Orthodontics: It is one of the sub-branches of dentistry, just like pedodontics or endodontics. His area of specialization is the structural position disorders observed in the alignment of the teeth and the deformations in the jaw structure that can be seen in addition. So orthodontics involves detecting misaligned teeth and jaws, preventing or stopping them in the early period, and improving them in the future. It is also frequently used as a braces treatment in society.
If you ask what orthodontics means, It is a word of foreign origin, formed by combining the Greek words orthos (straight, to straighten) and odont (tooth). Its definition clearly explains the purpose of the field. The main purpose is any intervention to the lower and mid-face area, especially the teeth, which can also affect the general appearance of the face.
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What Does Orthodontic Treatment Mean?
The most basic tool identified in the field of orthodontics is braces. Braces can be used to prevent crooked teeth: In addition to moving the teeth, correcting the development of the jaw or controlling the development of the muscles are also among the effects of the treatment.Dental braces apply force to one or more teeth in the desired direction. It is a simple mechanism consisting of brackets (parts glued to the tooth surface) and wires installed between those brackets. Brackets are sometimes attached to a group of teeth, or often to all teeth, as deemed appropriate by the orthodontic dentist. Thanks to the wires passed between the bonded brackets, the teeth are moved in the desired direction.
In Which Situations Is Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?
The most common orthodontic problems are sometimes undesirable changes in the posture of the jaw and, indirectly, the entire face as a result of the disposition of the teeth. Orthodontic treatment is performed only after examination and planning by dentists specializing in orthodontics. As a result of the incorrect alignment of the teeth, 6 basic disorders are observed in the teeth and their relations with each other. These:
Overbite
The upper teeth cover the lower teeth more than normal. With this disorder, the upper teeth may be positioned further forward than the lower teeth. It is possible to correct it with orthodontic treatment.
Underbite
It is the situation where the lower teeth are further forward than the upper teeth. It may cause the lower lip to get in front of the upper lip. It is possible to correct it with orthodontic treatment (braces).
Crossbite
It is the reverse bite between the lower and upper teeth. It is possible to correct it with orthodontic treatment.
Openbite
It is a situation where the front teeth do not touch each other even when the back teeth touch each other to close, and the gaps between the teeth remain. It is possible to correct it with orthodontic treatment (braces).
Gaps
This is where cracks occur between teeth lost due to genetic reasons or external factors. Correcting it with orthodontic treatment (braces) or prosthetic teeth is possible.
Crowding
is a situation where there is not enough space in one or both jaws for the teeth to emerge in a healthy way, and the resulting crowding causes malalignment. It is possible to correct it with orthodontic treatment.
Apart from all these, complications resulting from situations that cause deformations in the patient’s teeth and jaw structure, such as accidents, injuries and physical traumas, can also be solved with orthodontic treatment methods and orthodontic appliances when necessary.
Orthodontic Treatment Types
Although one of the first issues that come to patients’ minds when it comes to braces is the price of braces, the first thing to pay attention to is the current problem and the treatment method to be used. There are 4 types of Orthodontic treatment methods commonly used today. Wires to be used during the procedure may vary depending on the patient’s structural disorder or the patient’s expectations at some points.
Metal Braces
It is the oldest, most durable and most used type of braces. It is possible to place it on the inner or outer surface of the tooth after considering the structure of both the jaw and the teeth. Although it does not promise an aesthetically pleasing appearance, it is a treatment method suitable for every problem. In addition, braces prices are often known as the most economical orthodontic method, based on 2019. Depending on the degree of the disorder, recovery takes between 6 months and 2 years.
Transparent Braces (Porcelain Braces)
Regarding treatment results, there is no significant difference between transparent braces and metal braces. Since transparent braces are made of a porcelain-based material, they look much more aesthetic and natural, like the tooth structure. However, since it will not be as durable as metal braces, it must be used more carefully. For this reason, it may not be particularly suitable for children.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces were developed to eliminate the annoying appearance, which is the biggest disadvantage of braces. It is placed on the invisible inner surface of the tooth instead of the visible outer surface. It can be used similarly to metal or transparent (porcelain) braces. When compared in terms of treatment prices, it may involve higher costs than metal braces or translucent (porcelain) braces.
Transparent Plaque – Transparent Dental Plaque
This method, also known as Invisalign, which is a combination of the words “Invisible”, meaning “invisible”, and “aligner”, meaning “corrector”, is frequently used in cases of orthodontic disorders with milder tooth and jaw disorders. Unlike others, transparent dental plate applications have no brackets and wires. The patient is subjected to special 3D measurements for the existing tooth structure and the desired correction. Considering the results of the measures, a special transparent plate (Invisalign) is prepared for the patient.
