Orthodontics

Different orthodontic problems can be treated by complex therapy methods with the use of ORDOLINE, Spark, Invisaligne for instance, incorrectly aligned teeth, minor compression of the teeth or interdental gaps. Treatment with Aligners is visually discreet and does not affect your daily life, because ORDOLINE, Spark, Invisaligne equipment is translucent, removable and convenient. However, it must be considered that only an orthodontist or a dentist, who has received a certificate for working with ORDOLINE, Spark, Invisaligne can assess whether treatment with aligners is suitable for you.

Treatment with ORDOLINE, Spark, Invisaligne is based on a series of removable, translucent straightening aligners. One aligner must be worn for approximately 1-2 weeks, then the next aligner will have to be inserted. The number of aligners is determined for each patient individually, considering the current occlusion problem and therapy plan. On average, regulation with aligners lasts for 10–18 months.

Prior to the therapy with invisible aligners, a therapy plan will be drawn up, taking into consideration your occlusion problem and your desires.

Braces are a common therapy method in orthodontics. Brace systems may ensure controlled movements of all teeth, as well as the relocation of an individual tooth or a group of teeth. The brace is fixed to the surface of the tooth with an adhesive, without traumatising the tooth itself. Then a wire is fixed to the braces, which ensures interaction between the braces to straighten the teeth.

Metal braces

Metal braces are the classical type of braces They are made of high-quality nickel, titanium and an alloy of other metals, and efficiently adjust the teeth. Usually this type of braces is chosen by youths, because the wire is attached to the brace by means of special elastic rubber ligatures. Every time a patient arrives to get the braces tightened, they can choose from a range of rubber ligature colours, which makes the tooth adjustment process more interesting and attractive for youths.

Aesthetic braces

They are made of ceramic or synthetic sapphire. They are white or practically translucent and, if a white colour wire is also used, the adjustment of teeth is made more attractive compared to the use of metallic braces.

Self-ligating braces

A special mechanism is used to fix the wire into the brace and elastic rubber ligatures are not required to fix the wire. This reduces friction and, therefore, the visits to the dentist may be slightly less frequent.

Lingual braces

This type of braces is practically invisible to others, because the brace is fixed to the internal surface of the tooth – from the side of the tongue.

There are two types of lingual braces:

• Standard lingual braces – this type of braces is intended for the adjustment of comparatively simple orthodontic cases; therefore, these braces are not suitable for all types of regulation;
• Individually tailored braces – they are individually made for each patient at the laboratory in Germany from a gold alloy. In contrast to standard lingual braces, these can also be used in more complex cases.

Duties and liabilities during treatment

To ensure a successful outcome of orthodontic treatment, the patient must observe all instructions of the physician. If the orthodontic equipment is not worn and taken care of properly and within the indicated time, the treatment will not proceed according to plan and will take longer, as well as the planned outcome may not be achieved.

During orthodontic treatment (especially with fixed equipment – braces) the observation of oral cavity hygiene is extremely important. After every meal, the teeth must be cleaned with a toothbrush and toothpaste. The teeth must be flossed with dental floss and rinsed with fluorine-containing agents once daily.

After applying the braces or returning the first set of orthodontic aligners, the orthodontist will provide detailed explanations to you regarding dental care means that need to be used; the physician will also explain how to care for your teeth and provide demonstrations.

There is a myth that braces and orthodontic treatment damages teeth. This opinion is wrong, because orthodontic equipment itself does not cause damage to the teeth. However, it must be remembered that build-up of plaque is more intensive around the braces and other devices in the oral cavity. If the plaque is not regularly and thoroughly cleaned off, the deterioration of enamel and gums may occur, leading to irreversible damage of the teeth. Plaque contains large amounts of bacteria that generate acids and these acids dilute the external surface of the teeth (enamel). Since bacteria use carbohydrates to produce acid, the frequency of consuming sugar, sweets, as well as sparkling, sweet and sour drinks and the amounts of the aforementioned foods should be reduced during orthodontic therapy.

Poor oral cavity hygiene during dental correction can cause the inflammation of gums (gingivitis), which can lead to the more severe destruction of gums and bone (periodontitis) and eventually, an adverse outcome of orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic equipment exerts pressure on the teeth and bones that support the teeth. If any of the braces come loose or the equipment used breaks, is deformed or lost, undesired movement of the teeth may occur. It is not recommended to eat hard food (crisps, carrots, nuts, caramel, etc.) during orthodontic treatment, because it may promote the breaking of equipment and unsticking of braces. In these situations, the patient must inform the orthodontist to ensure that the equipment is repaired or the brace is glued back as soon as possible. If it is not done, movement of the teeth in undesired directions may occur and the total duration of treatment may increase.

Regular scheduled visits

Orthodontic equipment must be routinely activated and corrected and the course of therapy must be carefully controlled. The patient must be aware that sometimes the appointment hours with the orthodontist may coincide with school hours or business hours of the patient, but missed visits extend the duration of treatment.

As the research conducted in Lithuania in 2018 shows, more than 50% of children below the age of 19 require orthodontic therapy*, however, if the dentist of your child has not specifically indicated that you need to attend an orthodontist’s consultation, the recommended moment for the first consultation with this specialist is at 5-6 years old, when the deciduous teeth are replaced with permanent teeth.

During the consultation:

• The orthodontist will check the condition of the child and their occlusion, and the compliance of their status with the normal developmental age;
• The specialist will evaluate the position of the lips and tongue, the breathing type of the child, because these are the factors that may affect the development of incorrect occlusion in the child;
• If required, an X-Ray examination of the teeth will be performed to evaluate the position and development of the dental buds of permanent teeth in the bone.

* https://sbdmj.com/191/191-05.pdf