Orthodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the treatment of dental and dental-maxillary anomalies, i.e. alignment of the teeth, thus obtaining the most desirable appearance and avoiding dental problems caused by malpositions.
Teeth that occupy an unusual position, besides affecting physiognomy, generate other problems. They become harder to clean (predisposition to dental caries and periodontal disease), can lead to TMJ problems and in the worst case can lead to their loss from the dental arches.
It is therefore necessary to call on the services of a specialist, orthodontist who by topical therapy and appropriate treatment will restore maxillary functionality.
It is important to benefit from a proper orthodontic treatment. The first step is to make an appointment. Once in our office, an orthodontist will provide specialised advice by examining your dental arches. You will receive a reference to a centre specialized in creating a file containing X-rays and intraoral and extraoral images. Teethprinting is also necessary to create a plaster model, called study model. Based on these additional tests, the doctor will develop a treatment plan, perfectly tailored to your needs.
The fixed appliance consists of fixed orthodontic braces and a spring (steel or Ni-Ti) which interconnects them.
Braces are specially designed pieces, made of various materials (metal, ceramic, sapphire) that are fixed with an adhesive to each tooth. Braces have a clip system to which the spring is attached. The spring will generate a force that will lead to a controlled movement of the teeth, bringing them to their natural position.
“What are the criteria that should be used in choosing the type of braces?”
Each type of fixed appliance has advantages and disadvantages. The braces will be chosen based on your needs and expectations (aesthetic, timing, price etc.).
Braces with metal brackets: are less expensive because they are visible, are very strong, very efficient, but can seem quite uncomfortable (feeling that disappears once you get used to them) and may cause damage to the surrounding soft tissue.
Braces with ceramic brackets: their main advantage is the aesthetic appearance, being less visible and their colour does not change in time, but the drawback is given by low resistance to shock and the possibility of breakage or fracture. Therefore, they are not very used in the molars, where the developed masticatory forces are higher. The cost is higher, and the time required for completing orthodontic treatment increases compared to fixed metal appliance.
Braces with sapphire brackets: through their transparency, are discreet, almost invisible while being mounted on, the colour is not affected in time, they are comfortable and easy to wear. The disadvantages are given their price and the fact that they are visible when colour of the teeth is very pale.
Whichever type of dental appliance you choose, you need to know that orthodontic treatment takes time (at least a year, depending on the complexity the individual features of the anomalies and the reaction to treatment), and, during all this time, monthly visits in the dental office will be needed for its activation.
Also important to know it is that after getting satisfactory results, you will be required to wear special contentions for some time (variable), to ensure that those results will be maintained over time. This contention is represented by occlusal trays or a restraint “wire” which will be applied on the inner side of the teeth.
Regarding the cleaning method while wearing orthodontic appliance, the doctor will perform adequate training that will help you maintain proper and complete oral hygiene.