The possibilities of modern dentistry to change the bite and shape of teeth.
Perfect - smooth and snow-white by nature - teeth can boast of a few out of millions. Luxurious smiles of Hollywood movie stars are usually the result of
BEFORE: At what age can (and should) you correct an overbite? Are there any preventive measures that will help make your teeth straight?
НН: You can consult an orthodontist already starting from 2-3 years old, when the first bite of milk teeth is formed. Naturally, the sooner a problem is noticed, the sooner it can be solved. Remember: directing the growth of a child's molars in the right direction is much easier than aligning them in the future (when they have already grown and formed the jaw bones). The initial observation is more of a preventive nature and mainly helps to identify and eliminate the causes leading to the development of bite pathologies. These are bad habits (thumb sucking, mouth breathing, etc.), functional disorders.
BEFORE: Are there non-hardware ways to correct uneven teeth?
BEFORE: Which systems are considered the most advanced in modern dentistry for bite correction?
• Individual system of lingual braces. They are attached to the inner surface of the teeth and are therefore completely invisible. They are made from inert precious metals (a special gold alloy), which eliminates allergic reactions. They are created individually for each patient using a 3D modeling program. This approach takes into account all the features of the bite of a particular patient, respectively, increases the efficiency and reduces the duration of bite correction. The advantage of this system is that diction does not change during its use, in addition, it provides protection of tooth enamel from caries and demineralization.• Individual aligners. They are thin, transparent, completely cover all teeth and are almost invisible. They are also made using 3D modeling computer technology. This is an alternative to braces - aligners do not cause discomfort. In each case, the orthodontist determines the number of aligners needed for effective treatment. The aligner must be worn around the clock (removed only while eating and brushing your teeth) for 2-3 weeks, after which the device must be replaced. And so on for several cycles (depending on the task to be solved).
MAJOR BITE is not only an aesthetic defect.
It can lead to gum disease and indigestion. The aligner provides pressure that helps move the teeth in a certain direction. The main advantage is ease of use and aesthetic side. But in order for the correction to be effective, you must strictly follow all the rules for using and caring for mouthguards.
BEFORE: When is braces not possible or recommended?
NN: The use of braces is not recommended if there are severe problems with tooth enamel, with some mental disorders and in the presence of cerebral palsy (cerebral palsy). Much also depends on the patient himself, his mood. The use of braces can be called into question if the oral hygiene is poor and the patient is unwilling to follow the doctor's recommendations for improving it. Treatment outcomes are usually much better with communicative and cooperative patients.BEFORE: Can an overbite or dentition be corrected in older teens and adults? What methods are there for this?
NN: After the age of 18, when the jaw has already formed, the main method of correction is non-removable braces, for example, internal (individual or standard). A compromise option is invisible aligners, which are recommended for minor bite pathologies.BEFORE: What types of braces can be called optimal in terms of "price - quality"?
НН: Metal braces are the most optimal in terms of treatment efficiency and economy. They are more practical and durable. Their important plus is the minimal friction between the bracket slot and the wire (compared to ceramic brackets). With less friction, the teeth move faster and the treatment time is reduced. In addition to the classic metal ligature braces (in which the arc is attached to the braces with a ligature wire), now there are non-ligature systems, when the arc is fixed with a clip, cap or lock of the bracket itself. They are designed somewhat more complicated than traditional ones, and a little more expensive, but they do not need to periodically replace ligature wires, that is, you have to visit an orthodontist less often. In general, metal braces are enough to correct an overbite. Of course, in appearance they are inferior to ceramic and transparent counterparts. But the result is more important!
TIPS FOR PARENTS
1. Hygiene issues
Begin hygienic care of the baby's oral cavity from the moment the first milk tooth erupts. The procedure should be performed 1 time per day. To remove plaque, a special, very soft toothbrush is recommended, which mom puts on her finger (so far without toothpaste). By the age of one, teach your child to brush their teeth 2 times a day (morning and evening) with a soft toothbrush without paste. And from the age of two, you can already use children's toothpaste.2. Baby teeth need to be treated
A very common mistake many parents make is the statement that milk teeth should not be treated, they say, they fall out anyway. In fact, milk teeth prepare the jaws for the appearance of permanent teeth, evenly distributing the load during chewing, and contribute to the development of articulation. The same can be said about malocclusion or tooth growth, which can be determined by an orthodontist.3. If the tooth is in no hurry to erupt
Special stimulation for teething is not required: if the tooth is "laid", it will still come out sooner or later. You can only help a little - give the child special "teethers", solid food (a piece of apple, drying), but strictly on the advice of a doctor and under the supervision of parents. You can also gently massage your baby's gums with your fingertip.BRACES: PRECAUTIONS
Brush your teeth in front of a mirror after each meal for at least 10 minutes using a toothbrush.Give up nuts, seeds, popcorn and crackers during the correction, which can damage the braces.
Hard vegetables and fruits (carrots, apples, pears) cannot be bitten off, they are cut into small pieces. This also applies to tough and cured meats and any food that requires biting.
It is undesirable to use viscous foods (halva, toffee, chewing gum), as they stick to the teeth and are difficult to clean.
Avoid excessively cold or hot foods as temperature differences can cause brackets to come off and wires to warp.