Orthodontics encompasses all dental movement procedures that correct incorrect tooth placement (malposition).
It may be combined with dentofacial (or orthognathic) surgery to correct abnormalities of the skeletal structures (jawbones) caused by dental malposition.
Orthodontics encompasses all dental movement procedures that correct incorrect tooth placement (malposition).
It may be combined with dentofacial (or orthognathic) surgery to correct abnormalities of the skeletal structures (jawbones) caused by dental malposition.
I. Who should undergo orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics can be considered as early as age 9. Currently, some orthodontists start treatment earlier, around age 7, for certain indications. There is no age limit for adults.
There are no age restrictions at this time.
Why have orthodontics?
Here are some reasons why you may want to have orthodontics:
- Seeking to improve aesthetics: this is the main reason adults and parents seek the services of an orthodontist for their child. It is true that having harmonious teeth promotes psychosocial balance and self-assertion.
- Orthodontics helps prevent cavities and periodontal disorders (diseases of the tissues supporting the teeth). Orthodontics simplifies the maintenance of good oral hygiene by realigning teeth, reducing interdental spaces, or replacing a loose tooth.
- After an old edentulous tooth, which has been more or less “filled in” by the remaining teeth over time, orthodontics can also help provide enough space to replace the missing tooth with a prosthesis.
- After orthognathic surgery, orthodontic treatment can be used to realign the teeth into the new bone structure.
- Orthodontics can also correct several dental malpositions, such as anterior or posterior joint inversions, and anterior hollowness, which can lead to problems with chewing, speaking, breathing, swallowing, growth, and eruption anomalies.
II. Meaning of Orthodontics: How does orthodontics work?
Interceptive orthodontic treatment can be considered after the age of 8 or 9. It most often involves wearing a mobile appliance that will cause the jawbone to expand to provide enough room for the teeth to move normally.
There are expansion “jacks” that are used every week to adjust the installed appliance.
Good orthodontic treatment can begin as early as age 12 when the child has his or her growth spurt. The teeth should be moved while the child is in the most rapid period of development.
These therapies involve multiple systems, including intra- or extra-oral (in or out of the mouth) and intra and/or inter-arch.
These systems include “multi-attachment” devices (also called brackets), Invisalign technology, and orthopedic implants.
Brackets and other methods:
Brackets are bonded to straight teeth and connected by an archwire. When the wire is “activated”, a force is applied to the teeth, making them move. These brackets are made of metal or ceramic.
Lingual” orthodontics ensures aesthetics by adhering the brackets to the inside of the teeth (rather than the outside). However, it is a more complex method for adults.
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment. It consists of translucent, removable aligners that are used to gradually move the teeth.
Orthodontic implants are mini-implants that are used in places where there are no teeth to pull existing teeth into the proper position.
Finally, springs, elastics, cylinders, and extra-oral helmets complete the arsenal of the orthodontic system.
III. Straightening teeth at any age
Orthodontic methods can be applied to both children and adults.
In young people, induced tooth movement takes advantage of incomplete growth, which explains the relative stability of the long-term effects. However, restraint is necessary until the age of 18 to guarantee the result.
Adult orthodontics, on the other hand, intervenes in structures that have completed their development. Consequently, this form of therapy is not long-lasting. At the end of each treatment, a permanent constraint must be placed or the teeth will return to their previous position as soon as possible. Many maintenance visits are necessary and throughout life.
You should be aware that “activating” an archwire or changing a mouthpiece is a painful procedure that requires painkillers.
To avoid cavities and periodontal disease, strict oral hygiene must be maintained in all situations. This form of therapy is totally incompatible with a lack of cleanliness.
Finally, orthodontic procedures of all kinds can lead to root resorption, bone “molding”, root canalization, and excessive tooth mobility. This is why every orthodontic procedure requires a great deal of care and teamwork between the orthodontist, the dentist, and the patient.
What advice do you have for successful orthodontic treatment?
There are a number of principles that must be followed for orthodontic treatment to provide the desired results:
- Maintain good dental hygiene. It is recommended that you brush your teeth after every meal.
- Modify your diet: avoid sugary drinks, snacks, or sticky foods (nougat, caramel, chewing gum) that could damage the orthodontic material.
- Avoid chewing on objects, biting your nails, or sucking your thumbs or fingers.
- Follow your orthodontist’s recommendations carefully. If you have a removable brace, it will tell you how long you should wear it each day. Wearing the brace daily is essential to the effectiveness of the treatment.
IV. How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign is an invisible orthodontic appliance that helps straighten teeth. It consists of several plastic aligners that are changed every 2 weeks.
You have to remove them to eat, drink and brush your teeth.
The teeth move little by little every week. You must visit your dentist every 6 to 8 weeks to check the progress of the treatment. The total treatment time is between 6 and 15 months.
V. Is it better to start orthodontic treatment when I am younger?
Orthodontics can be performed at any age. Although orthodontic therapy is best performed on a young child who has not yet finished growing.
It is never too late to benefit from dental correction if our periodontal and overall health permits.
VI. Is orthodontics different from dentistry?
After further research, an orthodontist specializes in correcting the alignment of the teeth and the way the jaws fit together (occlusion). The dentist is responsible for the overall health of your teeth.
VII. What are the 3 categories of orthodontics?
The location of the teeth and the alignment of the jaw are used to classify orthodontic problems. There are 3 categories.
To ensure optimal performance and health, each category requires a separate treatment strategy.
In the first category, the upper and lower teeth have a normal connection. Your jaw is in good posture and your bite is balanced.
In the second category, the upper teeth and jaw protrude further than the lower teeth. This condition is often called overbite.
In the third category, the lower teeth and jaw protrude further than the upper teeth and jaw. This is commonly called an underbite.
VIII. Are orthodontists paid more than dentists?
Orthodontics is one of nine dental specialties. An orthodontist’s salary is often higher because it is a specialization.
A bachelor’s degree, dental school, clinical experience, and other requirements are required for dentists. Orthodontists must complete additional training after graduating from dental school, including a specialty program.
Remember that earnings are influenced by a variety of factors, including geographic area, company, experience and specific abilities, as with other jobs.