What is orthodontics and who practises it?
Orthodontics is a speciality of dentistry that deals with the arrangement of the teeth in the dental arcs and driving the jaws in harmonious positions, aiming at the restoration of the good function of the mouth and face aesthetics.
It is practised by specialised dentists, the orthodontists, qualified and trained in integrated three-year courses at the home country or abroad. At the same time, they have passed the relevant examinations of the Ministry of Health. In this way, only those who have the related certificate of the Ministry can be considered qualified.
What is the right age for orthodontic treatment?
The right age to start orthodontic treatment is determined by the attendant orthodontist depending on the nature of the problem. The length of the treatment depends on the gravity of the problem.
When is orthodontic treatment necessary?
Orthodontic treatment is regarded necessary in cases of dental, skeletal and functional disorders of the mouth. The orthodontist may need to achieve one or more of the following goals:
a) Proper function of the mouth(chewing, speech)
b) Facilitation of mouth hygiene, resulting in fewer future tooth and gum problems and longer stay of teeth in the mouth. The difference of gum condition before and after the treatment is obvious in the photos.
c) Assistance to the general dentist and other medical specialists as well as better prevention during dental work (fillings, dental bridges, dentures, gum and periodontium treatments) with the proper arrangement of the teeth and the functional restoration of the mouth.
d) Lessening the possibility of tooth fractures especially when teeth protrude out of the lips, mainly in younger people, as can be seen in the photo.
e) Lessening the possibility of problems in the temporal mandibular joint, i.e. the linking area between the lower jaw and the skull.
f) A beautiful smile and a more pleasant face that will consequently reinforce the individual’s self-esteem and self confidence.
Can adults undergo orthodontic treatment too?
Adults, of any age, may receive orthodontic treatment for aesthetic or functional reasons. There are even modern ‘invisible’ orthodontic mechanisms adapted to the aesthetic requirements of adult patients.
What is the most proper age for the first orthodontic check?
All children should undergo an orthodontic check by the age of 7 at the latest. Both specific dental problems as well as problems of face harmony can be prevented, if they are diagnosed on time. Preventive orthodontics, which can be applied at young ages, deals with problems such as premature loss of milk teeth, prolonged finger sucking and forward position of the tongue (tongue thrust).
Prompt diagnosis often entails the avoidance of extraction of permanent teeth during the orthodontic treatment or even a maxilofacial surgery, in cases of intense skeletal problems. Therefore, parents should not wait until all permanent teeth have begun to grow, which usually takes place at the age of 12.
1. Better chance of avoidance to extract permanent teeth.
2. Better control on skeletal problems given that the orthodontist can check and affect the skeletal growth before puberty.
3. Better response of the tissues to the treatment.
4. Higher degree of adaptation to the mechanisms and better cooperation on behalf of young patients.
5. Easier treatment in practical terms, as students of Primary School have fewer school obligations than those of Secondary School.
6. Younger children do not feel embarrassed and generally do not have the inhibitions of older ones.
7. When the treatment starts early, it is almost completed by the time of puberty so teenagers have increased self-confidence due to the better appearance of the mouth and their face in general.
8. Adult patients, whose skeleton has already been formed, may undergo treatments which involve extractions of permanent teeth more often, and even a surgical operation may be required if there are skeletal problems