Orthodontics is one of the specialized dental treatments that aims to correct dental irregularities, correct the misalignment of two rows of teeth (malocclusion) and regulate the growth of teeth in the appropriate direction and correct the smile pattern. In this treatment, a fixed or movable device and sometimes rubber bands are used to apply pressure to the teeth and guide them to a suitable position.
Types of orthodontics: As mentioned, two types of devices are used during the treatment period. Fixed and mobile devices.
Fixed orthodontic appliance: In fixed orthodontics, the dentist or orthodontist attaches brackets to the person’s teeth with a special adhesive and then passes a wire or wire through them. During the time this device is on the teeth, the pressure exerted by the wires and brackets pulls the teeth to the correct position. The advantage of fixed orthodontics is to create more pressure and influence on regulating the movement of teeth towards the desired location.
What is invisible orthodontics?: Today, different types of orthodontic brackets and wires are marketed. Brackets and wires are available in the market with invisible and transparent, colored, matte, metallic and shiny appearance, and people can choose the appropriate type according to their taste and age. Transparent brackets and wires, due to their invisible appearance, have attracted less attention and are therefore more popular. There is another type of invisible orthodontic appliance that attaches to the space behind the teeth and is therefore not visible from the outside of the mouth.
Apart from the above, there is another system for invisible orthodontics, which is made in the form of transparent sheets in the laboratory and is placed on the tooth over time to correct the rotation of the teeth, this method is only used in cases where the tooth decay is very minor and does not require tooth extraction.
Cleaning teeth during orthodontics is very important. To clean teeth with a fixed orthodontic appliance, special interdental toothbrushes are used. Using this type of toothbrush, you must carefully clean the space between the teeth and the wire of the device. Using a toothbrush and floss after each meal will prevent food particles from getting caught between the wires and the brackets. Food jams between the teeth and the device are serious and should be removed after each meal; because these food residues cause acid production and tooth decay. In addition, plaque and plaque on the teeth will cause the teeth to discolor after removal of the device.
Removable orthodontic appliance: These orthodontic appliances are, in fact, a transparent mold that is made specifically for each person’s teeth. The advantage of using these mobile devices is that the person can easily take it out while eating and put it back in the mouth after thorough cleaning. It is much easier to clean and brush with removable orthodontics. The removable orthodontic appliance creates a beautiful effect due to the lack of brackets and wires, and its transparent glass appearance, and has been welcomed by teenagers and young people; But you should note that the appropriate type should be selected according to the dentist’s instructions. In cases where the irregularity of the teeth is very severe, the use of removable orthodontics does not help to improve the condition of the teeth.
The right time to start treatment The best time to start orthodontic treatment is when all of your baby’s baby teeth have grown. The teeth and jaw bones of a child at this age have enough flexibility and respond well to treatment. Generally 12 to 15 years old is the golden period for treatment. Then, with age, the treatment of dental irregularities may be delayed and slow.
