Jaws Orthopaedics: Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the correction of irregular teeth position and establishing the proper relationship of the upper and lower jaw in order to achieve good oral health and aesthetics of a smile. It also assists in ensuring the long-term health of the teeth, gums and jaw joints, by contributing to the deployment of the forces of chewing on all teeth evenly. By improved function of chewing and speech, normal oral hygiene is provided and thus reduced is the risk of caries.

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What is the best age to start orthodontic treatment?

There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment, but early diagnosis and treatment have an advantage in terms of shorter and less complicated treatment and timely action on the relationship between the upper and lower jaw. The upper jaw could be extended, which gives the necessary space to accommodate the rest of the teeth and thus avoid their subsequent removal.

The ideal time for starting treatment is between 9 and 14 years of age. Although, ageis less important than having the corresponding number of teeth, and in some children it is necessary to wait for the eruption of all the necessary teeth to initiate therapy.

The first visit to an orthodontist should be conducted in the child’s seventh year of life, though therapy still won’t be needed. This is the period when based on the first examination, may be assumed if, when, and what type of treatment should be indicated. Then, in most cases, the first permanent molars and incisors are present, and crowding (crowding of teeth) or cross bite can be observed.

Finally, with an early treatment, reduced are the chances of teeth impaction, the bad habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting the front teeth, irregularities of speech and difficulty swallowingare avoided on time.

Orthodontics for Children

If an early examination concludes that your child needs orthodontic treatment, the healing process will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will start immediately, while your child still has the majority of deciduous teeth, and the other, at the appropriate time determined by the child’s growth, development and the type of irregularity.

The first phase is planned so that:

  • Provide the proper bite and normal function of chewing
  • Correct bad oral habits
  • Prevent the development of potential problems
  • Stop a problem that is already in development
  • Reduce the risk of damage or breakage of protuberant teeth
  • Properly direct the growth of the jaw bones
  • Direct the growth of permanent teeth to capture the best possible position
  • Establish long-term stability; teeth remain in a place where it’s supposed to stay
  • Improve visual orofacial child’s identity

The second stage refers to:

  • Displacement of permanent teeth into the final position
  • Continued enhancements of the teeth and the facial appearance
  • General raising of the child’s self-esteem
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Orthodontic treatment and child development are intended to complement each other. Timing of treatment with the appropriate phase of dental development, the orthodontist can positively utilize in order to obtain the best possible results. Conditions that can be easily repaired in a child’s development, later can escalate and require much more serious and drastic procedures.

Orthodontics for Adults

It is never too late for the orthodontic treatment. The therapy can be successful at any age( period of life). If the quality of the supporting apparatus of the tooth is satisfactory, we will easily correct an irregular position of the teeth. Although mature people usually opt for orthodontic treatment for aesthetic reasons, it may have a significant impact on their self-esteem, but also to the general oral health. Improper setting of teeth and bad bite can lead to tooth loss, bone resorption, and facilitate caries and uneven wear of the enamel. To adults is usually important the aesthetic moment that dentures are not very conspicuous, therefore recommended are white ceramic braces, lingual braces or Invisalign- transparencies.

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