ORTHODONTICS – BRACES TREATMENT

ORTHODONTICS – BRACES TREATMENT

What is orthodontics?

It is a specialty that diagnosing, preventing and curing disorders of the teeth, the harmony of the lower and upper jaws and the existing problems.

Who can receive orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment can be applied to individuals of all age groups. Treatment planning may vary according to age. In early diagnosed disorders, the position of the teeth and jaws should be evaluated by an orthodontist at an early age, as there are more treatment options.

When should you go to the orthodontist?

The first controls are made between the ages of 6 and 7, when permanent teeth begin to erupt. In this period, disorders in the jaws and habits such as thumb sucking and mouth breathing are evaluated. The age of 10-12, when the canine teeth change, is an ideal period for control in dental disorders.

Why can teeth be crooked?

Environmental factors are as important as hereditary factors. Our permanent teeth erupt in different places from where they should be, due to not giving the necessary importance to milk teeth during childhood, not having their treatment done, and early milk tooth extraction. In addition, as a result of long-term bad habits such as mouth breathing, nail biting, finger sucking, and using a pacifier for a long time, the normal development of the jaws is disrupted and problems occur.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

It is a process that can vary depending on the type of treatment, the age of the patient and compliance with the treatment. It takes 1.5-2 years on average.

Treatment options

There are metal and porcelain brackets in fixed orthodontic treatment. Porcelain brackets can be used instead of metal brackets as an aesthetic choice. In addition, treatment can be applied with brackets adhered to the inner surface of the teeth, that is, by the tongue. It can be used in appropriate cases on transparent plaques that are measured and prepared individually. Orthopedic appliances that guide jaw growth are also part of orthodontic treatment in the early stages of growth. The risk of tooth decay increases during orthodontic treatment. After each meal, food residues between the brackets should be carefully cleaned.

What can be done to prevent tooth crowding?

Oral care should be taken care of starting from the milk dentition and dental check-ups should be done. Treatment of milk teeth should not be delayed, and placeholders should be applied to replace prematurely fallen teeth until permanent teeth erupt. Protective treatments should be applied to permanent molars. Until the age of 4, children should be discouraged from habits such as thumb sucking, bottle use, mouth breathing.