Orthodontia

Orthodontia is the discipline which treats crowded teeth and malocclusions through braces and appliances. An orthodontist evaluates the reason of the problem by analyzing visual examination, panoramic x-ray and study models. Malocclusions, which means the misalignment of teeth and jaw can be treated with braces or appliances. It may lead to the early loss of teeth if not treated. Several orthodontic treatment options are available after the diagnosis. Growth guidance or preventive treatments for crowded teeth are administered in orthodontia sometimes. On the other hand, there are options of an affordable treatment with metal braces and an aesthetic treatment with ceramic braces. The patients who don’t like the appearance of the braces and avoid using them may prefer invisalign, which uses a brand new technology for treatment. During this treatment, which is also called aligner, the crowded teeth are treated through aligners, without using braces.

What Are the Purposes of Orthodontic Treatment?

• It decreases the risk of tooth decay and gum diseases as it is harder to clean crooked teeth.
• It decreases the risk of joint disease development.
• It decreases the risk of injury. (Crowded teeth are more vulnerable to traumas.)
• It prevents excessive tooth wear.
• Wrong jaw position may lead to snoring or breathing problems in sleep. (The food which is not chewed enough may cause digestive problems or even malnutrition.)
• Properly aligned teeth provide one with a more attractive and a more health smile.
• Orthodontic treatment is not only administered with intent to embellish the appearance or provide self-esteem but also support dental health and prevent dental, gingival, maxillofacial and general health problems.

Is There Any Age Restriction for Orthodontic Treatment?

Teeth can be treated at any age. Only a healthy dentition and healthy bones are required for the treatment with braces. The treatment differs with age. The optimum ages for orthodontic treatment is between 8 and 14 because growth of teeth continues. The consideration phase is recommended when the patient is 7.

What Are the Types of Orthodontic Disorders?

Overbite: It happens when the upper teeth stick out too far beyond the lower teeth. With this disorder, the upper teeth are located in front of the lower teeth. It can be dealt with orthodontic treatment.

Underbite: It happens when the lower teeth are located in front of the upper teeth. It may move the upper lip forward. It can be dealt with orthodontic treatment.

Crossbite: It happens when bite occlusion is observed. It can be dealt with orthodontic treatment.

Openbite: It happens when incisors do not touch each other although molar teeth touch each other. It can be dealt with orthodontic treatment.

Teeth Gaps: It happens when there are gaps between teeth because of the teeth lose caused by genetic or external factors. It can be dealt with orthodontic treatment or dental prosthesis.

Crowding: It happens when there is not enough space for teeth to grow healthily in a jaw bone or both jaw bones and thus, resulting in misalignment. It can be dealt with orthodontic treatment.

Apart from all of these, complications caused by injuries or physical traumas which deform the jaw bones may also be solved by orthodontic treatment methods or orthodontic appliances in necessary situations.

Types of Orthodontic Treatments

Four types of orthodontic treatments are generally used today. The treatment to be administered may differ by taking the structural detect the patient has and the expectation of the patient into consideration.

Metal Braces

It is the oldest, the most enduring and the most used type of braces. Is it possible to be placed on both interior and exterior surfaces by the dentist after considering the dentition and the anatomy of the jaw. It is a treatment method which is suitable for all problems despite the fact that it does not promise an aesthetic appearance. The healing process lasts for 6 months-2 years.

Clear Aligners (Porcelain Braces)

There isn’t any marked difference between metal braces and porcelain braces in terms of the treatment results. Clear aligners look much more aesthetic and natural than metal braces as they are produces from a porcelain based material. However, it is important to use them carefully as they are not as durable as metal braces. For this reason, they may not be suitable for the use of children.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are placed on the interior surface of the teeth unlike metal and porcelain braces, which are placed on the exterior surface of the teeth. They promise a highly aesthetic alternative. At first, it may disturb your tongue but the disturbance wear of in the process of treatment. It may cost higher than metal or porcelain braces.

Invisalign

It is resorted in case of orthodontic disorders with less critical dental and maxillofacial problems. There are no braces in the appliance of invisalign. It seems more decent aesthetically. The patient is subjected to 3D measurements for detecting the present dentition and the aimed improvement. Special invisalign is prepared considering the results of the measurements.