It cannot be denied that… having a good personality and appearance with well-aligned teeth helps build confidence in ourselves and creates a good impression on others because a smile is the window to the face. We can smile confidently when we have beautiful teeth and good dental health. The way to help make teeth beautiful and maintain good dental health is “orthodontics.”
Not just beautiful teeth but also solving dental problems precisely
Many people may see orthodontics as a fashion trend popular among teenagers, but in fact, orthodontics is a branch of dental treatment that helps solve problems for those with abnormalities in tooth alignment, bite, crowded teeth, protruding teeth, as well as abnormalities related to tooth size and jaw structure. Orthodontics helps move teeth to the correct and appropriate positions, making them align more beautifully, improving chewing efficiency, and reducing problems such as tooth decay or gum disease caused by inadequate cleaning due to misaligned teeth. Orthodontics… not only improves dental and oral health but also enhances personality.
What types of orthodontics are there?
Fixed orthodontics is the most popular method, involving the placement of braces by attaching special adhesive brackets to each tooth to serve as anchors for the archwire, which pushes the teeth to move. The device attached to the teeth applies pressure to move the teeth in the desired direction. Tightening the wire increases the pulling force on the teeth, which gradually move to the appropriate position. Adjustments are made every 4-6 weeks to guide the teeth in the desired direction.
Removable orthodontics is an option for those who do not want permanent braces. It is more expensive and uses clear plastic materials shaped to fit over the teeth. It is invisible when worn and can be removed when needed, such as during eating, brushing, or flossing. It achieves the same results and allows the user to change the device every 2-3 weeks without visiting the dentist. The dentist may schedule follow-up visits every 3-6 months to adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Generally, orthodontic treatment with appliances takes about 1-3 years, depending on the severity of the dental issues. Some cases may take longer, depending on the problem and the patient’s cooperation, such as maintaining appliance cleanliness, avoiding appliance breakage, using elastic bands as instructed by the doctor, and attending regular appointments.
How to prepare before “orthodontics”
Initially, the orthodontist will take a medical history and examine the teeth, jaws, and facial structure. If cavities are found, they must be filled, and tartar must be cleaned thoroughly first. If gum disease is present, it must be treated to a controlled level before starting orthodontic treatment. Then… X-rays will be taken to view the position of the tooth sockets, facial bone structure, and the relationship between the upper and lower teeth. After obtaining the X-ray results, the doctor will take dental impressions using plaster material by having the patient bite into the mold. The plaster cast of the teeth will resemble the real teeth and is used to evaluate the treatment. At this stage, the doctor will explain the treatment plan, duration, costs, and expected results in detail before starting orthodontics.
At what age can you get “orthodontics”?
Normally, the last baby tooth falls out around the age of 12, which is an appropriate time for orthodontic treatment if there are no jaw bone problems involved, as the permanent teeth have fully erupted (excluding the third molars, often mistakenly called “wisdom teeth”). However, adults with strong enough teeth, gums, and supporting bone can also undergo orthodontic treatment. It should be noted that tooth movement is slower in adults than in children, and there is a higher chance of gum recession.
Not just aligned teeth but also affects beauty
The results of orthodontic treatment are not only beautifully aligned teeth, improved bite, or increased confidence when smiling or talking, but orthodontics can also reshape the face to be slimmer. This is due to tooth adjustments, whether through tooth extraction, jaw reshaping, or aligning crowded teeth, which can change the facial shape from a round face with chubby cheeks to a slimmer face with reduced cheeks, a more defined chin, and a clearer nose.
Orthodontics is not facial surgery
Orthodontics does not change the face like surgery because everyone has a different facial structure. Some people may not see any facial changes other than having better-aligned teeth, while others may notice changes in facial structure, such as a more defined facial bone or nose, due to changes in tooth alignment.
But one thing everyone will definitely get is beautifully aligned teeth, improved oral health, easier chewing, and better dental hygiene. Additionally, smiling or talking will be more confident.
