What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening, to improve the appearance of the teeth and how they function. It can also help to look after the long-term health of your teeth, gums and jaw joints, by spreading the biting pressure over all your teeth.
Why should I have orthodontic treatment?
- Straighten the teeth or move them into a better position. This can improve patient’s appearance and the way the teeth bite together, while also making them easier to clean.
- Some people have upper front teeth that stick out. These ‘prominent’ teeth are more likely to be damaged, but orthodontic treatment can move them back into line.
- When the teeth can’t bite correctly, this can put strain on the muscles of the jaw, causing jaw and joint problems and sometimes headaches. Orthodontic treatment can help you to bite more evenly and reduce the strain.
Type of orthodontic problem
At what age should I have orthodontic treatment?
The best time is generally during childhood, but adults can have orthodontic treatment too – and more and more are doing so. However, some problem needs early treatment. Regular check-up is important because your dentist will refer your child or you to orthodontist if you need the treatment.
What does it involve before you have the orthodontic treatment?
The most important thing is to have a full examination.
- Thorough intraoral examination
- Taking dental x-rays
- Making plaster models of your teeth or scan your teeth with intraoral scanner (itero)
- Taking intraoral and extraoral photos or Facial scan
After getting all information, your dental team or orthodontist will then discuss what treatment is possible. Once you are sure you want to go ahead, the treatment can start as soon as you have already no caries and calculus deposit.
Will I need to have taken out to make room?
Your orthodontist will tell you whether this is the case. Sometimes space can be made using other forms of treatment.
How is the treatment carried out?
Orthodontic treatment can be done by many sorts of appliances.
There are 3 types of orthodontic appliance.
- Removable appliance
In the past, Simple treatment may be carried out with a removable appliance (a plate that can be taken out to be cleaned). It has delicate wires and springs attached, which move the teeth using gentle pressure. However, with advent of technology, clear aligner (Invisalign) can be used to treat complex case.
Invisalign: uses a series of clear plastic aligners to move your teeth into position. The aligners look like thin sports mouthguards and sit over your teeth. They arere removable and barely invisible to those around you.
- Fixed braces
Getting braces in Bangkok requires placing brackets on the teeth to be moved. A wire connects all the brackets and allows the teeth to be moved. You can’t take the appliance out yourself, so it is called a fixed appliance.
- Functional appliance
It is sometimes possible to change the way the jaws grow in growing patient, using a functional brace. This works by using the power of your jaw muscles and can help with certain types of problem.
How many type of brackets?
There are 2 type of brackets.
- Traditional bracket: the wire can connect with bracket by tying elastic band or wire to hold the wire in place.
- Self-ligating bracket: This doesn’t need the elastic band. The bracket itself has the clip to lock the wire. This allows the arch wire to move in response to your teeth. This means they operate with much less friction than traditional braces. The Damon system of self-ligating braces is the most popular.
What are the brackets made of?
- Metal : They’re the ‘original’ braces.
- Ceramic : Ceramic braces are much like traditional fixed metal braces, except for one difference. The brackets are made from ceramic material. Depending on the type of ceramic bracket you choose, they may be clear or tooth-coloured, that blend more naturally into your teeth.
How long will it take?
The length of treatment depends on how severe the problem is, and it may take anything from a few months to two-and-a-half years. Most people can be treated in one to two years.
How many visits will it takes?
Orthodontic braces usually need adjusting every month while clear aligner’s visit is 6-8 weeks. Your orthodontist will tell you how often your brace will need adjusting.
What happens when the teeth are in the right position?
When treatment is finished the teeth need to be held in position for a time. The appliances that hold the teeth in place are called retainers.
Type of retainer
- Removable retainer :Patient can remove by themselves
- Hawley Retainer /Wraparound retainer: This is the original retainer: a combination of a plastic plate molded to the roof or basin of your mouth, connected to a wire that runs across your teeth. It is simple, durable and easily removed.
- Clear retainer /Essix retainer: It is invisible. It’s made of medical-grade, BPA-free plastic and it’s removable. This retainer is specifically designed to fit snugly over your teeth.
- Fixed retainer (lingual retainer, bonded retainer)
This retainer consists of a thin, metal wire that’s bonded to the back of your teeth on the tongue side. When you smile, it’s not visible at all. Once in place, it stays there indefinitely. However, it can trap plaque, so oral hygiene will be important.
For more information on getting braces in Bangkok, or to schedule an appointment today, contact Global Dental Complex now.
