Orthodontics

The aim of orthodontic treatment is to restore the occlusion disorders and to give the mouth its maximum functionality on the one hand and its ideal aesthetic version on the other. By occlusion we mean the way our upper and lower teeth “fit together” when our mouth is closed. An ideal occlusion allows us to have more correct facial proportions, healthier teeth, better chewing, better articulation, better health.

Orthodontics for minors

Orthodontics for minors is divided into:

1. in preventive orthodontics which is practiced in a suppressive way in order: either to prevent the occurrence of future orthodontic abnormalities in the permanent barrier, or to reduce the extent and intensity and the time of restoration of the inevitable orthodontic problem of the permanent dental barrier. It is usually applied from the age of 6 years to 12 years, the age when the majority of children have completed the permanent dental barrier. It is indicated in cases of finger sucking, pacifier beyond the 4th year with the result of the creation of chasmodontia, tongue advancement, i. e. “inadequate swallowing”, in cases of premature loss and caries of deciduous teeth where we have loss of space for the comfortable growth of the corresponding permanent teeth, resulting in crowding and indications of permanent teeth extraction. It is also indicated in cross-conjunctions that can even affect the normal growth of the jaw bones.
It is carried out with mobile or stationary orthodontic appliances, with selective grinding, with exercises, with suppressive extractions, etc. depending on the treatment plan that will be selected after the clinical and radiographic evaluation of the case. The advantages of preventive orthodontics are that it spares us from the installation of occlusion problems which, in order to be restored later, require more complex treatment, possible extractions of permanent teeth, more time at ages when the existence of orthodontic mechanisms is more troublesome.

2. in the orthodontic restoration of the manifested orthodontic anomaly. (reconstructive orthodontics) during which, according to the treatment plan, combinations of suitable orthodontic mechanisms are placed, so that the completed permanent block, usually at the age of 11-13 years, acquires the ideal arrangement of the dental arches. Orthodontics for minors is performed through:

-mobile orthodontic mechanisms:
The mobile devices are divided into -external oral devices (headgear, face mask-Delaire, formerly the epiglottis) and – intra-oral devices (ultrasonic plates, operating devices, transparent splints. They are worn depending on the indications or 24 hours a day or some hours of 24 hours a day, they are removed to be cleaned and the patient can maintain oral hygiene.

–fixed orthodontic mechanisms:
Fixed mechanisms are: brackets, metal, porcelain, polycarboxylate, which the orthodontist glues with composite resins on the surface of the teeth and on the brackets -brackets- applies metallic successive arches to achieve the desired movements. The attachment of the wire bows to the anchors is done with metal or plastic mostly transparent or colourful (40 shades) attachments. These stationary mechanisms can either be either anterior and visible, or lingual – on the inner surface of the teeth – and not visible. There are also fixed mechanisms on the inner surface of the teeth, such as lingual braces, lingual and palatal archwires (Nance Gusgarian) for space maintenance, rapid expansion of the palate, as well as fixed lingual and palatal mechanisms used during the period of retention of the orthodontic result.

orthodontics for adults
Adult orthodontics concerns cases:

1. that the orthodontic treatment that was not carried out for various reasons in childhood and now, either for aesthetic or functional reasons, our patient wants to restore the problem.

 2. where prosthetic restoration is impossible (bridges, implants, etc. ) or because the space available is insufficient, the deviation of the adjacent teeth is problematic, or possible over-occlusion makes the placement of prosthetic work prohibitive, etc. Following orthodontic treatment, the spaces are rebuilt, the deviations are corrected, the over-occlusion is restored, and prosthetic restoration is now possible.
3. the presence of periodontal disease has caused the teeth to “migrate” from their original position, resulting in functional and aesthetic problems.
4. required either for accidental or cosmetic reasons maxillofacial surgery and then restoration of the dental blocks with orthodontic treatment. It is clear that a prerequisite for achieving the ideal result is the cooperation between the dental specialties and the general dentist.

HOW IT HAPPENS?
In adult orthodontics, – for reasons of improved aesthetics during treatment – we have at our disposal all the methods of classic mobile and stationary orthodontic mechanisms, but also mechanisms that are from very discreet to invisible!!!! Metal braces, transparent braces, lingual braces, transparent splints