University specialization base at the Medical University - Plovdiv
University specialization base at the Medical University - Plovdiv
As a major part of dentistry, Orthodontics focuses on the treatment of dental and jaw deformities. The main goal is to achieve optimal functional and aesthetic results. It is generally accepted that aesthetics and functionality are closely related, since when the teeth are positioned correctly, the load on them during eating is distributed evenly. In the clinic we have a specially equipped Orthodontics office and a specialist orthodontist who will be happy to take on even the most complicated cases. An individual treatment plan is made for each patient, after a thorough examination of the teeth and oral cavity.
By undergoing orthodontic treatment, it is possible to resolve the following dental problems:
Misaligned teeth that cause physical discomfort and pain;
Crowded or rotated teeth – maintaining oral hygiene is difficult in these cases, and therefore it is very important to solve this problem;
Malocclusion;
Congenital cleft lip and palate;
Malocclusion – incorrect alignment and placement of opposing teeth.
Depending on the type of deformity and the age of the patient, different types of devices are used.
The most commonly used appliances in orthodontic treatment are braces. They help correct the bite and straighten and align the teeth. The metal braces are the most commonly used. Another type of braces are sapphire braces, which are transparent and have a better aesthetic appearance.
Aligners are an alternative to braces and can be used to treat many types of orthodontic problems, such as misaligned teeth, crowded and rotated teeth, correcting the distance between teeth, etc. They are very comfortable to wear, can be removed during meals and for cleaning. The aligners are made individually for each patient based on a digital impression of the teeth, and the patient can see the digital arrangement of their dental arches in advance. This leads to a predictable result.
The trainers are functional removable devices that, with a few hours of daily wear and at night, help eliminate harmful habits in children such as: incorrect swallowing, mouth breathing, positioning the tongue between the teeth. The unique design of the trainers contains: Mouth guards – for proper swallowing and strengthening of the periocular muscles; Language limiter – supporting proper breathing through the nose; Toothed guides – resemble an orthodontic archwire, as they have small channels in the middle; Tongue stick – supports the correct placement of the tongue; Oral arch – stimulates the development of front teeth.
The child can be taken for the first orthodontic examination at the age of 3, and at this age the main task of the orthodontist is to assist in the formation of a correct bite through the prevention of harmful habits. However, true orthodontic treatment begins in children between the ages of 7 and 12.This period is also very suitable for the treatment of myofunctional disorders and dental and jaw deformities, which are difficult to treat at a later stage.
It is never too late to start orthodontic treatment, but as the years go by, the desired effect becomes slower and more difficult to achieve. Typically, orthodontic treatment in adults is used to:
Crooked teeth;
Achieving good aesthetic results by eliminating gaps between teeth;
Arrangement of the dental arches in both jaws;
In preparation for prosthetics.
The first stage of orthodontic treatment is a comprehensive examination by a specialist orthodontistThis examination usually includes a detailed examination of the teeth and jaw. To make a model of the jaws and bite, intraoral and extraoral photographs of the patient. Then X-rays are taken – teleradiography (TRG) and orthopantomography (OPG)The first picture (TRG) shows the position of the upper and lower jaw. The second picture (OPG) shows the level of the sinuses, the position of the bone and dentition, all the teeth in the mouth (even the tooth germs).
It includes the preparation of an orthodontic analysis based on the biometric analysis of dental models, photographs and teleradiographic analysis. The treatment plan is strictly individual for each patient and must include the patient's exact diagnosis, choosing the most suitable orthodontic appliancesto be used during treatment, estimated duration of treatment and individual cost of treatment, which depends on all of the listed factors.
Orthodontic treatment is performed using fixed systems (braces) or removable appliances (aligners, trainers, etc.). In most cases, orthodontic treatment is performed using braces. Regardless of the means used, the most important condition for quality treatment is the patient's cooperation (or their parents, if they are children). If the patient does not wear the braces or aligners as directed, does not clean them thoroughly, does not maintain perfect oral hygiene, and does not visit the orthodontist on schedule, all the efforts of the treating person to achieve a good result may be in vain.
A very important part of orthodontic treatment is maintaining the achieved result. During this period, the patient follows the orthodontist's instructions, uses a fixed or removable retainer, and attends regular check-ups to monitor the stability of the tooth arrangement.
Some discomfort is normal when any type of orthodontic appliance is fitted, but this will quickly go away as you get used to the foreign object in your mouth. If this discomfort persists for a long time or you experience pain, you should contact your orthodontist to have the appliance adjusted. There will be many adjustments to the orthodontic appliance during treatment, and it is normal to experience some discomfort with each adjustment.
The answer to this question is different for each individual patient. The duration of treatment depends on how severe the dental problems are. For most patients, treatment is completed within 1 to 2 years.
Orthodontic treatment is a two-way process, and its success depends on both the treating orthodontist and the patient. It is very important to follow all the prescriptions and not miss scheduled visits to the treating orthodontist. Therefore, the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the professionalism of the orthodontist and the responsible attitude of the patient (or his parents, if he is a child).
For fixed braces, adjustments are usually required every 4-6 weeks. For aligners, treatment is strictly individual, but adjustments are also required. The frequency of these adjustments depends on the equipment used, the specifics of the particular case, and the judgment of the treating orthodontist.
The orthodontic appliances themselves will not damage the teeth if they are cleaned regularly and all the prescriptions of the treating orthodontist are followed. Neglecting hygiene or frequent use of sweets and carbonated drinks can lead to the initial caries process. Oral hygiene should be much better during orthodontic treatment, as braces retain more food, which leads to more plaque and tartar.
The patient's cooperation during orthodontic treatment and during the retention period is of utmost importance for achieving a stable result. Failure to deal with harmful habits such as tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, bruxism can lead to a change in the position of individual teeth. It is important to monitor the eruption of wisdom teeth or their timely removal.
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