Orthodontics or dentofacial orthopedics is the dental medicine that treat dento-maxillary abnormalities (lack of alignment of teeth, malocclusions, dental rotation, incongruity of the two dental archways, etc.).

In addition to the unsightly appearance, crooked teeth are harder to care for, can be lost earlier due to career and periodontitis. In addition, it forces the masticatory muscles to an extra effort, which can lead to headaches, temporomandibular joint dysfunction and neck, shoulder and back pain.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment include better oral health, a more enjoyable appearance and greater teeth durability. In conclusion, by orthodontics we correct the dental anomaly, maintain the health of the dental structures and ensure the stability of the treatment over time.

Who is orthodontics addressed?

Orthodontics does not just address children. Thanks to modern techniques, teeth can be straightened at any age. Besides, there are invisible orthodontic appliances that can be worn by people who do not want to see it.

In addition to the physiognomy aspect of orthodontic treatments (sometimes the changes of physiognomy are drastically improved), they also provide a dentomaxilar state of health.

The underlying causes of dental anomalies are multiple: heredity, different syndromes, vicious habits such as fingertips, tongue, lips, or other objects, etc. In the case of adults, the most likely scenario is that of an accident, injury, or timely untruthing of the teeth.

The invisible orthodontic appliances are in great demand in our country in recent years. No matter how aesthetically transparent orthodontic appliances are patients who do not want to see their orthodontic appliances at all, because they have a very active social life or are public figures, but they want a beautiful smile.

For this category, there are invisible orthodontic appliances, the most representative being Incognito (fixed orthogonal applique applied to the inside of the teeth) and Invisalign (mobile orthodontic device made up of transparent bars).

The orthodontist is the one who can diagnose and recommend a personalized trait. He also chooses the type of orthodontic device to be used by the patient.

When is orthodontic treatment recommended?

Generally, orthodontic treatment should be started from childhood around the age of seven, or when the child has between 4 and 6 teeth of milk. At this stage of development, the doctor may already notice possible problems with growing the jaw and permanent teeth.

Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they are discovered early. To prevent these problems, teach your child that brushing your teeth is like playing.

The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the problem and can last from a few months to three years. Most patients are treated for two years.

During this time, visits to the doctor are required every 2 to 6 weeks. After removal of the orthodontic appliances, it is often necessary to wear retention devices to help preserve the new position of the teeth. Sometimes extracting some teeth from the arcade is required to make room for the other teeth to align properly.

The success of treatment depends on the understanding and cooperation of the patient, who must understand the benefits of the treatment and follow the doctor’s advice along with a very good hygiene of the teeth.