Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and correction of irregular tooth positions or the relationship between jaws.
Proper tooth alignment is essential not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for functional purposes and the prevention of periodontal diseases. Potential future tooth loss, as well as temporomandibular joint issues, can be prevented with the help of orthodontic methods.
In childhood, it is possible to influence not only dental but also skeletal irregularities. During this period, it is possible to eliminate some undesirable habits that compromise health (mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, and finger sucking).
Jaw Orthopedics checked:
Reasons for undergoing
Orthodontic therapy improves conditions for maintaining oral hygiene, enabling long-term dental health.
Through the correction of irregularities in the positioning and establishing proper function of teeth and jaws, bite alignment is enhanced, making it easier for the patient to chew.
Orthodontic treatment of teeth and jaws in edentulous patients prepares them for accepting prosthetic replacements (bridges, crowns) and implants (All-on-6 and All-on-4, Hollywood Smile), enhancing their functionality and longevity.
Orthodontic treatment significantly enhances the appearance of patients’ teeth, as well as their entire face. A beautiful smile and facial symmetry are directly linked to increased self-confidence, leading to improvements in both personal and professional life.
Orthodontic appliances (braces) can be
There are several types of fixed braces, all equally effective in their primary role of restoring teeth to their correct positions. The differences lie in the appearance of the brace, its comfort, the interval between check-ups, and the visibility of the appliance.
A fixed brace consists of three parts:
Depending on their position, i.e., where they are placed in relation to the teeth, braces can be:
Vestibular – traditional braces attached to the outside (front) of the teeth.
Lingual – located on the inside of the teeth towards the tongue
Children aged between five and eleven often use removable braces. The function of the braces is the same as with fixed ones, but the design is tailored to accommodate growing teeth. Children wear the braces for at least four hours a day, including overnight, allowing them the flexibility to omit wearing them at school. They remove the braces during meals, with a mandatory teeth brushing before putting them back on.
Mobile braces are visible and can somewhat affect speech, although children quickly adapt to speaking clearly with the appliance.
In addition to correcting bites and teeth positions, they also help in breaking habits such as thumb-sucking, pushing teeth with the tongue, and mouth breathing. In this type of therapy, it is crucial for the patient to be disciplined and wear the braces regularly, as consistent use is key to achieving satisfactory results.
A special type of mobile braces are Invisalign braces.
Therapeutic possibilities are more extensive for adolescents than for individuals who have finished growing. In adults, orthodontic correction of teeth is feasible, though we cannot impact skeletal (bone) structures.
Children should be brought in for an orthodontic examination around the age of five or six, after the eruption of their first permanent teeth, especially in cases of: misaligned teeth, early loss of baby teeth, crowded teeth, prolonged thumb-sucking or other bad habits, speech difficulties, chewing problems, or issues with mouth closure.
The duration of orthodontic therapy is individual. Fixed appliances (braces) are typically worn for an average of eighteen (18) months.
Tough food: meat
Crispy food: popcorn and ice
Sticky food: caramels, candies, and chewing gums
Hard food: nuts
Foods that require vigorous biting, such as corn on the cob, apples, and carrots.
In case a bracket comes off, the patient should come to the clinic as soon as possible to have it replaced.
Two visits to the dentist are necessary. During the first visit, an impression is taken. The second visit is to receive the finished appliance, along with expert instructions on its proper use and maintenance.
An active orthodontic appliance is affixed to the teeth using wire elements (the passive component of the appliance). This provides stability in the mouth and incorporates active elements that function to:
Functional orthodontic appliances derive their effectiveness from activating the function of a specific group of muscles. They generate a force transmitted to the bone tissue (upper and lower jaws) and dentoalveolar structures (teeth and their supporting apparatus). These appliances also affect the temporomandibular (jaw) joint.
This influences the modification of growth, correction of malocclusions, and correction of irregular orofacial functions (swallowing, breathing, speech). In younger individuals, they are also used to discourage bad habits such as mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, or thumb-sucking.
The Dr. Minić dental practice has been successfully dealing with all major areas of dentistry for more than 30 years.
The Dr. Minić dental practice has been successfully dealing with all major areas of dentistry for more than 30 years.
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