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Orthodontics
Stomatologia Jarzębiny offers specialized orthodontic treatment of malocclusion of children, adolescents and adults. We encourage you to consult the orthodontist.
What is malocclusion?
Malocclusion is an incorrect positioning of teeth in the dental arches, which is popularly known as “crooked teeth”. This term also refers to situations in which the teeth are “straight”, but the dental arches contain in an abnormal manner, i.e. upper teeth are much far forward relative to the lower . This abnormal arrangement of the upper and lower dental arch may be noticeable by the patient or parents, may appear in the facial features, but can also be unnoticed.
Is malocclusion a problem of just the appearance?
Unfortunately, malocclusion (except those really small) is not only an aesthetic problem. Crooked teeth make it difficult to set precise cleaning of teeth and thus favor the accumulation of plaque and tartar, which are the main cause of gingivitis and the resulting complications (such as periodontitis). Incorrect layout of dental arches can cause abnormal facial profile, ugly lips, and besides these esthetic effects it causes an uneven load on the teeth, excessive wear, biting on and damaging the gums, inefficient biting and chewing, improper installation of the language. This state, sustained for many years, leads to spontaneous tooth movement and the deterioration of their settings.
How to treat a malocclusion?
The first step is to prevent the formation of malocclusion, for this sake the child should be controlled by the orthodontist. Often the orthodontist is the first doctor that the parents concerned about the appearance of teeth and the dental arches of the child turn to. Orthodontist observes the development of occlusion and may instruct or carry out activities that ensure the normal development of occlusion.
Orthodontic braces
- Fixed braces
Fixed braces are the most efficient in straightening “the crooked teeth” and in large irregularities of teeth settings. We use them for teenagers and adults (more seldom for younger children). They consist of small parts (locks) stuck permanently to the tooth surface. Locks can be metal, as well as in tooth color – cream or transparent. The advantage of fixed braces is that they do not require the patient to remember about putting on the braces – they are glued to the teeth for the entire treatment period of about 2 years, after which they are detached. Fixed braces give the doctor the possibility of very precise setting the teeth in the desired position. Inspection visits with fixed braces are held every 4 weeks. - Removable braces
If there came to malocclusion, and the child already has first permanent teeth in the mouth, and is in the right age, the orthodontist begins treatment with removable braces. This appliance is done individually for each child, it requires taking person’s measurement, the dental impressions. Removable devices are very effective in childhood, especially in improving the setting of both dental arches to each other, and in improving the facial features, provided that they are worn a minimum of 4 hours a day and all night (contrary to popular opinion, that these are “only ‘at night’ braces”). Inspection visits with removable braces are held every 6 weeks.
MD. Dorota Łukasiewicz, Ph.D.
specialist in orthodontics