18 Jan Orthodontic treatment
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the treatment of malocclusion. Orthodontic treatment is used to improve the alignment of teeth, to carry out the correction of bite problems and, consequently, to improve the smile and well-being of the patient. Well-conducted orthodontic treatment, although time-consuming, eliminates complexes and patients can smile widely without embarrassment.
Treatment of malocclusion is not only important for aesthetic reasons. Teeth misalignment can cause health complications. Malocclusion contributes to frequent headaches, poor posture, sleep apnoea and snoring. In addition, abnormal occlusion negatively affects the condition of the patient's teeth - it increases the risk of developing caries and periodontitis. In children, abnormal occlusion can make it difficult for permanent teeth to erupt and, in critical cases, make this process impossible. As a result of malocclusion, there is increased abrasion of the teeth, which has a negative impact on their condition. Untreated misalignment of teeth often leads to wedge-shaped cavities - at the necks of the teeth.
Many people have crowded or crooked teeth or their teeth do not meet properly when biting. These problems can mean that keeping teeth and gums clean is difficult and teeth are more susceptible to damage and decay. Often, misaligned teeth can affect the shape of the face. Orthodontics Łódź can also help treat other health problems such as cleft lip and palate.
Orthodontic treatment Łódź
Orthodontic treatment Łódź can be successfully carried out in adults and children. Therefore, age is not a contraindication. The best time to start treatment is between the ages of 12 and 16. This is when orthodontic tooth movement is favoured by growth potential and newly erupting permanent teeth. Orthodontic treatment Łódź adults can start at any age, but treatment options are sometimes more limited.
Stages of orthodontic treatment
Treatment planning - During the first visit, the orthodontist assesses the nature of the malocclusion on the basis of a painless and non-invasive examination. The doctor analyses the symmetry of the face, the width of the jaw, the work of the jaw joints. He or she also checks the condition of the teeth, oral mucosa, gums, frenulum, tongue and salivary glands. Before starting orthodontic treatment in Lodz, all teeth should be cured of decay and be in good condition, and hygiene should be at a high level. He then diagnoses the malocclusion problem. For this purpose, a plaster model of the occlusion and radiographs - pantomogram and cephalometrics - are taken. Based on the information obtained, the orthodontist develops a treatment plan.
Before the first visit, the patient should consider what his or her expectations are. What results do they want and what do they want to achieve with the treatment.
The treatment plan is then discussed with the patient. He or she is given information on the length of treatment, costs - fitting the braces, follow-up appointments, removal of the braces and the fabrication of the retention braces needed at the end of treatment.
Applying the braces - After a thorough analysis of all the data and preparation of the optimum and most beneficial treatment plan, the patient signs a consent form and the doctor proceeds to insert the braces. In most cases, orthodontic treatment in Łódź involves the fitting of fixed braces on both dental arches. The procedure is painless and takes about 1 hour. The type of orthodontic appliance applied depends mainly on the type of malocclusion, the patient's age and their expectations.
Fixed braces are bonded to the surface of the teeth for the entire duration of orthodontic treatment in Lodz. A novelty is orthodontic overlays - the invisalign system. This is an ideal solution for patients who want to achieve a straight smile without having to wear traditional braces.
Braces Łódź invisalign is an innovative method of orthodontic treatment. Teeth are straightened with the use of transparent trays which are perfectly fitted to the patient's teeth. Importantly, the number of follow-up visits is much lower because the overlays are given to the patient at home and the overlays themselves need to be replaced every 2 weeks. The advantages are numerous:
- comfort of use - the trays are individually adapted to the patient's teeth and are very easy to fit and remove.
- Hygiene - it is very easy to maintain a good level of oral hygiene when using trays. To thoroughly clean your teeth, all you need to do is remove the tray and brush or rinse your teeth. Then it is enough to put the overlay back on.
- diet - invisalign trays do not require any diet to help maintain braces and oral hygiene.
- discreetness - the trays are transparent, so it is very difficult to see them on the teeth.
- quick results - the use of overlays produces quick results, plus it is worth remembering to make fewer than normal follow-up visits.
- predictability - the results of the treatment are easy to predict because the whole process is planned in a computer programme. Therefore, the patient can see the effect at the first visit.
Follow-up visits - During the entire orthodontic treatment in Lodz, regular check-ups are very important. The attending doctor assesses the progress of the treatment and changes and activates the necessary elements in the braces. In the case of fixed braces, these take place every 4-6 weeks. With overlay treatment, the check-ups are less frequent than with traditional braces and take place every 6-8 weeks or so.
Camera photo - takes place at the end of the treatment process. It consists of peeling off the brackets and cleaning the teeth of the orthodontic adhesive residue. To make the results of the treatment permanent, retention therapy must be applied.
Retention (consolidation of effects) - After active orthodontic treatment, the retention stage, i.e. the consolidation of its effects, is equally important. Once the braces are removed, the orthodontist will order a follow-up visit to the dentist for a dental check-up and fluoridation. He will order the wearing of retention braces according to individual indications. It is important that his/her recommendations are strictly followed. If retention is lost, an appointment for an impression and new retention appliances should be made immediately. We divide retention appliances into fixed and removable, or removable braces.
- Fixed retention braces - this is actually a retention wire that is bonded to the inner surface of the teeth. The advantage is that the patient does not have to remember to put it on regularly as it is permanently glued on. The downside, on the other hand, is that bonding the braces makes braces hygiene significantly more difficult. It is also easy for tartar to build up more quickly.
- Transparent thermoformable trays - these are removable transparent splints that cover the entire surfaces of the teeth. They are virtually invisible and quite comfortable, so patients like them a lot.
- Hawley acrylic plates - resemble the colourful removable braces worn by children.
Regardless of the type of retention braces, follow-up visits to the orthodontist in Lodz are required.
