Braces

It is useful to know that teeth-splinting, by no means is just an aesthetic or “vanity” issue. Besides, the fact that orderly teeth are nice, healthy, give confident smile to the owner they have many other positive attributes too.

Dental caries – On one hand, orderly teeth are much easier to keep clean and self-cleaning ability of the mouth (tongue, soft tissue, tongue) is much more effective as compared to a “tangled” denture. A good, easy to clean regular toothlet is much less likely to decay and is likely to longer resist the harmful environmental effects. Therefore, we can save the cost and avoid the inconvenience of many future dental treatments (fillings, root canal treatment, prosthesis).

Periodontal disease – Disordered teeth are not only difficult to keep clean, but they poorly lock and cause improper bite. A bad closure of dentil creates negative magnitude and direction of the load on each tooth and on paradontium (tooth tissue holder. gums, bone, etc.), which can be a risk factor for periodontal disease potentially occurring over the years. Another risk factor for periodontal disease is the bacterial flora present in the mouth, which takes place on congested and difficult to clean teeth. By sorting the teeth we can reduce the risk factors and thus the risk of developing periodontal disease.

Loss of teeth- Teeth-splinting can serve alternative to such problems (ex. gap due to loss of one or two teeth), which dentistry can solve in other ways (ex. inserting an implant, creating a bridge). In such cases the orthodontist should work together with the dentist and involve the patient in order to prepare the most acceptable solution. A well-done teeth-splinting has a great impact on the overall aesthetics of the face as well.

Our patient’s frequently asked questions:

When can I begin teeth-splinting?

2 problems may occur when you need orthodontics. There may be problems with the teeth, or the bones, or both at once. Both can be improved by orthodontic devices until someone is growing, that is at 15-16 years of age. After that, the problematics of toothlet can be treated by devices, while bones only surgically.

Overall, the decision should be made according to the problem or patient but advisory and consultation are necessary as soon as possible, up to 6-7 years of age. With this, we can prevent serious problems or put a positive direction to changes associated with growth. Later in adulthood, these problems stuck and therefore often can be improved only through long and complex treatments. There is no upper age limit, under certain circumstances treatment may take place at the age of 50, which can for ex. result significant improvement in case of previously mentioned periodontal problems.

How long does the treatment take?

It varies, but we can say that it can last between half and two years. Of course, there are different situations (in both directions). It is very important to know how to stabilize the established results, and then it needs to be preserved permanently. This means that by the end of the treatment a removable / fixed unit called retainer must be worn for 3-4 weeks, which will tighten the new position of the teeth. After this time, either an invisible fix will remain in the mouth or a removable stabilizing device needs to be worn during night (initially every night, then 2-3 times a week is sufficient).

What kind of device needs to be worn?

Young (already occurs at age of 13-16) and older adults – with minimal exceptions – will receive a fixed unit. Small chains, locks (brackets) are glued on the teeth into which arch wires are being fit and these will direct the teeth. The arch wires can be tightened into brackets with various tools, like color rubber rings, wires etc. In the case of önligírozó devices this tightening feature is being secured with very fine built in locking mechanism.

There are numerous variants of fixed brackets such as metals, various alloys, nickel alloys for allergy sufferers , tooth-colored ceramic or plastic, or even translucent locks to choose the most appropriate for a particular patient. (Not all types of lock are applicable during the treatment of a patient.)

In cases of smaller children and teenagers it is better to start the treatment with the removable-device as this can have a little effect on the growth of the jaws, so we can improve the existing mismatch and dissymmetry or even terminate them.

Unfavorable jaw growing process can be influenced as well, but for that it is definitely necessary for children to receive the tool in time (while growing intensively, or before) and it needs to be worn persistently, during high numbers of hours a day (in school not that often).

Nowadays it is very popular and many people use the treatment with transparent (clear) tracks. This invisible track is truly aesthetic for amateurs. The advantage of the track is that brushing is not an obstacle (the patient removes it prior to brushing). However, this device also has its limitations. They are not possible to treat every patient and all problems. It is recommended that you consult your doctor if he can provide any solution for your problem.

Is the treatment painful?

We cannot state that patients receiving the treatment will never feel anything. But based on experience, it can be on pretty wide range. There are patients, who feel pressure, feel sensitivity when biting and chewing and there are those who specifically complain on pain. If for ex. after putting on a stronger arc wire the patient feels pain, it will go away after a few days, both the teeth will adapt to the situation, and the fatigue of materials getting in the mouth gets different degrees.

How does brushing and cleaning the equipment work?

It needs to be a longer and more thorough process as usual, but we always provide personal advices, possibly proposals of how to use specific devices.