What is orthodontic treatment?(ορθοδοντικος)
If you don't like the way your teeth look or work, orthodontic treatment may be the solution. You can benefit from orthodontic treatment at any age. Misalignment, overlapping or advancing of the teeth adversely affect their appearance and function. Orthodontic treatment enhances the smile and also promotes health, because aligned teeth are easier to brush and therefore less prone to cavities.
Do you need orthodontic treatment?
The position of the teeth and the jaw affects the occlusion. Occlusion refers to the articulation of the upper teeth with those of the lower. When the upper teeth are not well articulated with the lower ones, we speak of dental malocclusion. Missing, misaligned, overlapping or protruding teeth can contribute to malocclusion.
Malocclusion can make it difficult to chew certain foods and wear down certain teeth. It can also lead to muscle tension and pain. Protruding teeth can chip or break more easily. In addition, crooked or overlapping teeth are more difficult to brush, increasing the possibility of gum disease and cavities.
The duration of treatment
The duration of treatment depends on your age, the severity of the problem and the treatment technique used. Treatment usually includes regular visits to the dentist or orthodontist, spread over several months or years.
In general, it takes longer to treat an adult than a child or adolescent. Most patients wear fixed braces for 2 years.
Orthodontic treatments
Depending on the severity of the malocclusion, your dentist or orthodontist may suggest one or more of the following orthodontic treatments:
Fixed orthodontic appliances
Removable orthodontic appliances
retention devices
oral surgery
Fixed orthodontic appliances
To place fixed appliances, the dentist or orthodontist glues brackets (or bands) to each tooth using cement. Bow-shaped wires are then attached to all the casings and are usually held in place with rubber bands or metal ties.
You may experience temporary discomfort after the first fitting of fixed appliances or during adjustment visits. Fixed appliances will take some getting used to, as they may get in the way of your lips and the inside of your cheeks. If necessary, an orthodontic wax can be applied to the brackets. To have less pain after adjustment visits, preferably eat soft foods.
removable devices
Although removable appliances are not as precise as fixed appliances, they can still move one or more teeth. Installed by your dentist or orthodontist, removable appliances can be worn before the installation of fixed appliances, at the same time as the fixed appliances or independently of them to treat specific problems.
retention devices
After the fixed appliances are removed, a retainer can be used to keep your teeth in place. Retainers are fixed (attached to the teeth) or removable. In some cases, they must be worn all the time, while in other cases, part of the day is enough. (σιδερακια τιμεσ)
oral surgery
Tooth extraction may be necessary if one or more teeth overlap or are in a very bad position. When the volume or position of the upper and lower jaws do not match at all, maxillofacial surgery (or orthognathic surgery) may be required. If your dentist or orthodontist considers an operation to be preferable, he will recommend a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery.