Teeth Alignment (orthodontics): braces, aligners

Why teeth alignment is required? 

Pathological misalignment of teeth is not only an aesthetic problem.

• Teeth misalignment can often be the cause of: headaches, migraines, “clicking” sound in the joint, ringing in the ears while eating;
• Closely standing teeth complicate the hygienic situation. Plaque accumulates on it easily and is difficult to remove. Inadequate hygiene increases the risk of caries development and gum disease;
• During deep dentition, it is possible to traumatize the mucosa with the cutting edges of the tooth;
• Different types of occlusal disorders cause tooth wear. Tooth wear can have serious negative long-term consequences, both functionally and aesthetically. In addition, it increases the sensitivity of teeth to cold, hot, sour, sweet food;
• Disturbance of occlusion is also reflected in diction;
• Very often, before prosthetics or implantation, in the preparatory stage, it is necessary to perform orthodontic procedures.

Teeth alignment results

With help of orthodontic treatment:

• You will have a beautiful row of teeth. This will allow your smile to become pleasant and free;
• Permanent deaf pain in the head, neck, middle ear disappears;
• Food processing and digestion improves, as the result unpleasant smell from the mouth disappears;
• the shape of the face, profile, shape of the lips changes, in certain cases it can have a rejuvenating effect;
  Correct teeth increase self-confidence.

Teeth alignment in any age

Teeth alignment is possible at any age if there is an indication for it. Not long ago, it was a common opinion that straightening teeth was only possible at an early age. This provision regarding straightening teeth is outdated. Today, using modern methods, it is possible to successfully straighten teeth even in adulthood. From the age of 7 with functional appliances, and from the age of 11-12 (when all teeth have been replaced) with the bracket system. There are also cases when brace treatment is needed even before the age of 11.

Preparatory works for orthodontic treatment

Before starting orthodontic treatment, it is necessary to:

• Sanitation of the oral cavity – curing of teeth, extraction of teeth that needs to be extracted;
• Professional teeth cleaning (hygiene);
• Computer tomography – CT. Without it, it is impossible to draw up a treatment plan;
• photo-protocol of the face and mouth;
• taking a cast and making models, based on which the orthodontist carefully analyzes the current situation and plans the appropriate treatment method;
• Analysis with an articulator – a special device that performs simulated movements of the upper and lower jaw and helps the orthodontist to diagnose the anomaly and select the most effective method of treatment.

Braces

For orthodontic treatment with braces, a brace is fixed on each tooth, which is in contact with the oral mucosa and is perceived as a foreign body. It is accompanied by some discomfort, but after some time, a person gets used to its existence in the mouth. The average duration of braces use is 1.5 years, however, naturally, this is very individual.

The second cause of discomfort is the orthodontic arc inserted into the groove of the bracket. It is through this arc that the movement of the teeth is regulated. The arc changes at a certain frequency. The time to get used to the new arc varies from 3 to 7 days.

Due to the fact that the teeth try to return to their original position from the changed state – after removing the braces, the patient is usually given the so-called retainer whose function is to preserve existing changes. It is recommended to wear them for at least 3 years after removing the braces. In addition, it may be necessary to use a cap (at least at night).

Aligners

Unlike braces, aligners are removable teeth straightening devices that are very comfortable and unnoticeable. Before the treatment with aligners, the patient should undergo studies (CT, mouth scan, taking impressions), the process of moving the teeth and the final result should be planned in advance. The patient changes the caps once every 2-3 weeks and the duration of treatment ranges from 9 months to 2 years.

Advantages of aligners compared to braces:

1. invisible;
2. removable;
3. maintaining hygiene is easy;
4. the final result is computer modeled and the treatment period is determined;
5. minimized enamel damage.

Advantages of braces over aligners:

1. The use of aligners is possible in quite limited cases (where the dentition is not too disturbed (this is evaluated by the doctor!)). In difficult cases, it is not possible to use transparent aligners;
2. Aligners are significantly more expensive than braces.

Summary

Taking care of teeth straightening is possible at any age in one way or another and has many positive effects. In our dental clinic in Tbilisi, you can also undergo the appropriate treatment, you will be served by a professional orthodontist and procedures will be performed with the most modern equipment and materials!