Orthodontics
The field of dentistry that deals with irregularities in the position of the teeth, as well as discrepancies in the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. These irregularities can be corrected during a child’s growth and development, but they can also be successfully treated in adults. Depending on the patient’s age and the complexity of the therapy, these issues can be addressed with either fixed or removable orthodontic appliances.
Fixed orthodontic appliance – Fixed braces
Also known as fixed braces. It consists of a combination of metal brackets that are bonded to the teeth and metal wires that connect them into a single unit. The brackets remain on the teeth throughout the entire treatment, and patients cannot remove them on their own. The duration of the treatment varies from patient to patient, but on average it lasts between 1.5 to 2 years. Check-ups are scheduled every month.
Removable orthodontic appliance – Removable braces
Removable braces can be taken off and put on by the patients themselves. Maintaining hygiene with these braces is much easier for this reason. Unlike fixed braces, they consist of a flat part and metal hooks that wrap around the teeth at one end, while the other end is integrated into the appliance plate. The duration of the treatment is also individual, and check-ups are typically done once a month, or even less frequently.
Things you must know
The success of the therapy itself does not depend solely on the orthodontist. For the treatment to be properly applied, patients must be disciplined. This means they must strictly follow the instructions given by their orthodontist, which primarily includes regular visits for check-ups. Additionally, it is essential to pay extra attention to maintaining hygiene, as it is more challenging during the treatment. Furthermore, certain types of food should be avoided (popcorn, candies, chewing gum...) to prevent the brackets of the fixed braces from detaching.
