What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that primarily focuses on the malpositioning of teeth and jawbones. It involves the use of corrective devices, such as braces and invisible aligners, to adjust tooth alignment, improve occlusion function, and enhance facial aesthetics.
1. The goal of orthodontic treatment
Improve dental alignment: address issues such as crowding, sparsity, and torsion.
Adjusting occlusal relationships: such as underbite, protruding teeth, deep overbite, etc.
Optimize facial aesthetics: harmonize the relationship between lips, chin, and teeth.
Prevent oral diseases: Straightened teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease.
2. Under what circumstances is orthodontic treatment necessary?
(1) Dental alignment issues
Crowded teeth (insufficient space in the dental arch, overlapping teeth)
Sparse teeth (excessively large gaps between teeth)
Malposition of teeth (twisting, tilting)
(2) Occlusal issues (malocclusion)
Protruding upper teeth (upper jaw protrusion): The upper teeth protrude significantly.
Underbite (crossbite): The lower teeth overlap the upper teeth.
Deep overbite: The upper teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively.
Open jaw: The upper and lower teeth cannot close normally, leaving gaps between the front teeth.
(3) Other functional issues
Difficulty in chewing and unclear pronunciation (such as lisp).
Pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is caused by malpositioned teeth.
3. Common orthodontic treatment methods
(1) Traditional metal brackets (steel braces)
Features: affordable, stable effect, suitable for complex cases.
Disadvantages: Low aesthetic appeal, may cause mouth abrasion.
(2) Ceramic brackets (semi-invisible braces)
Features: The bracket color is close to the teeth, making it more aesthetically pleasing.
Disadvantages: Slightly more expensive than metal brackets, and may stain.
(3) Invisible orthodontics (such as Invisalign)
Features: Transparent braces can be removed and reapplied by the wearer, offering both aesthetic appeal and comfort.
Application: For mild to moderate dental irregularities, requiring high self-discipline (wearing for 20-22 hours per day).
(4) Lingual appliance
Features: The brackets are installed on the inside of the teeth, making them completely invisible.
Disadvantages: High cost, and possible initial impact on pronunciation.
(5) Functional orthodontics (early childhood intervention)
Suitable age: 7-12 years old (mixed dentition).
Common devices:
Expansion appliance (to address narrow dental arches).
MRC appliance (corrects bad oral habits, such as mouth breathing).
4. The optimal age for orthodontic treatment
Children (aged 7-12): Early intervention can guide jawbone development and reduce the likelihood of tooth extraction in later stages.
Teenagers (12-18 years old): The golden period for orthodontics, with fast tooth movement and stable results.
Adults (18 years old and above): Correction is still possible, but the treatment duration may be slightly longer, and it requires a combination with periodontal health assessment.
5. The process of orthodontic treatment
Initial diagnosis and examination: Take X-ray, take dental impression, and develop a treatment plan.
Formulate a plan: Determine whether to extract teeth and select the type of orthodontic appliance.
Wearing orthodontic appliances: Visit for adjustment every 4-8 weeks.
Maintenance phase: After correction is completed, a retainer should be worn (for 1-2 years or even longer) to prevent rebound.
6. Common problems in orthodontic treatment
❓ Q: Will orthodontics cause pain?
✅ It is normal to experience soreness and swelling for 1-3 days after initially wearing the aligners or after each force application.
❓ Q: Do I need to have my teeth extracted?
✅ Depending on the degree of tooth crowding, approximately 50% of cases require tooth extraction (usually the extraction of the 4th or 5th molar).
❓ Q: Will my teeth become loose after orthodontic treatment?
✅ Slight loosening during treatment is a normal phenomenon, and it will become stable again after correction is completed.
❓ Q: Can adults still undergo correction?
✅ Yes! Age is not a limitation. As long as your periodontal health is good, orthodontics is still possible for people aged 40 to 50.
Orthodontics can not only enhance the aesthetics of a smile, but also optimize bite function and prevent oral diseases. If you or your child has dental alignment issues, it is recommended to consult an orthodontist as soon as possible to develop a personalized plan
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