Orthodontic treatment – ways and importance of straightening teeth

Orthodontic treatment is the correction of irregular occlusion and crooked teeth. Indications and contraindications for orthodontic treatment are evaluated by the orthodontist doctor after a detailed examination. Orthodontic treatment may be combined with other procedures (e.g. fillings, prosthetics, surgical interventions), but before starting orthodontic treatment, the (healthy) oral mucosa and teeth should be restored.

Why should teeth be straightened?

Straightening teeth is usually chosen for aesthetic reasons. Crooked teeth can have a negative impact on a person’s emotional well-being when they are afraid to laugh or try to cover them. However, crooked teeth can also cause other concerns. An anomaly in the bite can also adversely affect the articulation of certain sounds. If teeth are crooked, it can be difficult to clean some areas of the teeth – and teeth decay in the wrong places. When teeth are misaligned, the chewing load is distributed unevenly, causing some teeth to decay faster than they should. Also, if the bite is very irregular, food is not chewed properly, which leads to digestive tract problems.

Common causes of crooked teeth:

  • heredity;
  • bad habits (for example, constant irregular breathing through the mouth, too long use of a pacifier);
  • normal eruption of teeth is disturbed (for example, milk teeth that fall out prematurely);

The main consequences that can be caused by crooked teeth:

  • decay
  • inflammation of the gums
  • complex care
  • rapid wear of teeth, loss of teeth
  • digestive diseases due to poor-quality chewed food
  • aesthetic flaws in appearance
  • diction disorders
  • discomfort when talking, distrust

What are the methods of straightening teeth?

Two formations are used to straighten teeth: removable and fixed orthodontic devices. Removable apparatus – aligners, plates, functional apparatus. Treatment with removable apparatus is applied to the treatment of lighter cases. For the treatment of more complex cases, fixed orthodontic devices are used – braces. They are connected by wire, which, tensioning to the required length, forces the teeth to gradually move in a certain direction. Braces are not removed for the entire duration of treatment, until the desired result is achieved (treatment usually lasts from 1.5 to 2.5 years, depending on the individual situation of the patient).

Orthodontic treatment with INVISALIGN caps

The Invisalign cap system is the braces-free way to straighten your teeth! Invisalign can treat a wide range of orthodontic problems such as crooked, crowded or sparse teeth.

Invisalign caps are a set of caps that slowly move the teeth in the direction planned by the orthodontist. Treatment with these caps consists of transparent, removable, straightening caps, which are replaced every two weeks with a different set of caps. Each cap is made individually for your teeth. As the caps are replaced, the teeth are slowly moved until they are straightened to the final position prescribed by the orthodontist. These straightening caps are hardly noticeable, and you can remove the caps at any time for a short period of time in the event of an important appointment or event.

Invisalign treatment is also special because, compared to braces, there are usually no emergency visits to the orthodontist, whereas a broken bracket or a fraying wire is a source of anxiety and discomfort for the patient.

The Invisalign cap system is commonly used to treat:

  • crowded teeth
  • “closing” gaps between teeth
  • deep bite: when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much
  • when the teeth need to be pushed in no more than 4-5 mm

Treatment of the brace system

Treatment of the brace system is started with the appearance of permanent teeth, or at the end of the period of tooth change. The brace system consists of braces (staples) fixed on the surfaces of the teeth, and orthodontic arcs are attached to them. With its help, teeth are straightened and the occlusion is corrected. At the same time, elastic rubbers, fixed functional apparatus, palate and tongue arcs, mini-implants can be used.

Types of braces:

Metal braces are the most popular type of braces. Treatment with them is faster, cheaper, but less aesthetically pleasing.

Ceramic braces are more aesthetically pleasing, less noticeable on the teeth, but more expensive and longer treatment (several months). A broken or cracked brace should be replaced with a new one.

Beligature braces – special because the arch is fixed with a special lock, less pressure is applied to the bracket and friction is reduced. It also makes treatment faster and doctor visits less frequent.

Orthodontic plates

These are removable orthodontic devices with a plastic base, to which various metal elements are attached: springs, screws, hugs. This is a fairly effective and inexpensive method of treatment, but not suitable for all anomalies. The main disadvantage of plaques is increased discomfort (uncomfortable, impaired speech).

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