Orthodontics
Teeth alignment is not only about aesthetics but also about ensuring that the forces acting during chewing are properly distributed by aligning the teeth in the correct dental arch. Additionally, rotated teeth are much harder to clean and are more susceptible to cavities and periodontal disease. Dental braces, or fixed prosthetics, are often the right choice for correcting misaligned teeth. Many people struggle with the decision to start orthodontic therapy, primarily due to the appearance of traditional fixed braces. However, with advancements in dental materials, options have improved significantly.
What options are available for teeth correction?
- Ceramic braces
- Lingual braces
- Clear aligners
- Self-ligating braces
- DAMON system (an innovative and technologically superior system for orthodontic teeth correction)
- ICONIX – a new system introduced by the USA company American Orthodontics
Teeth alignment with braces?
Orthodontic appliances or braces are devices that apply orthodontic forces to the teeth, allowing them to move and be positioned correctly. There are many types of appliances, differing in design and purpose, with the simplest classification being fixed and removable orthodontic appliances. The specific type of orthodontic appliance used in a given case depends on the patient’s age, the type of misalignment, and the possibility of correction.
Fixed braces consist of brackets and a wire that connects them. The brackets are individual elements that are attached to the teeth using a special adhesive and have a groove on their surface designed to hold the wire. The wire, with its elastic properties, generates the orthodontic force that causes the teeth to move and aligns them in their correct position.
The amount of force applied depends on the properties of the wire, including the material, thickness, and shape. The oldest generation of brackets was made of metal, but in recent years, ceramic and composite white brackets have become increasingly popular. White brackets are more aesthetically pleasing as they blend better with the color of the teeth compared to metal ones. Newer orthodontic bracket systems, such as the Damon system, offer greater comfort, faster, and better results.
The effect of fixed braces?
Since the teeth are changing their position, an adjustment period is necessary. If pain occurs, it is typically temporary. The patient can use standard pain relief treatment. Additionally, some loosening and shifting of the teeth is part of the normal course of treatment. If a bracket becomes detached, it should be reattached as soon as possible, as the treatment is interrupted. It is best to bring the bracket with you when visiting the orthodontist for reattachment.
Tooth movement happens gradually, which is why orthodontic treatment is relatively long-term. Check-ups are performed once a month, and they can be scheduled more frequently or less often, depending on the patient’s needs. The duration of treatment with fixed braces depends on the severity of the anomaly as well as the cooperation between the patient and the orthodontist, which can help shorten the treatment time and ensure optimal results.
Oral hygiene is crucial when wearing fixed orthodontic appliances. If possible, it is recommended to thoroughly brush your teeth after each meal. Additionally, the use of auxiliary brushes, such as sulcus brushes and interdental brushes, is advised. If oral hygiene is not maintained regularly and properly, there is a risk of permanent damage to the teeth and gums.
After wearing fixed braces, the post-treatment phase involves the use of retainers—clear aligners that the patient wears for a certain period to maintain the results of the treatment.
Teeth alignment with clear aligners
The CAD-CAM system is used for orthodontic movement and teeth alignment with clear aligners (invisible braces, M aligner, eClker, etc.), which are made using 3D technology. We are proud to be the clinic that first introduced orthodontic tooth movement using aligners. Our experience shows that this method of teeth alignment can be used for mild irregularities in the dental arch, such as tooth rotations, gaps between teeth, or tilted teeth in the frontal region.
CAD/CAM aligners are made based on a digitized model of the jaws. Digital orthodontics involves simulating tooth movement using specialized software, where each individual tooth being moved is cut and can be repositioned in any direction. The tooth movement simulation is then divided into the number of aligners needed to complete the orthodontic treatment. The aligners are changed every two weeks until the desired tooth position is achieved.
Advantages of invisible aligners include:
- CAD/CAM aligners are transparent and thin, making them comfortable to wear without interfering with patients who prioritize aesthetics.
- Increased precision and predictability of tooth movement compared to traditional methods.
- The required set of aligners is delivered at once, regardless of the number of aligners needed (up to 10 aligners). This option is especially convenient for patients who cannot come for frequent visits or patients from abroad.
- The ability to show a simulation of the patient’s treatment through images, videos, or 3D models.
- Minimal tooth preparation required (such as interproximal reduction or “stripping”).
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