Why is orthodontics necessary?
On the one hand, crowded teeth are more prone to caries, thus, the chances for plaque formation is higher, because teeth are harder to clean. Fillings are harder to manage on crowded teeth, thus, despite the dentist’s best efforts secondary caries can appear next to these fillings. On the other hand, malocclusion disorders (overbite, open bite, crowded teeth) have a significant influence on the occurrence of periodontal diseases. In such cases, dental gums suffer chronic inflammation and blood circulation disorders, which compromises the support structure of teeth. Moreover, bite disorders can cause certain diseases of the mandibular joint (pain when biting, dislodging). Furthermore, dental disorders can cause speech impediments (hissing, lisps). Finally, misaligned teeth can cause face distortions, which in turn can give rise to negative psychological processes and social integration disorders.
The process of orthodontics
- consultation, dental impression
- panoramic X-ray and cephalometric projections
- the dentist calculates the necessary parameters, plans the process of placing the braces and chooses the types of braces
- calculation of the costs of the braces
- activation of removable braces or placing of fixed braces
- check-up and adjustment every 4 weeks for removable braces and check-up and adjustment every two weeks for fixed braces
- Continuous dental hygiene counselling and check-up
What you should know about removable braces:
- are used predominantly for children or to correct simple tooth misalignments at young age
- are made from plastic in every colour of the rainbow, they can be personalised with names, stickers, and glitter
- their efficiency is largely influenced by how long patients wear them on a daily basis (12 hours daily is the optimal duration)
- the full collaboration of the patient is indispensable (including parents – children)
- treatment time is longer than in the case of fixed braces (approx. 1,5 years)
- determination and patience are necessary until children get accustomed to them (approx. 1 week)
- braces must be washed with water and toothpaste after each use
- braces must be dried when placed back into their case and the case must be left open to avoid fungal infections due to humidity
- braces must be disinfected once per week with denture cleansing tablets
- it’s necessary to maintain good dental hygiene
What you should know about fixed braces:
Their use enhances plaque formation and food getting stuck between teeth. Difficulties in cleaning them increases the risk of dental caries. The collaboration of the patient (or parents where the patients are children) is absolutely indispensable to maintain good dental hygiene
- treatment is contraindicated where patient collaboration is refused or lacking
- in case of improper dental hygiene, the work of the dentist along with the financial contribution of the parent are wasted.
- unremoved food particles and dental plaque can lead to gingivitis and tooth loss
- dental plaque forms predominantly between the gum line and the brackets. The use of toothbrush, superfloss, and interdental brush is compulsory. Patients with fixed braces should brush their teeth after each meal, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash once a day.
- during sporting activities, patients should wear a mouthguard to avoid injuries
- the duration of the treatment is usually 1 year
- after the removal of the fixed braces, a retainer is necessary, which has the role to further maintain the position of teeth straightened with braces and fine-tuning their position
- brackets can be made from metal, plastic (transparent or coloured), porcelain, zirconium.
Regardless of fixed or removable braces, orthodontic treatment can only be carried out on caries-free, periodontally intact or treated teeth, and only with the maintenance of good oral hygiene.
When placing braces, we strive to reduce the frequency of brace adjustments to avoid making patients travel needlessly. When necessary, braces can be placed even in collaboration with an orthodontist from your country of residence. Get in touch with us to ask for a price estimate!