Case 1

What is orthodontic treatment?

By distributing the biting force over all of your teeth, orthodontic treatment can help to straighten or move teeth, thus improving both their appearance and function. It can also assist in maintaining the long-term health of your teeth, gums, and jaw joints.

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Why should I have orthodontic treatment?

Many people have crowded or crooked teeth. By straightening or repositioning the teeth, orthodontic therapy can enhance the teeth's look, their bite relationship, and their ease of cleaning.

Orthodontic treatment can help straighten out crooked upper front teeth, which are more likely to be damaged than other types of teeth. It can also help straighten teeth that protrude from the mouth due to misaligned lower and upper jaws, which can also contribute to an improper bite.

Orthodontic therapy can help you bite more evenly and lessen the tension that comes with misaligned teeth, which can lead to difficulties with your jaw, and joints, and occasionally headaches.

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At what age should I have orthodontic treatment?

The ideal time to have orthodontic treatment is usually during childhood, but more and more adults are doing so. Age is less significant than having the proper amount of teeth, and in children, it can be necessary to wait until enough teeth erupt before beginning treatment.

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Who carries out orthodontics?

Your dentist may perform orthodontic treatment on you, or they may refer you to a more qualified specialist known as an orthodontist, who may work out of an office or a hospital department.

It is against the law for anyone other than a dental professional to practice orthodontics.

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What does it involve?

The most crucial step is to have a thorough examination, which typically entails taking dental X-rays, taking pictures of your teeth, and creating plaster models of them. After that, you and your orthodontist can discuss what treatments are feasible, and if you are comfortable moving forward, the treatment can begin as soon as you have enough permanent teeth.

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Will I need to have my teeth taken out to make room?

If your permanent teeth are crowding out the space available for them, your dentist will advise you if extractions of certain permanent teeth are necessary. In certain cases, additional space can be created through non-surgical treatment.

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How is treatment carried out?

Orthodontic treatment can be done by many sorts of appliances, which most people call a 'brace'.

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What is a removable brace?

A removable brace (a plate that can be removed for cleaning) can be used for simple treatment. It consists of tiny wires and springs that gently press on the teeth to move them.

What is a fixed brace?

When teeth require more precise guidance than can be achieved with a removable brace, a fixed brace is utilized. It consists of bands and brackets that are temporarily bonded to the teeth, with a flexible wire connecting all the brackets to enable tooth movement. Because the appliance is fixed to the teeth and cannot be removed by the user, it is referred to as a fixed appliance.

What is a functional brace?

A functional brace, which harnesses the power of your jaw muscles to change the way your jaw grows, might occasionally help with specific kinds of problems.

What are the brackets made of?

Fixed braces are not always made of metal. Plastic and ceramic can be used, especially for adults.

What is headgear?

As well as a brace some people need to wear headgear. You usually only need to wear it in the evening or at night. If you do not wear it in the way you have been told, your front teeth may stick out at the end of treatment.

What are 'invisible braces'?

The treatment involves using tough, clear plastic "aligners," or moulds, to straighten teeth. Each patient receives several sets of slightly different, specially moulded aligners, which are worn for two weeks before being replaced with the next set. Because the aligners are made of clear plastic, they are nearly invisible, meaning that no one needs to know that you are straightening your teeth. For best results, the aligners should be worn for 22 to 23 hours a day, and they can be easily removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and cleaning spaces between your teeth. Before receiving this treatment, the patient must have all of their adult teeth.

What are elastics?

Sometimes delicate elastic bands are attached to a fixed brace to help move the teeth. Your orthodontist will tell you if you need elastics.

Will it hurt?

All appliances may feel strange at first and can cause discomfort. If the problem doesn't go away, the orthodontist may be able to carry out adjustments to help. Teeth are usually uncomfortable immediately after a brace has been adjusted, but this will settle.

How successful will it be?

The success of the treatment depends on the orthodontist's skills as well as the patient's (and parent's, if the patient is a child) enthusiasm, helpfulness, and adherence to instructions. The patient's commitment is also a factor in the treatment's success; in the case of children undergoing orthodontic treatment, the patient's enthusiasm is just as important as the parent's.

Can orthodontics damage my teeth?

If you do not take good care of your teeth during treatment, your braces will not break them; however, inadequate cleaning and an excessive amount of sugary food and drink can cause irreversible damage to your teeth. The brackets, wires, and braces can trap food particles and increase the amount of plaque that forms on your teeth, so you must clean your teeth and the appliance thoroughly.

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How do I care for my brace and teeth?

- Regular dental check-ups are crucial during orthodontic treatment, ensuring proper monitoring of your teeth's health.
- Take extra care when cleaning your teeth daily, especially between the braces, to prevent breakage. Your dental team can demonstrate specialized cleaning techniques based on your specific appliance.
- Reduce the frequency of consuming sugary foods, snacks, fizzy drinks, sticky, and hard foods to protect your braces from damage.
- Brush your teeth thoroughly before bedtime and at least once more during the day. Mouthwash can be used if necessary. Your dental team might suggest a stronger fluoride toothpaste, gel, or mouth rinse to maintain oral health.