People often associate a perfect smile with good health. And it’s true – oral health plays an important role in your overall well-being. An irregular bite or misaligned teeth can lead to dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease or painful chewing. But not everyone is born with straight teeth. If you have a bad bite or large gaps between your teeth, we suggest you consult an orthodontist. Orthodontist Jonas Sutkus has agreed to tell you more about this, and he will give you an overview of the possible reasons for your first visit, as well as an overview of the new innovations and the different methods of straightening teeth.
When is it important to visit an orthodontist?
“Ideally, you should visit an orthodontist in childhood, when your permanent teeth are coming in. Then the doctor examines the oral cavity, assesses the bite and the position of the teeth and, if necessary, prescribes the appropriate treatment,” he says. – “However, patients often visit the orthodontist much later, when the teeth are already crooked. Crooked teeth are not only physically frustrating, but can also affect self-confidence and self-esteem. They are harder to maintain and can lead to other long-term dental and gum problems.”
Orthodontists also help people who want to get rid of gaps between their teeth. Sometimes a person’s teeth are naturally formed with gaps, and sometimes patients simply lose one or more teeth that they don’t replace. In this case, the other teeth start to move out of place, promoting tooth decay and other ailments.
Orthodontists also help with malocclusion, which is common in many adults. Misaligned bites can lead not only to excessive strain on the jaw, but also to neck, back or headaches. People with malocclusion also complain quite often of irregular posture and facial asymmetry, difficulty breathing, slurred speech, faster tooth wear and more frequent visits to the dentist.
It is always recommended to start treating malocclusion as early as possible. It is advisable to book your first consultation with an orthodontist as soon as your child develops their first permanent teeth. However, it is a misconception that only children can have their malocclusion corrected – adults can also apply and often the results exceed expectations. There are many different ways of correcting malocclusion, so it is always a good idea to weigh up the advantages of each when choosing the most suitable one.
Braces or caps?
Braces
The most common method of straightening teeth is braces. It is considered to be one of the most effective methods of straightening teeth, as braces can be chosen even in very difficult cases where the bite cannot be corrected with plates or caps. Braces can be prescribed for both children and adults, and the duration of treatment is usually 1.5-2 years. Nowadays, the choice of braces is quite wide and patients may find it difficult to decide. Braces are divided into metal braces and ceramic braces, which are further subdivided into ligature and be-ligature braces.
“Metal braces, which are well known to everyone, are strong and have a lower price compared to ceramic braces, but the only drawback is aesthetics,” says J. Sutkus. – “Therefore, patients who want their braces to be as inconspicuous as possible often opt for ceramic braces, which are only slightly inferior to metal braces. However, ceramic braces are more fragile, which means that they are more likely to chip and cost more. Tongue braces are also now available, which are the most aesthetically pleasing braces and are bonded on the tongue side of the teeth. However, they are not suitable in all cases because they can irritate the lining of the tongue and cost more than other types of braces.
When wearing braces, dental care should be even more meticulous and careful. Remember to brush your teeth in the morning and evening with special brushes and floss, rinse your mouth with mouthwash after every meal, avoid hard and sticky foods, do not postpone your regular visits to the doctor to have your arches replaced or activated (otherwise you will prolong the duration of your treatment), and see your oral hygienist regularly.
Caps
According to the orthodontist, the most common people who choose to have their bite corrected with braces are those who do not want to wear braces for aesthetic reasons. Dental straightening caps are transparent and therefore less visible. Straightening caps are also less uncomfortable – there is less stretching than when wearing braces.
When comparing the length of treatment, it is likely that you will need to wear a cap for a shorter period of time than braces. Depending on the situation and the treatment method chosen, the duration of straightening may vary, but the average duration of orthodontic treatment is 1.5-2 years for braces and 9-15 months for caps. However, just like wearing braces, treatment with caps depends on the patient’s cooperation during treatment. The more responsible the patient’s attitude, the faster the desired result is achieved.
Unlike braces, caps make eating less difficult – you have to think about what you’re eating all the time when wearing braces because food debris sticks to them and hard food can damage them – but wearing caps avoids this inconvenience because they have to be removed when you eat. Many patients also find that the process of brushing their teeth is much easier when wearing a mouth-guard than when wearing braces.
According to the orthodontist, cap straightening is carried out using the latest technology, which makes it easier to predict the results of treatment. The caps are made individually for each patient, and thanks to a special program, it is possible to see how each cap will change the position of the teeth and what result the patient can expect. However, there are some orthodontic anomalies that are easier to correct with braces than with caps.
If you are not satisfied with your teeth and are considering teeth straightening, we are waiting for you at Clinic | DPC Clinics, which are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and are staffed by professionals in their field, who are attentive to the patient’s needs and situation. Each case is individual and our orthodontists will choose the most suitable and acceptable method of straightening your teeth.
