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One of the goals of orthodontic treatment is to correct dental misalignments and align teeth to improve their appearance and function. Conventional fixed orthodontic appliances, commonly known as braces, are the best known and are still considered to be the most effective and versatile for most cases. Braces are small boxes (or brackets) glued to the front of the teeth and connected by a wire made of different alloys depending on the corrections to be made. Fortunately, these braces have greatly evolved over the last few decades and their appearance is now much more discreet. Their size has also been significantly reduced, making them more comfortable and less noticeable. Orthodontic braces are available in many shapes and materials: metallic, ceramic, plastic, clear and even gold-plated. Fixed braces apply a very light but constant force to the teeth, allowing the position of each tooth to be corrected individually and simultaneously to an optimal position. Regular adjustments are therefore necessary to ensure and check the progress of corrections and to maintain appropriate forces. Orthodontic treatment can be used to correct almost any type of malocclusion, from the simplest to the most complex problems.
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- Irregular and non-straight teeth, rotations, lack of space, etc;
- Excessive space between teeth;
- Teeth that are too far forward or too inclined forward;
- Overlapping teeth (crowding);
- Poor relationship between upper and lower teeth (poor occlusion);
- Position of a tooth that is outside the dental arch;
- Pulling of impacted teeth (e.g. a canine);
- Many other problems related to poor tooth position.
Indications for treatment
- Correct the alignment of the teeth;
- Reposition the jaw and teeth;
- Correct various bite and function problems as described above.
Advantages
- Aesthetic improvement of the smile;
- Resolution of masticatory problems;
- Improved occlusion (aesthetics and function);
- Prolonged life of natural teeth (aligned teeth are easier to maintain and therefore less prone to caries and periodontal disease).
Disadvantages
- Some appliances, such as completely clear (ceramic) braces, although more aesthetically pleasing, have the disadvantage of being more fragile;
- The hardness of the materials that make up the braces can, in some cases, cause wear on the opposing teeth that bite into them;
- Wearing braces can cause discomfort and irritation to the mucous membranes;
- Some orthodontic treatments involve a significant monetary investment.
Risks and consequences of not treating
- Functional problems due to incorrect positioning of the teeth and jaws;
- More difficult cleaning due to overlapping teeth, which can contribute to decay, gum disease and even tooth loss;
- Inadequate chewing with teeth that do not fit together properly;
- An imbalance of the jaws;
- Excessive and premature wear of the teeth;
- Pain in the jaw, head, neck and facial muscles;
- Low self-esteem due to unattractive appearance of teeth and smile.
Processing steps and times
- Varies according to the treatment plan established for each patient;
- The duration of treatment can range from 6 months to over 2 years depending on the severity of the problem, treatment goals, oral health status and age of the patient.
Cost
- Varies according to the treatment plan established for each patient.
Maintenance
- The patient will need to pay particular attention to diet and oral hygiene;
- Once treatment is complete, the patient will be required to wear retainers for a specified period of time;
- Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential throughout the treatment period, as wearing braces encourages the build-up of plaque, which is responsible for the development of cavities and decalcification of the teeth;
- Visits will be necessary (approximately every 6-8 weeks) to ensure that the treatment is progressing well.
Restrictions
- There are few restrictions on undertaking orthodontic treatment, but certain dental and periodontal conditions may require a special approach and follow-up with a dentist or periodontist.
Alternative solutions
- Compromise” orthodontic treatments aimed at making a few limited corrections as opposed to a comprehensive approach;
- Limited corrections are often aimed at improving aesthetics without making changes to the function of a dentition, which may be problematic.