Knowledge
Frequently Asked Questions |
When do you start treatment?
With children you can start treatment at the age of 5.
To find the optimum moment we recommend to visit the orthodontist every six months.
Why are teeth extracted?
Teeth are extracted due to crowding and certain malocclusions, to create space and to correct the malocclusion.
In traditional orthodontics first bicuspids were extracted, sometimes teeth further back in the mouth.
The first premolar is – according to latest findings –the most important tooth for the control of biting; its surface is such designed that the lower jaw is guided in its movements to the anterior, the lateral and the posterior.
There are more reasons against the extraction of first bicuspids, mainly facial esthetics and the function of the masticatory organ. A dysfunction of the masticatory organ can lead to symptoms of the mandibular jaw. (Knowledge: CMD)
Therefore in patients with crowding and/or malocclusion we solely have them extraction of wisdom teeth, only in an exceptional case it might be different teeth.
When do you use removable
appliances?
Starting at the age of 5, during mixed dention
and growth periods, and as a pretreatment for fixed
appliances.
When do you use fixed appliances?
During mixed dentition and in permanent
dentition, respectivly adults at any age.
How long does orthodontic treatment
take?
Depending on the case and treatment method
2 to 4 years.
Does it hurt?
Treatment with removable appliances does
not hurt, you just have to get used to it.
Treatment with fixed appliances can hurt for about
one or two weeks.
Oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene is mandatory
for orthodontic treatment. If you brush your teeth
thouroughly and regularly no damage will happen to
your teeth ( see also: prevention
and hygiene).
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Fig.: Photomontage
- Queenmum with braces:
"I know my daughter is not amused. But I always
wanted straight teeth!" |
Is treatment necessary? Will
it get worse without treatment?
The range of orthodontic problems goes
from minor cosmetic irregularities to severe problems
in need of treatment. The question whether orhtodontic
treatment is necessary, and when, can be settled during
the first consultation.
Which are the age limits for
orthodontic treatment?
From 5 to 99 years.
What
does an orthodontist do? - What does an oral surgeon
do?
Not every malocclusion can be treated
with orthodontics alone. In these cases the patient
needs orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery.
First the orthodontist puts the teeth into the correct
position, then the oral surgeon puts the jaws on top
of each other.
What are braces?
This is the orthodontic treatment with
removable or fixed appliances which improves the position
of the teeth.
What is primary dentition?
Within all the organs of the human body
the development of the dentoalveolar organ takes the
longest and it is the most complicated one. The teeth
find their positions to each other and therefore various
malocclusions can develop, which can be caused by thumb
sucking, lower lip sucking, deviate swallowing or even
by impaired nasal airways. Habits often stop by themselves
or they can be treated . Since not every malocclusion
from the primary dentition is transmitted to the permanent
dentition it is best to wait and observe, and not use
braces at preschool age. Discuss with your orthodontist
when it is best to start treatment. The loss of the
primary teeth and the eruption of the permanent teeth
is a reorganisation which takes place over a couple
of years. The result should be a healthy, functional
and beautiful smile.
What is mixed dentition?
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| Fig.: Children
in mixed dentition |
The
period of mixed dentition starts with the eruption
of the first permanent tooth and ends with the loss
of the last primary tooth, usually between the age
of 12 and 14 years. Since the important growth spurts
take place during this period it is the best for
orthodontic treatment. Congenitally missing, supernummerary
or impacted teeth and the position of the jaws to
each other can be diagnosed now.
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