The proper alignment of the teeth in the lower and upper jawbone is important both in terms of aesthetics and health. In some cases, the teeth are arranged in a crooked or gaping manner on the jawbone. In some cases, the lower or upper jaw being behind brings along some health problems. Such situations create risks in terms of oral and dental health as well as aesthetic concerns in people. The branch of dentistry that deals with the proper alignment of the teeth and the elimination of jaw bone defects is known as orthodontics.
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is among the most popular branches of dentistry today. It is a specialty where the teeth alignment in the jawbone is examined, the diagnosis and treatment of the defects are planned. In orthodontic treatment, it is important to diagnose and treat jaw defects, especially during adolescence.
What are the aims of orthodontic treatment?
In orthodontic treatment, the aesthetic dimension is only part of the job. Treatment is primarily necessary for the patient’s oral and dental health and for the individual to be able to use oral cavity functions healthily. A wide variety of health problems such as difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene in crooked teeth, malocclusion disorders, pronunciation difficulties and impacted tooth defects can be prevented with orthodontic treatment.
The aims of orthodontic treatment can be summarized as follows:
- Helping the healthy development of the jaw from a young age,
- To treat jaw and facial disorders and alignment defects of teeth in adults,
- To work together with other medical sciences in the advanced jaw and facial defects,
- To treat cases where the lower or upper jaw structure is behind,
- To prevent jawbone problems and speech and chewing defects caused by oral and dental health by treating the existing ailment.
Who is orthodontics applied by?
Orthodontists are specialist physicians who perform orthodontic treatment. The orthodontist is a title given to those who have completed four years or more of specialized training in orthodontics, following their dentistry license.
How is an orthodontic treatment done??
Orthodontic treatment is performed by a specialist physician, after evaluating the patient’s age, condition of the oral cavity, dental health and problems, and jaw and facial structure. Apparatuses suitable for the required treatment plan are used in the treatment. The apparatus used in orthodontic treatment can be removable or fixed orthodontic appliances and wireless apparatus.
Removable orthodontic appliances
They are the apparatus used to support the jawbone during adolescence, and to prevent possible problems that may occur in adulthood.
Fixed orthodontic appliances
They are metal, transparent or lingual brackets. Since transparent brackets are more difficult to maintain, they are generally preferred by adults, metal brackets are the most well-known orthodontic appliances. Lingual orthodontic brackets are apparatus that require long-term treatment, are attached to the teeth from the inside, and are invisible from the outside.
Wireless orthodontic apparatus
They are orthodontic plaques that are used in the treatment of crooked teeth, which are only removed before operations such as eating and are invisible from the outside.
Things to consider for those who have orthodontic treatment
Orthodontics is a field of treatment that requires patience and meticulous attention during the treatment process. During orthodontic treatment, patients’ attention to the following will positively affect the treatment:
- When it comes to what not to do during orthodontic treatment, the first thing that should come to mind is not to consume acidic beverages.
- During the treatment process, attention should be paid to oral and dental care in line with the instructions of the dentist. Oral and dental care should not be neglected. The patient should brush their teeth after each meal with a toothbrush for braces recommended by the dentist, if any.
- Additional apparatus and mobile apparatus given by the dentist must be used, and the use of mobile apparatus should not be neglected during the treatment. This issue is crucial so that the treatment process is not prolonged and the treatment in adolescents does not prolong to adult periods.