What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the alignment of teeth and correction of dentofacial occlusion problems (both dental and bone positioned incorrectly and the relationship between them). Also, it guides the eruption of teeth and the development of the jaw producing a balance in the mouthparts and therefore in the cervical and thoracic spine, as well as an aesthetic ideal of the face. In summary, it is the specialty that is dedicated exclusively to creating smiles. Nowadays more children and adults are aware of the enormous aesthetic and functional benefits involved in making an orthodontic treatment.
What is used for and what is needed?
Teeth in a bad position and those that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean so they are at risk of being lost early due to decay and periodontal disease; also they cause extra stress on the muscles of mastication that leads to headaches, TMJ syndrome and neck, shoulders and back pain. In addition, rotated or positioned teeth can also deteriorate our appearance.
Orthodontic treatments have the advantage of providing a healthy mouth, a nice appearance, and teeth that are more likely to last a lifetime.
Is there a dedicated specialist in orthodontics?
The dentist usually does not have the expertise to practice an orthodontic treatment. A specialist in this field is called an orthodontist. In addition to the basic university training of five years, the orthodontist has three years of specialty study.
How do I know if I need orthodontic treatment?
It is usually the dentist who detects orthodontic anomalies, but it is difficult for anyone to realize that the bite isn’t adequate, that is to say that “all” your teeth collide while closing the dental arches.
Even so, the orthodontist can determine if you need orthodontic treatment after an exhaustive diagnosis (medical and dental history, clinical examination, models of your teeth, x-rays and photographs and develop a treatment plan that suits your needs.
If you have any of the following conditions, you may need orthodontic treatment:
Overbite: The upper front teeth almost completely cover the lower anterior teeth.
Normal bite Overbite
Highlight increased: Discrepancy between both jaws enlarged horizontally.
Normal Highlight Highlight increased
Cross bite: When biting usually the upper teeth are ahead of the lower.
Open bite: Space between front teeth when the teeth are in contact after the bite.
Displaced midline: When the imaginary line through the middle of the face and anterior teeth (incisors) are not aligned with the lower teeth.
Diastemas: Separations or spaces between teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not occupy much space or are missing posterior teeth and anterior teeth.
Crowding: When teeth are too large to be accommodated in the space provided by the jaws.
Types of Appliance of Orthodontic
Types of appliances used
- Jaw repositioning appliances: also called splints are placed on the upper and lower jaws and help train the jaw to close in a more favorable position. Can be used to correct disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Lip and cheeks retractors: they are designed to keep lips and cheeks away from the teeth. The lips and cheek muscles can exert pressure on the teeth and they help relieve that pressure.
- Palate expander:: it is used to widen the arch of the maxilla. It is a plastic plate that fits over the roof of the mouth. When applying screws, external pressure on the plate force the joints of the bones of the palate to open lengthwise, widening the palatal area.
- Facial arc: A device that is placed with a strap around the back of the head and then connects it to a wire in front. The caps prevent the growth of the upper jaw back, hold the position of the back teeth at the same position they are placed and at the same time they pull back the front teeth.
Traditional Brackets: Use metal brackets on the vestibular face of teeth.
Transparent or aesthetic Brackets: Use transparent brackets that are mostly unseen.
Lingual brackets: Use wires placed on the inside of the teeth. Since the devices are positioned so that they can barely be seen, this technique is still very popular among the adult population.
Invisalign: This is an orthodontic technique that allows patients to improve their smile using transparent aligners virtually imperceptible to the eye. Each aligner is made to measure to the patient’s mouth and should use the same aligner for two weeks and then will change to a different alignment for the new position of the teeth.
The number of aligners needed by the patient depend on the needs of each particular case after an initial exhaustive diagnosis.
The benefits of Invisalign are twofold: On one hand the aesthetic component considering that it is used an unseen appliance virtually imperceptible; and secondly its functional component as it allows us to take away the equipment for eating and brushing teeth. This helps us avoid the typical traditional problems of brackets such as tartar buildup. For a satisfactory result, collaboration of the pacient is essential and it is important to follow the specialist directions.
Vídeo of Invisalign:
Phases of orthodontic treatment
They are used various types of appliances, both fixed and removable, to move teeth, retrain muscles and modify the growth of the jaws. These devices work by applying gentle pressure on teeth and bones. The severity of the problem will determine which orthodontic approach will be more effective.
Fixed appliances include:
- Orthodontics: The most common fixed appliances consist of a system of bands, wires and brackets. Bands are fixed around the teeth, or tooth and used as anchors for the appliance, while brackets are bonded to the front of the tooth. Arch wires are passed through the brackets and attached to the bands. Tightening the arch wire puts tension on teeth and gradually moving them into position. Braces are usually adjusted monthly to achieve the desired results, which can take months or a couple of years. Today’s braces are smaller, lighter and made of less metal components than in the past. They come in bright colors for kids as transparent styles preferred by adults.
- Special fixtures: Are used to control the consequences of the bad habit of thumb sucking or tongue thrusting against the teeth. These devices are attached to the teeth by bands. Because they are very uncomfortable during meals, they should be used only as a last resort.
- Fixed space maintainers: If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a retainer is used to keep the space open until the permanent tooth erupts. A band is attached to the tooth next to the empty space and a wire extends from tooth to the other end of the space.
Is it possible to follow an orthodontic treatment at any age?
Yes, orthodontics can be made regardless of the age of the patient, provided that the forces are controlled.
Is it possible and safe an orthodontic treatment in periodontal pacients (pyorrhea)?
Yes, orthodontics is a safe treatment in patients which are periodontally stable (absence of inflammation, infection and active periodontal pockets), and must attend regular checks during orthodontic treatment in order to maintain their safety.