FAQ
Frequently asked questions:
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry dealing with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of abnormalities of the teeth and jaws.
Its main goal is to improve oral function and aesthetics by aligning teeth and correcting bite issues (e.g., deep bite, spacing, etc.). Treatment options include braces, functional appliances, and clear aligners.
Orthodontic treatment may cause some discomfort but is generally not very painful.
Typical discomfort occurs after appliance placement, adjustments, or when soft tissues become irritated.
Pain is usually mild and temporary, and can be managed with simple pain relievers.
At 6–7 years old.
At this age, potential problems can be detected, and preventive or interceptive treatment can be applied if necessary.
From a few months to 2.5 years, depending on the type and severity of the problem.
During treatment, it may be necessary to extract certain baby teeth if they remain in the mouth longer than normal for the child’s age.
Permanent teeth may also need to be extracted when there is a size discrepancy between teeth and jaws or when required due to skeletal development.
The timing and choice of teeth to be extracted are determined solely by the orthodontist, as this is a very serious decision requiring thorough study and deep understanding of the case.
Orthodontic issues may be due to hereditary or environmental factors — or a combination of both.
Hereditary factors include tooth size, jaw size, and their relationships. A poor combination of inherited features may result in malocclusion (e.g., large teeth from one parent and small jaws from the other leading to crowding).
Environmental factors include abnormal habits and other external influences.
There are several types of orthodontic treatments depending on the patient’s needs and preferences:
Metal Braces:
Traditional metal braces with brackets and wires; usually the most economical option.Ceramic Braces:
Work the same way as metal braces but use tooth-colored brackets for a more aesthetic appearance.Clear Aligners:
A series of transparent, removable aligners that gradually move the teeth.Jaw Expanders:
Used mainly in children to widen the upper or lower jaw.Functional Appliances:
Commonly used in children/teens to correct bite or jaw growth issues. May be removable or fixed.Retainers:
Used after active treatment to maintain the teeth in their new position.
After orthodontic treatment, it is important to follow certain instructions to maintain the results and ensure oral health:
Use of retainers: Wear them according to the orthodontist’s instructions.
Proper oral hygiene: Brush twice daily and use floss.
Avoid hard foods: They can damage retainers or affect tooth position.
Regular orthodontic visits.
Protection during sports: Use mouthguards.
Avoid harmful habits: Such as nail biting or using teeth to open objects.
Greater chance of avoiding extraction of permanent teeth.
Better control of skeletal problems, since before puberty the orthodontist can influence skeletal growth.
Better tissue response to treatment.
Practically easier treatment due to fewer responsibilities for children.
Younger children are less embarrassed and have fewer inhibitions.
When treatment starts early, it is almost finished by adolescence and teenagers have increased self-confidence due to improved appearance.
Adult patients, whose skeleton is already fully developed, are more often led to treatments with extractions of permanent teeth or may require surgery when skeletal problems exist.
Mouth breathing, thumb or tongue sucking, nail or lip biting, biting objects, premature loss of baby teeth, unilateral chewing.
Thumb sucking usually stops at 2–3 years of age. A child who continues after this age or into school years may be showing signs of anxiety or insecurity due to a younger sibling, long parental absence, or changes such as new school or home.
The best help is to address the root of the problem.
Scolding and punishment are the worst approach. Positive reinforcement or a symbolic reward is the best method.
If thumb sucking stops at 2–3 years, slight problems may self-correct.
In persistent cases, the orthodontist can support the parents’ efforts with appropriate appliances, helping to stop the habit.
An orthodontic treatment includes two stages:
Active treatment: Teeth are aligned using orthodontic appliances.
Retention: The result is maintained with retainers and visits to the orthodontist when necessary.
Both stages are very important for a proper final result.
Success requires an orthodontist and a compliant patient.
A patient is considered compliant when:
They follow the orthodontist’s instructions,
Avoid damaging appliances by eating hard foods,
Keep appointments,
Visit the dentist regularly,
Maintain perfect oral hygiene,
Eat a healthy diet (milk, meat, fruits, vegetables) and avoid sweets, candies and fast food,
Avoid harmful habits such as nail biting, pencil biting, or chewing foreign objects,
And after removal of the appliances, wear the retainers consistently to avoid relapse.