What is orthodontics? And how is it applied?

Orthodontics helps correct your dental issues, such as crowding, crooked teeth, or improperly aligned teeth. Orthodontics is considered the ideal solution for malalignment problems, which reduces various issues such as gum diseases resulting from food particles getting trapped between overlapping teeth. It also addresses speech difficulties in some cases, in addition to the aesthetic factor of your smile.

On the other hand, orthodontics indirectly prevents long-term jaw joint (TMJ) disorders. By restoring the occlusion (bite) to its stable position, it facilitates the movement of the jaw joint and reduces the stress applied to it resulting from malocclusion.

While orthodontics is most commonly used for children, adults in their 30s and even 40s can undergo orthodontic treatment. If you have any of the aforementioned problems, you need to undergo orthodontic treatment to achieve well-aligned teeth.

Types of Orthodontic Treatments:

If orthodontics is indeed the right solution for you, your orthodontist will analyze the existing issues in your teeth and provide a treatment plan that includes the most suitable type of treatment for you, which will be one of the following options:

Metal Braces:

Consists of metal pieces called brackets and wires mostly made of titanium alloys. This type of bracket is the most common; however, due to its metallic color, it is not considered aesthetic, which may add a somewhat unusual appearance to your smile during the treatment phases.

Clear Braces (Ceramic/Sapphire):

These brackets are the same as those used in traditional braces but are made of ceramic or sapphire material. This makes them blend with the natural color of the teeth, providing high aesthetic properties.

Lingual Braces:

The brackets are fixed on the inner side of the teeth (the tongue side), making them completely invisible when you smile. However, they cannot be used in all orthodontic treatments. In complex cases that require the application of multiple forces to correct the alignment of your teeth, lingual braces are not considered the first choice for treatment.

Invisible Braces (Invisalign):

Consists of custom-designed plastic aligners specifically made for your teeth and precisely prepared to gently move your teeth into the correct positions. You can remove this type of braces while eating or cleaning your teeth, but it must be worn for no less than 22 hours a day to perform its function.

How Does Orthodontics Work?

The brackets fixed on your teeth apply the force generated by the wire attached to all the teeth, which pushes the tooth to follow the direction of the force applied to it. When the applied force reaches the tooth, the alveolar bone surrounding the tooth begins to remodel itself, clearing the way for the tooth to move in the direction of the applied force. Because the applied force is light and precisely calculated, the possibility of harming the tooth or the surrounding bone is very low.

How Long Should I Wear Braces?

The time required for orthodontic treatment varies from person to person and depends on:

• The severity of your problem.

• The amount of available space inside your mouth.

• The distance your teeth must travel.

• The health of the teeth, gums, and supporting bone.

• The accuracy of following instructions.

On average, once the braces are on, they usually stay in place for 1 to 3 years. After removing the braces, most people need to wear a retainer full-time during the first eight months. After that, you should wear it only while you sleep, which will continue for a period of no less than one full year.

Will Orthodontics Be Painful?

Orthodontics is considered the treatment that causes the least pain for patients in the dental clinic. However, some adjustments made by the orthodontist may make your mouth feel uncomfortable. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Panadol or Ibuprofen can help reduce the intensity of the pain. Should this occur, you must contact your doctor directly to make the necessary adjustments.

Do I Need Orthodontics?

If you have any of the problems we discussed, or if you are dissatisfied with your smile and wish to improve it without damaging your teeth, orthodontics is your best option to overcome these issues.

You can contact our clinic, Marvel Dental Clinic, through our website or via WhatsApp to evaluate your need for orthodontic treatment and whether it is the best option for you.