Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a dental industry whose job is to correct malocclusion in order to improve teeth functional and esthetical qualities.

We invite everyone to get acquainted with ABC  in orthodontics!

When to visit orthodontist?

Orthodontic treatment is necessary when there is-

• Incorrect jaw relationship. Patient’s upper or lower jaw is located forward; as a result it causes incorrect dental contact and other dental problems. There is a possibility of TMJ (jaw joints) problems, headache, wrinkle formation around mouth and nose and facial asymmetry.
  
• Incorrect teeth position. They can be rotated, pro inclined and retroclined. As a result teeth are out of the teeth line and can create malocclusion and esthetical problems.
  

How orthodontic treatment progresses?

• For the treatment process to be successful, it must be expected to be long lasting, will require very careful oral hygiene and repeated visits to the orthodontist:
  
• During the first visit there is examined the oral cavity, taken dental impressions to make dental models and made facial and dental photographies. All these actions facilitate and clarify the planning of orthodontic treatment.
  
• During subsequent visits oral cavity is prepared for the placement of correcting appliances- damaged teeth are repaired, if necessary, tooth extraction or upper jaw expansion is performed. Before dental braces are installed, it is desirable to perform another dental hygiene procedure.
  
• Braces installation- during this visit correcting appliances- braces- are installed. Information is provided about oral hygiene and instructions given on subsequent course of treatment.
  
• After brace installation, an orthodontist visit should be scheduled on average every 6-8 weeks. During these visits orthodontist activates the wires, takes photos, assesses the course of treatment.
  
• After braces are removed - teeth are unstable in the new position, therefore, it is necessary to do the retention phase, which is a life long process. Structure of the teeth and jaws are dynamic systems that change continuously throughout their lives. This means that when the braces are removed, the treatment is not over and you need to wear equipment- retention liners (cape) or fixed retainers- that stabilizes the results. This is the best way to keep the beautiful, new smile. Each patient requires an individual retention period and regimen- first 6 months is an active retention phase when the equipment needs to be weared day and night, then for about another 6 months- only at nights and then less frequently.
  

What should the patient follow?

• For orthodontic treatment to be successful, the patient should follow all the instructions given by doctor-orthodontist.
  
• If orthodontic appliance is not worn and tended at the specified time and manner, treatment will not proceed as originally planned, and the expected outcome of treatment may not provide the expected results.
  
• Oral hygiene is extremely important during orthodontic treatment (especially with braces). After each meal, it is imperative to brush your teeth with toothbrush and toothpaste. Teeth should be flossed and rinsed with fluoride containing products once a day. 
  
• Orthodontic appliances work by applying pressure to the teeth and to the bone where the teeth are located. If any brace falls off (comes loose) or appliance breaks, deforms or gets lost, unwanted tooth movement can occur. Orthodontic appliances can be damaged by eating a solid diet (rusks, carrots, nuts, caramels, etc.). If any of these situations occur, the patient must inform the doctor- orthodontist so that the appliance can be repaired or the brace re-applied to the tooth as soon as possible. Failure to do so may result in tooth movement in an undesirable direction and as a result in prolonged total treatment time. 
  

Treatment methods

In orthodontic treatment, malocclusion can be corrected using the following methods:

1. Removable or fixed appliances

2. Braces

3. Dental regulation with aligner invisalign full 

4.Tooth extraction

5. Orthognatic (jaw) surgery