Jaws Orthopedics
This is a branch of dentistry that deals with the study of the spatial relationship and position of the upper and lower jaws and teeth.
Orthodontics
This is a specialized branch of dentistry whose subject is the correction of improper positions of teeth or relationships between the jaws, which can arise during growth, development, and even later.
Having teeth correctly aligned is necessary not just for aesthetic reasons but also for the prevention of periodontal diseases. Potential future tooth loss, as well as problems with the temporomandibular joint, can also be prevented with orthodontic methods.
In childhood, it’s possible to influence not just dental (tooth-related) but also skeletal (bone-related) irregularities. At this time, undesirable habits threatening health can also be eliminated.
In mature age, therapy might be necessary in preparation for implant placement. It’s also applicable as a preparation for prosthetic treatment to eliminate traumatic occlusion.
Therapy can be carried out using:
- Active mobile plate devices
- Fixed devices
- Invisalign foils
Jaw Orthopedics – Active Mobile Plate Devices
The main feature of mobile orthodontic devices is that the patient can remove and put them on themselves.
Depending on the mode of action, different orthodontic devices exist:
- Active orthodontic devices
- Functional orthodontic devices
Active orthodontic devices are affixed to the teeth using wire elements (the passive part of the device). They stably stay in the mouth and contain active elements that act on:
- Moving individual teeth or groups of teeth
- Expanding and shaping the jaws and dental arches
- Maintaining achieved results after fixed brace therapy
Functional orthodontic devices base their effect on activating the function of a specific muscle group. They produce a force that’s transferred to the bone tissue (upper and lower jaw) and dentoalveolar structures (teeth and their supporting apparatus). These devices also influence the temporomandibular joint.
Thus, they affect growth modification, bite correction, and the correction of irregular orofacial functions (swallowing, breathing, speaking). In younger ages, they’re used for breaking bad habits, like mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, or thumb sucking.
Two visits to the dentist are necessary to make an active or passive orthodontic device. During the first visit, an impression is taken. On the second visit, the finished device is received with professional instructions on its proper use and maintenance.
Fixed Orthodontic Devices
These are active immobile devices affixed to the teeth. Unlike active mobile plate devices, the force in fixed devices acts continuously throughout therapy.
Fixed devices work independently of patient cooperation. The brackets used are diverse: metal or aesthetic (sapphire, glass, and ceramic). There are also brackets placed on the inner side of teeth using the lingual technique. However, this technique can’t solve all types of orthodontic anomalies, and professional dental advice is necessary.
Invisalign
There are many ways to correct tooth irregularities, but using Invisalign foils is the most comfortable form. Invisalign treatment consists of using a series of almost invisible foils, which the patient changes every two or three weeks.
The foils are produced individually for each patient. By changing the foils, the teeth will move (0.25 millimeters per foil) until their final position as prescribed by the orthodontist.
Before treatment, a 3D image is taken. Based on this, patients can see how their teeth will move and the expected result.
However, using Invisalign is not a solution for all types of orthodontic anomalies. An orthodontist will determine the possible and certain shift after an examination.