Orthodontic problems
Orthodontic problems are divided into:
- dental, when related to the position, size, shape and number of teeth
- skeletal, when related to the position, size and relationship between the upper and lower jaw
- odontogenic, when they are a combination of the above
Orthodontic problems are caused by one or more often a combination of factors:
- Inherited factors
Indicative examples are cases with protruding upper teeth due to the skeletal position of the jaws, mandibular prognathism, lack of permanent teeth, presence of supernumerary teeth
- Local actors
A common case is the premature loss of children's teeth, without assessing the need to preserve space for the successor permanent teeth. Also, some cases of dental trauma can contribute to orthodontic problems
- Environmental factors
This category includes abnormal habits and functions performed by the child, such as prolonged pacifier use, finger sucking, mouth breathing, incomplete swallowing (pushing the tongue between the teeth during swallowing). When not stopped in time, these conditions can negatively affect not only teething but also jaw development.
Orthodontic problems need to be corrected so that there is:
- greater protection against injuries (protruding front teeth)
- better oral health (straight teeth and gums are easier to clean)
- more correct functioning of the oromandibular system (chewing, speech, temporomandibular articulation)
- improved aesthetics of teeth and face (beautiful smile, skeletal harmony)
- enhanced self-confidence and positive psychology
Orthodontic mechanisms
Very often and for convenience and brevity, the word "braces" is used to describe the various orthodontic mechanisms that can be used to achieve the goal of orthodontic treatment. Just because all orthodontic patients "wear braces" does not mean that they all have the same mechanisms in their mouths. The orthodontic appliances that need to be placed on each patient are determined by their orthodontic treatment plan.
In general, orthodontic mechanisms are divided into:
Mobile
They are mechanisms that can be removed from the patient, e.g. the well-known "chewing gums". They have the advantage that if they are removed from the mouth they allow good oral hygiene and do not interfere with chewing. However, good cooperation on the part of the patient is required for their use to be effective. In very general terms, they are indicated for children of relatively young age and during the period of infantile and mixed dentition, i.e. before all the children's teeth have been changed into permanent teeth.
The category of mobile devices also includes devices for retaining the orthodontic result after the end of treatment.
Fixed
They are mechanisms that are bonded to the surface of the teeth and therefore cannot be removed by the patient. Traditional "braces" are small metal brackets that are placed on each tooth individually. They are the sockets for the special orthodontic wire that passes through the braces and visually appears as a thin metal line. The advantage of fixed appliances is their continuous action on the teeth and the precise control of dental movements. However, meticulous oral hygiene and care during chewing are needed to prevent them from coming loose from their positions.
In orthodontic therapy adults and generally when there are high aesthetic requirements and the necessary indications, they can be used:
- Movable transparent ceramic braces that simulate the colour of the teeth
- Invisible transparent splints (invisalign, clear aligners)
Special mechanisms
During an orthodontic treatment, mobile and immobile mechanisms may coexist in the mouth. In addition, special appliances or accessories (mobile or fixed) may be required for a certain period of time in order to achieve the required orthodontic result. Examples are :
- mobile extra-oral devices, used only in the home
- transmandibular elastic forces or commonly known as "rubber bands" applied by the patient on instructions
- the fixed orthodontic implants-mini implants.
- the fixed enlargement device in the upper jaw
- the immobile palatal beam in the maxilla
- the immobile lingual arch in the lower jaw
Below you can see some indicative photos of special mechanisms, in the order described in the text.
