Orthodontics primarily concerns children, but also adults who either did not correct a related problem as children or whose treatment did not yield the desired results.
What is the appropriate age for the first orthodontic check-up?
All children should undergo an orthodontic check-up no later than the age of 7. Dental issues as well as facial harmony problems can be prevented if diagnosed early. Preventive orthodontics, applied at a young age, addresses issues such as early loss of baby teeth, prolonged thumb-sucking, and tongue thrusting. Early diagnosis helps avoid extractions of permanent teeth and jaw surgery during orthodontic treatment. Therefore, parents should not wait until all permanent teeth have erupted, which usually happens around the age of 12.
How long does treatment last?
Active orthodontic treatment with braces lasts between 1.5 to 2.5 years. During this period, visits are scheduled every 3-6 weeks.
Are tooth extractions necessary?
During treatment, it may be necessary to extract some baby teeth if they remain in the mouth longer than normal. Permanent teeth may also need to be extracted when there is a size discrepancy between teeth and jaws.
When and who decides on extractions?
The timing and type of teeth to be extracted are determined solely by the orthodontist, as it is a crucial decision requiring careful study and in-depth knowledge of the problem.
What are the most suitable orthodontic appliances?
For each issue, the orthodontist will determine the most effective appliances. If treatment begins when the child has both permanent and baby teeth, removable orthodontic appliances, commonly known as “retainers,” are usually used. However, fixed appliances, commonly known as “braces,” are the most frequently applied. These can be metal, transparent, or lingual (placed on the inner side of the teeth). A relatively new technique is treatment with a series of clear aligners.
Do orthodontic appliances cause discomfort?
The process of placing fixed orthodontic appliances on the teeth is not painful. However, right after applying orthodontic forces, there is sensitivity when teeth come into contact with each other, a symptom that lasts about 2-3 days in children.
What causes orthodontic problems?
Orthodontic problems may result from hereditary or environmental factors, or a combination of both. Hereditary factors include tooth size, jaw size, and their relationship. Environmental factors include harmful habits such as mouth breathing, thumb or tongue sucking, nail or lip biting, and chewing on foreign objects.
Mouth breathing
In most cases, mouth breathing is due to a “mechanical” cause that obstructs nasal breathing. A visit to an ENT specialist is necessary to address the problem.
When should thumb-sucking be addressed?
Thumb-sucking in young children usually stops between ages 2-3. If a child continues beyond this age, it may indicate anxiety or insecurity due to factors such as a new sibling, prolonged parental absence, or changes in school or home environment. In such cases, affection and conversation are the best ways to address the problem. Scolding and punishments are the worst approach. Instead, rewarding the child with praise or a small gift when they achieve their goal is the best method. If thumb-sucking stops between 2-3 years of age, minor damage may self-correct without intervention. In persistent cases, the orthodontist can support parents’ efforts with appropriate appliances.
What are the benefits of early treatment?
- Higher chances of avoiding permanent tooth extractions.
- Better control of skeletal problems, as before puberty the orthodontist can influence and guide skeletal growth.
- Improved tissue response to treatment.
- Greater adaptability of young patients to orthodontic appliances and better cooperation.
- Practically easier treatment, as younger children have fewer obligations.
- Younger children do not feel self-conscious or have the same reservations as older children.
- When treatment begins early, it is usually complete by adolescence, boosting teenagers’ self-confidence due to an improved appearance of their mouth and face overall.