What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics; It is the specialty of the dentistry branch that diagnoses and controls the compatibility relations of mismatched and crooked teeth, tries to prevent this situation and treats it. We can say that individuals with crooked or sparse teeth, missing teeth, missing teeth or impacted teeth, having too few or too many teeth while smiling, and those whose upper jaw and/or lower jaw are forward or backward than normal need orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontics, as it is known in the public, braces treatment includes the treatment of dental disorders that occur at an early age or that are seen in later ages due to late treatment.
Orthodontic treatment usually begins around the age of 9-14. However, the American Orthodontic Society recommends that all children should meet with an orthodontist before the age of 7 in order to control the development of milk teeth and their replacement with permanent teeth. In this way, possible orthodontic problems will be diagnosed earlier and solved more easily.
What is an Orthodontist?
Deformities such as crooked or crooked teeth, Congenital and acquired deformities of the jaw, jaw fractures, Congenital or later structural disorders in the jaw due to thumb sucking or incorrect bottle feeding, Jaw level differences caused by the lower or upper jaw, Jaw They are dentists with expertise in treating trauma and jaw cyst problems.
Why Orthodontic Problems Occur?
The treatment method is decided by considering the age of the patient for disorders such as the lower jaw being anterior or posterior. If the patient is in adolescence and the lower-upper jaw structure is behind, it is possible to treat it with orthodontic techniques. If the patient is an adult, the treatment of skeletal disorders is carried out in cooperation with orthodontics and surgery. Depending on functional disorders, for example; Jaw mismatch can be observed in cases such as mouth breathing. In a person who breathes through the mouth, the upper part of the chin will be narrow, so it will be in a V form.
Situations that should not be done and habits such as using bottle and pacifier for a long time, thumb sucking, nail biting can cause orthodontic disorders. These habits should be treated as early as possible.
The prevention of these habits at an early age is important for the completion of skeletal development.
How Is Orthodontic Treatment Done?
Orthodontic treatment not only has aesthetic concerns, but also aims to prevent gum diseases that may be encountered in the future, to prevent problems in the jaw joint, to provide chewing functionality and to eliminate this problem of individuals with speech disorders.
According to the existing orthodontic problem in the mouth, treatment methods can be determined with removable appliances, functional appliances and fixed appliances. Simple orthodontic problems that are not in advanced stages can be solved with rubber removable appliances that the patient can use by putting on and taking off.
It is of great importance that reinforcement treatments are not neglected in order to prevent the reversal of the treatments after the termination of the primary orthodontic treatments and to prevent deterioration. Different passive appliances can be used for this period.
What are the Methods Used in Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatments are generally a progressive treatment method by attaching brackets to tooth surfaces. There are many types such as metal brackets, ceramic brackets, sapphire (ice) brackets, Invisalign, damon (covered) metal bracket, damon (covered) transparent bracket, lingual bracket. The brackets used vary according to the type of treatment and budget.
How Should Oral and Dental Care Be Done After Orthodontic Treatment?
One of the most important points in orthodontic treatment is regular oral and dental care. Teeth should be brushed after every meal. Food residues that may remain between the brackets should also be cleaned properly. Otherwise, leftover food adversely affects your oral and dental health.
Also, dental elastics, which are mandatory to be used in orthodontic treatment according to cases, can cause damage to both your teeth and gums, as they cause the accumulation of bacteria and microorganisms in the mouth. The most important way to prevent these is to take care of your oral and dental health.
