Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that diagnoses, tries to prevent and treats crowded teeth and mismatched jaw alignments. Dentists who specialize in orthodontics are called orthodontists.
Disorders involving the jaws (such as overbite or underbite) are usually inherited. In this case, the method of treatment is decided according to the age of the patient. If the patient is in adolescence and has a problem with the upper or lower jaw, it can be treated with orthodontic methods. If the patient is an adult, severe skeletal disorders are treated with a combination of orthodontics and surgery. Jaw incompatibilities may occur due to functional disorders (such as mouth breathing). Since the upper jaw is generally narrow in a patient with mouth breathing, it is in a V form.
Habits like using a pacifier or bottle for a long time, sucking fingers, biting nails, etc. may cause orthodontic disorders. Habits should be treated as early as possible (7-10 years old). Thus, skeletal disorder that will be adversely affected by the use of a simple appliance is prevented. If habits are noticed at an early age, they can be prevented by some habit-breaking appliances. Skeletal stenosis in the upper jaw can be treated with orthodontic appliances.
Sometimes the individual takes the jawbone sizes from one parent and the tooth sizes from the other. If the jaw is large and the teeth are small, the teeth will have gaps or vice versa.
If the tongue is larger than normal, the presence of extracted tooth cavities in the mouth also causes gaps between the teeth.
If the jawbone is small and the teeth are large, the teeth cannot fit in the jaw and crowding occurs.
Another reason for crowded teeth is early or late loss of milk teeth. Each milk tooth has a falling time. For example, if a deciduous tooth that has to fall at the age of 10 falls out at the age of 8, the other teeth in the mouth slide towards this gap and the tooth that needs to come out from there cannot find a place for itself. In this case, this tooth starts to rub on the outer or inner side of the tooth arch or in some cases remains impacted.
There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. However, treatment planning and duration may change according to age. In recent years, adult orthodontics has become widespread all over the world. It is possible to minimize aesthetic concerns by using porcelain brackets. In recent years, orthodontic treatments on teeth or treatments using transparent plaques have become an important alternative for adults.
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The practice session and intermediate sessions are absolutely painless and simple. However, when the braces are first inserted, sores may occur on the cheeks. These wounds disappear spontaneously within 1 week and usually do not recur. In rare cases (bracket break, wire break, etc.), a wound may recur. Such problems can be solved with a small intervention by the physician. In addition, patients are given 'a special wax that prevents stinging' in the first session and the patient can place this wax on the area where the wire hurts and prevent an excessive irritation that may occur in the period until the patient goes to the doctor.
In addition, after the braces are first attached and after the interim sessions, when the teeth are squeezed and when hard things are eaten, pain occurs in the teeth. However, this pain passes by itself within 3-4 days.
Hard foods that can cause the wires to break should be avoided. Hard things such as apples and pears should be eaten by cutting, not biting. Especially foods with seeds such as plums and olives should not be put into the mouth with their core, but should be eaten after the core is separated. Acidic drinks should not be drunk. Sticky things such as chewing gum and Turkish Delight should be avoided.
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies according to the age of the patient, the severity of the problem and the treatment technique to be performed. However, patient compliance is the most important factor in the treatment period. If the patient comes to the appointments regularly, if the oral care is good, if he does not break the braces and wires frequently, and if the apparatus, bands etc. are used properly, the treatment is completed in a minimal time. If the planning is done well and the patient is cooperative, the treatment period should not exceed 2.5 years even in the most severe cases. Average treatment duration is 1.5 years. On the other hand, there are treatments that end in 1 year.
Our teeth are mobile throughout our lives. Especially with the effect of chewing forces, even people who have never had orthodontic treatment can have crowded teeth in advanced ages. After orthodontic treatment, it takes a long time for the teeth to get used to their new position and to have good bone support around them. Therefore, after the wires are removed, reinforcement should be done to eliminate the risk of deterioration. For this purpose, thin wires can be attached to the back of the teeth, or the patient can be given transparent plaques that can be attached and removed.
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