Orthodontic treatment is the treatment of structural disorders in the lower and upper jaw, oral closure disorders and dental crowding. The word ortho means correction in Latin and donti means teeth and dental tissues.
What Causes Orthodontic Problems?
Although orthodontic problems are usually hereditary, it is also possible for them to occur later. It may be due to genetics that the number of teeth is more or less, and the teeth are spaced apart. Subsequent orthodontic problems are usually the early loss of milk teeth, finger sucking or gingivae diseases.
Although orthodontic treatments are performed to people of all ages, they are performed in a healthier way without any health problems. For this reason, it is generally recommended to have orthodontic treatment at an early age. In this way, it is possible to get more robust results.
Who Can Have Orthodontic Treatment, Is There an Age Limit?
There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. Age is not very crucial for the correction of teeth because healthy gingivae and bones surrounding the teeth are sufficient for treatment. No matter how old the patient is, it is possible to apply all dental operations and correct crowding.
However, if there are irregularities in the jaw bones, orthodontic treatment is required. After this treatment is performed, orthodontic treatment can be re-evaluated.
What are Orthodontic Treatments?
Transparent plaque: It is a bracketless treatment method and metal wires are not used. Transparent plaque are used for crowding of the teeth. It can be considered as the most preferred orthodontic treatment because the person can remove and install these plaques on his/her own.
Bracket: It is a treatment performed with brackets and wire, and brackets are applied by gluing them to the surface of the tooth. A wire is passed between the brackets and force is applied to the teeth. The bracket to be used can be transparent or colored depending on the preference.
Fixed placeholder: If deciduous teeth are lost early, a fixed placeholder is used and placed in the tooth cavity until the permanent tooth erupts. The fixed retainer prevents other teeth from slipping into the cavity.
Movable reinforcer: It is used to maintain the position of the tooth at the end of treatment. It can also be used for people who have the habit of sucking their fingers to end this habit.
Jaw appliances: Also known as splints, they are placed on the upper jaw. Jaw appliances are also used for disorders of the temporomandibular joint.
Jaw expander: It is used to expand the upper jaw and is made of a plastic material that fits the palate.
What should be considered during treatment?
The most important thing to pay attention to during treatment is good communication between the specialist, patient and family. You should definitely keep the appointments and pay great attention to what the doctor says. For the treatment to be successful, oral and dental health should be taken into consideration.
Healthy teeth and gingivae are very important for orthodontic treatment. During the treatment, hard foods such as apples or carrots should not be eaten or even bitten. It is healthier to eat in small pieces until the treatment is over.
