What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics, derived from the Latin words "ortos" (straight) and "dontos" (teeth), is a branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of irregularities in the teeth, jaw, and facial structures.
Who is an Orthodontist?
Orthodontists are specialists in dentistry who focus on the diagnosis and treatment of irregularities in the teeth, jaw, and facial structures.
Is Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?
The necessity of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the patient's anomalies. Orthodontic treatment is not only an aesthetic method to correct misalignment of teeth but also helps prevent gum diseases and jaw joint problems by aligning teeth and improving jaw relationships.
When Should I Take My Child for Orthodontic Examination?
After the permanent incisor teeth of the child have erupted, around the age of 7-8 or earlier if a general dentist has identified a problem, it is recommended to have your child examined by an orthodontic specialist.
When Should I Take My Child to the Orthodontist?
- Upper front teeth protruding excessively over the lower front teeth.
- Upper teeth covering the lower teeth excessively when in a biting position (deep bite).
- Upper front teeth behind or even with the lower front teeth.
- No contact between upper and lower front teeth during biting, leaving a gap (open bite).
- Crooked or crowded teeth.
- Persistent thumb-sucking habits beyond the age of 6-7.
- Difficulty in chewing or biting.
- Lower jaw shifting to one side during biting or chewing.
- Spaces between teeth.
- Difficulty breathing through the nose, leading to speech and misalignment problems.
What is the Importance of Baby Teeth from an Orthodontic Perspective?
Baby teeth, consisting of a total of 20 teeth that will remain in the mouth until the age of 6, help in guiding the eruption of permanent teeth. The healthy retention of baby teeth can prevent future dental misalignments.
When Should Orthodontic Treatment Begin?
The age to start orthodontic treatment depends entirely on the orthodontic problem. The duration of treatment varies from case to case. Orthodontic treatment can be done at any age, but the patient's age affects the duration of treatment.
Is It Possible for Braces Not to Be Visible?
Orthodontic treatment can be performed with clear braces or by applying braces to the lingual side (Lingual Orthodontics) to make them less visible.
Does Orthodontic Treatment Cause Pain?
There is no pain during the placement of braces in orthodontic treatment. However, in wire treatments, there may be an adaptation period of 3 to 10 days as the teeth are moved. This adjustment period can be eased with pain relievers or mouthwashes.
What Should I Do If I Have Toothache?
In case of toothache, you can use pain relievers.
Is There a Specific Duration?
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies from case to case. Treatment may take longer in cases with skeletal abnormalities, but it can be shorter if only dental misalignment is being corrected.
What Are Possible Causes of Orthodontic Disorders?
Possible causes of orthodontic disorders may include:
- Genetic factors
- Ear, nose, throat problems
- Bad habits
- Inadequate implementation of preventive dentistry
- Muscle disorders
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
- Improved smiles
- Better functioning of teeth
- Correction of jaw and dental problems
- Easier cleaning of teeth
- Correction of speech problems
- Long-term dental and gum health
Rules to Follow During Orthodontic Treatment
- Do not break the braces
- Brush teeth more frequently and for longer periods
- Avoid consuming acidic drinks
- Be careful when eating hard foods
- Cut or break foods with a knife or by hand before chewing with back teeth
- Regular use of elastics and appliances
- Adhere to appointments