Orthodontics

Orthodontics is an excellent therapeutic method to treat a variety of dental and jaw problems, helping you achieve a natural, beautiful, and harmonious smile. But what are its types? How does it work? Are there any side effects? We explore all the details of this medical procedure in the following lines; so be sure to follow along.

What is orthodontics?
It is one of the best treatment methods for maintaining oral and dental health. Orthodontics helps correct crooked teeth, misalignment, and crowding, as well as related jaw issues. It consists of a device with essential components such as brackets and wires, used to guide teeth into the correct position or alignment.

What problems does orthodontics treat?
Orthodontics treats a variety of dental and jaw problems, the most prominent of which are:

• Protruding teeth.
• Crooked teeth.
• Crowded teeth.
• Excessive gaps between teeth.
• Impacted molars.
• Improper bite alignment.

Orthodontic treatment provides you with both therapeutic and aesthetic benefits; it improves chewing function and enhances the appearance of your mouth. In short, the treatment offers the following benefits:

• Improves your biting ability and relieves dental crowding inside your mouth.
• Brings more alignment to crooked teeth and prevents further damage.
• Closes wide gaps between your teeth and reduces the risk of tooth decay.
• Enhances your speech ability and allows you to pronounce words more clearly.
• Treats malocclusion, which can cause gum injuries and damage.
• Boosts your self-confidence and gives you a better smile.

The dentist is often the first to notice malocclusion and tooth misalignment during routine clinic visits, and usually refers patients to an orthodontist for proper treatment. The orthodontist can conduct thorough examinations and provide optimal consultation. To prepare you for orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist may do the following:

• Perform a comprehensive oral examination.
• Take clinical photographs of your teeth.
• Request X-rays, especially panoramic (360-degree) X-rays.
• Create molds of your teeth.

Orthodontic treatment typically takes between 18 and 24 months to complete, depending primarily on the complexity of the underlying issue. The treatment steps include the following:

1. Braces Placement
   The first appointment involves placing the braces in their proper position. This process requires time and patience and begins with preparing the surface of the teeth for bracket adhesion and placing the first wire. Based on predetermined positions, the orthodontist fixes the brackets in place after preparing the teeth.
2. Inserting Wires
   To insert the first wire, the orthodontist cuts it to the appropriate length and may add bends to encourage faster tooth movement to new positions. Furthermore, the wire is placed into the brackets, and their locks are closed at the end.
3. Adjusting Wires
   After 3-4 weeks, you must visit the orthodontist again for the necessary adjustments. This process may involve shortening the wire, inserting a new wire, or bending it again. Patients usually need frequent visits to the orthodontist to adjust the wires according to different tooth positions and needs.
4. Removing Braces
   Once your teeth have reached their correct positions, the orthodontist will end the treatment by removing the braces. Typically, removal is simple and painless.

Try to remember the following instructions during and after getting your braces:

• Maintain oral hygiene and avoid sticky foods that can get stuck under the braces.
• Avoid foods and drinks high in sugar and hard foods that can break the brackets or the connections between brackets.
• Brush your teeth properly, especially after lunch, to prevent enamel damage.
• Use fluoride mouthwash and a toothbrush to clean under the archwires of the braces.
• Your orthodontist will provide you with a retainer 1 to 2 weeks after removing the braces to keep your teeth stable.
• Wear the retainer constantly for the first six months after removing the braces. After this period, you can wear it only at night.

Orthodontic treatment offers significant benefits but also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of. For example, not everyone achieves the desired results from the treatment, and orthodontic treatment can contribute to the following risks:

• Sharp pain when braces are first applied, which fades over several days (pain is felt each time the wires are adjusted).
• Installation may cause inner cheek abrasions.
• Tooth decay and gum problems due to difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene during the orthodontic treatment.