How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?
Gone are the days when orthodontic treatments were extremely time consuming. The reality is that advances in the dental field have put an end to “out of sight” treatments, and it is currently possible to achieve excellent results in less time, in a practical and painless way.
However, the result depends on a number of factors, including the patient's collaboration, the dentist's professional experience and, above all, compliance with all stages of orthodontic treatment.
Skipping steps can seriously compromise the success of the treatment and harm not only the patient's aesthetics, but also their oral health. In addition, the estimated duration of treatment can often be extended due to unforeseen events, such as the need for an extraction, surgery or the appearance of problems arising from poor hygiene.
Diagnosis
All orthodontic treatment begins with the first visit to the orthodontist, but the diagnosis goes far beyond the initial clinical examination. Usually, this step involves a careful evaluation of the patient and the request for complementary tests to identify the problem and create an action plan for the treatment. After studying the case, the professional should inform the patient about the alterations found, determine the diagnosis, and present the treatment options.
Installation of the device
The placement of the device represents the beginning of the treatment itself. After the patient's decision, new exams and photos can be taken to record the initial situation, and then the orthodontic device is installed on the teeth. Each type of braces is placed in a different way, but from that moment on, the teeth begin to move, promoting the correction of the problem. During treatment, it is important to maintain impeccable hygiene, preventing cavities and other diseases that harm oral health.
Alignment
Alignment is one of the main stages of orthodontic treatment, as teeth must be leveled and aligned for movement to be effective. Therefore, the first correction is usually made with light and thin wires, which promote turns so that the teeth align in the correct position. In some cases, tooth extraction may be indicated, but for most people alignment occurs naturally, without major problems.
Correction
With teeth aligned and leveled, the problem is then corrected. Steel wires, thicker than those used in the previous step and combined with elastics, are responsible for promoting movement of the teeth to close spaces, adjust deviations, close open bites or any objective initially defined. This is one of the most time-consuming stages of orthodontic treatment, but, after some time, it is already possible to observe promising results.
Finalization
When the teeth approach the correct position, it is time for finishing, which may require the use of vertical elastics, bending the arches or installing brackets and accessories. Even if the patient feels satisfied with his smile, rushing this step can jeopardize the success of the treatment. The final phase is the most laborious for the professional and requires collaboration and patience from the patient.
Containment
After removing the braces, the treatment is not over yet! The first months are considered a phase of adaptation of the teeth to the new positions, and the orthodontist may indicate the placement of fixed or removable retainers to increase the stability of the arch. Consultations may be more spaced out, but they are essential for monitoring the case.
It is not always possible to estimate the duration of each stage of orthodontic treatment: each body reacts differently, and therefore each patient has their own need for time for the problem to be corrected efficiently and lastingly. Either way, going through all these steps is key to getting the best results.
Maintenance of the orthodontic device
Attention to eating habits and oral hygiene are essential for those who want to have more beautiful and healthy teeth. And when it comes to orthodontic braces, this is even more important. Whether fixed or mobile, the use of the device calls for special care so that the treatment has faster and more effective results.
Pay attention to brushing
For those who use braces, the ideal brush should have a large number of bristles and they should be ultra-soft.
Always floss
Great ally of oral hygiene, flossing should be used along with brushing. For those who have fixed braces, it is recommended to use a "thread", which helps the entry of floss between teeth and brackets.
Avoid certain foods
Sticky candies, gum, and lollipops are not the best friends of those who use orthodontic braces. In addition to them, also avoid eating hard, greasy, or chewy foods.
Pay attention to personal habits
If you are in the habit of biting your nails or chewing pencil and pen ends, the time to stop is now: in addition to being terrible for you, these habits can dent parts or break parts of your orthodontic appliance, be it fixed or mobile.
Maintain the orthodontic device
In addition to hygiene, diet and personal habits, periodic maintenance of the orthodontic device is essential for treatment. Follow-up should be performed by an orthodontist at least once a month. With this, he will indicate the best care, as well as evaluate progress with brushing and advancement of results.
Avoid breaks
One of the biggest problems of those who use braces is the frequent breakage of brackets. However, despite being common, this only happens due to the lack of specific care. Some silly attitudes can cause this breakdown, and when that happens, you have to look for your dentist for maintenance.
Store the mobile device in a suitable place
Mobile devices must be stored in a specific box so that they are not lost and do not run the risk of breaking. This little box is usually offered at the dental office and is extremely important.