Frequently Asked Questions about Orthodontics
Orthodontics as a specialty is in charge of evaluating and diagnosing all the anomalies present in dental structures, seeking to solve position, function and relationship problems; as well as the alterations that arise regarding the posture of the jaw. There are many concerns that orthodontic patients usually express before or during their treatment; here are some of the most common.
1
How do I know that I really need orthodontic treatment?
In many cases, the patient can notice any dental malposition with the naked eye in front of a mirror; however, it is the dentist and then the orthodontist who really determine the need for treatment by conducting a review in their office. This visit is usually accompanied by a series of specific examinations prior to any orthodontic treatment: panoramic radiography, to visualize both dental arches with all their parts; skull (lateral) x-ray, which is used to perform an analysis called cephalometry and obtain accurate measurements of the bones; photographs of the mouth and possibly plaster models of the bite to observe, among other things, how the patient occludes.
Sometimes patients with malocclusion problems may manifest headaches and neck or jaw pain; symptoms that indicate that orthodontic treatment should be started to correct the position of the jaw and progressively alleviate these discomforts.
2
I already had a treatment in the past, is it possible that I need orthodontic treatment again?
3
Are the benefits of orthodontics basically aesthetic?
No. Even though there are currently many people who spontaneously present themselves for consultation in search of treatment only for personal and aesthetic reasons; orthodontics mainly helps to prevent tooth wear and to improve occlusion, therefore its greatest benefit is functional.
4
Should I stop eating while on treatment?
If conventional orthodontics (braces) are used, it is advisable to avoid the consumption of certain foods that fall within the following classification:
- Hard or crisp. It is not advisable to consume some fruits and vegetables that meet this characteristic, bite into ice or hard candies, toasted breads and even the too crunchy edge of the pizza to avoid flaking. In case of consuming carrots, apples or some kind of similar food, it is suggested to chop it into small pieces to facilitate chewing.
- Sticky. Gum and candy tend to stick to appliances, making it difficult to clean.
- Fibrous. It occurs with certain types of meat that can “get tangled” between teeth and braces, also making cleaning a nightmare.
On the other hand, if the case is treated with the Invisalign system, the removable aligners represent an advantage for the patient, allowing him to eat practically anything without problems. However, the important thing to remember is that dental hygiene is essential, so after every meal you should brush your teeth very well even without wearing orthodontics.
Contact Dr. Trejos
Improve your quality of life with dental treatments such as Invisalign o Align
Our dental Clinic in Panama offers the professional advice you need, as well as the attention of any emergency situation that warrants intervention. You only need to contact us to arrange your appointment at the place and time that best suits your availability.
5
What exactly is a malocclusion? Why should it be corrected?
It is a problem that occurs when the teeth of the upper and lower arch do not occlude correctly, that is, they do not “fit” as they should be. There are various types of malocclusion and they usually develop due to hereditary causes, bad childhood habits such as thumb sucking or simply because at the time of tooth replacement, the jaw is very small in relation to the size of the teeth; generating abnormal movements of the teeth that look for a space to "settle in".
Untreated malocclusion problems can lead to different symptoms and consequences: periodontal diseases, cavities, tooth wear, jaw pain, among others.
6
During treatment How often should I visit my orthodontist?
The time may vary depending on the patient and the type of orthodontics; However, it is advisable to do at least one review per month to verify the force exerted by the devices teeth and make the necessary adjustments to advance treatment.
In general, this will be indicated by your orthodontist and it is possible that even when you handle more or less regular review periods, on certain occasions you may need to carry out a review and / or adjustment in a shorter period of time.
7
What are molar bands and tubes in orthodontics?
Brackets are not placed on the molars as on the rest of the teeth, for this, bands or tubes are used. The bands are metal rings that are placed on the molar and are used to anchor the attachments that the treatment needs to the outside of these teeth. The tubes can be cemented directly into the teeth.
The choice of one or the other will be made by the orthodontic specialist according to their preference, based on the system used, the functional needs or the patient's conditions.
8
I have seen people with colored garters in their braces, is it a fad or do they serve a function?
There are different types of ligatures that are used in orthodontics. The rubber bands that attach the bracket to the arch are the ones that are usually displayed in each one and are made in colors or transparent according to the patient's taste. These should be carried throughout the treatment to ensure the micro movements that have been planned.
Intermaxillary elastics are another type of ligation that is usually placed in the final stages of treatment to achieve a correct occlusion; these are located between both arches.
How much does an Invisalign treatment cost?
In addition to offering you a personalized treatment, we also have for you our financing plans without interest and with the best payment facilities.
Contact us by WhatsApp to know the financing plans we have for your treatment.
9
I need orthodontics but I don't want to wear braces, is there an alternative?
All orthodontic systems use braces with the exception of the Invisalign system. This innovative treatment works through removable transparent aligners of the latest technology, which are tailored to the patient to perform the movements that until now were achieved with traditional orthodontics; without the need to place brackets.
Another “invisible” option is the lingual orthodontic system, which even when using braces, they adhere to the inside of the tooth and are not visible to the naked eye.
10
Do you always need to extract some teeth?
In any case, the orthodontist is the one who will determine which piece should be removed and at what time to achieve the best results.
