucking a finger or gnawing a pen, can damage the proper arrangement of teeth.
These deformations impact both the appearance of the smile and the ability to chew. It is also difficult to maintain good oral hygiene, which leads to a predisposition to caries and the development of periodontitis.
The field of orthodontics also includes controlling and changing the growth of the upper and lower cheekbones. The deformation can affect only one jaw, and one example of this type of problem is a reverse bite. However, more serious cases result in difficulty breathing and feeding.
Orthodontic treatment stages
It is suitable for both children and adults because it is never too late to improve our smile. If you have missed the right time, you can make up for it by scheduling an appointment at Kavident Dental Clinic.
The new technologies in this field provide various correction options, minimizing discomfort and potentially exceeding your expectations. Furthermore, it is accomplished in a much shorter time. It could take up to a year, depending on the case.
It is important to remember that orthodontic treatment always requires time and patience to achieve the desired results. You must visit our dentists regularly and maintain perfect oral hygiene.
The first stage of the orthodontic examination is the performance of the necessary examinations like X-ray. They detect deviations from the norms in tooth arrangement and bite.
Then a treatment plan is created. The most important part is deciding how to correct the problem. Most often, this is done with the help of orthodontic appliances.
Types of orthodontic appliances
You probably remember the awkward splints you had to wear as a kid to get your teeth straight. Today, there are three main methods for achieving the correct teeth arrangement: removable, fixed, and functional apparatus.
Here are the distinctions between them, and our dental specialists at Kavident will refer you to the most appropriate treatment based on your specific condition.
Removable orthodontic appliances
There are several types of removable appliances, and their main feature is that they can be easily put on and removed from the patient to be cleaned.
In general, these are transparent plastic plates attached to thin metal hooks. Transparent liners are regarded as a new and modern alternative to the well-known braces. They are thin cases made from the imprint of your teeth.
They resemble the fuses which boxers use during matches. For treatment within a few months, you will need a few plastic castings, not just one.
The liners are used to treat mild to moderate orthodontic cases, so the choice is based on personal preferences and the expert opinion of our dentists at Kavident Dental Clinic.
Their biggest advantage is that they are almost invisible in the oral cavity. Their main function is to gradually move the teeth and fix them to the correct place. They are also used as placeholders and to treat the jaw in a reverse bite.
Fixed orthodontic appliances
Fixed appliances are the most commonly used because they include braces. They are non-removable as they are only placed and removed by orthodontists. They are tailored to the patient's specific requirements. They are visible, as opposed to removable ones, but they have already transformed from something to be ashamed of into a fashion accessory.
The braces themselves are made of metal, plastic, or ceramic and are composed of plates and an arch. The plates that are placed in front of the tooth exert pressure on it, causing it to move into the correct position. They must be worn for at least a year after being placed by an orthodontist to achieve the desired effect.
The treatment is monitored regularly by the specialist. Braces are the preferred and effective treatment option for even the most severe cases of orthodontic problems in the oral cavity, which are thought to be correctable without surgery.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is critical when wearing braces. This task is complicated because the appliances are fixed, but our dentists will advise you on how to clean them properly.
Functional orthodontic appliances
Functional orthodontic appliances are only used in the most severe cases of improper tooth arrangement and are only the first step in treatment. Their goal is to correct jaw deformations, such as deep or cross-bite and large distances or narrowing between the teeth.
Most functional orthodontic appliances are ready-made and vary depending on whether they are used for deciduous or permanent teeth and whether they are upper or lower jaw. They are mostly recommended to be used during tooth growth and replacement.
Orthodontic-surgical treatment
When an orthodontic problem is too severe to be corrected with orthodontic appliances alone, surgical treatment must be used first.
