What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a branch of dental surgery that corrects malpositioned teeth and jawbones. Misaligned teeth are more difficult to clean and may be lost prematurely due to cavities and/or periodontal disease.
These misalignments can lead to muscle tension resulting in headaches, TMJ disorders and neck, shoulder and back pain. Misaligned teeth can also seriously affect the beauty of a smile.
The benefits of orthodontic treatments are a healthy mouth, a more attractive smile and teeth that are more likely to last a lifetime.
A specialist in the orthodontic field is called an orthodontist.
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Orthodontists take several years of training after completing dental school.
How do I know if I need orthodontic treatment?
If you have any of the following conditions, you may need orthodontic treatment:
- Overbite – when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much
- Underbite – when the lower teeth are forward of the upper teeth.
- Crossbite – when the upper teeth do not overlap the lower teeth.
- Gap – when there is no contact between the teeth when closing.
- Midline mismatch – when the middle of the upper jaw does not match the middle of the lower jaw.
- Diastema – spaces that exist naturally between teeth or caused by extractions.
- Crowding – when there is not enough room for all the teeth and they overlap.
Call our dental clinic in Addis Ababa to request a treatment for overbite, underbite, crossbite, gap and diastema covering, crooked teeth and crowding.
How do orthodontic devices work?
Several types of fixed and/or mobile appliances are used to help relocate teeth, retrain muscles and modify the growth of the teeth.
These appliances work by exerting light pressure on the teeth and jaws.
The complexity of your problem will determine which orthodontic approach to use.
Orthodontics treatments at our dental clinic in Addis Ababa
The orthodontic appliances we provide at our dental clinic in addis ababa include:
Braces
The most common fixed orthodontic appliances use braces, wires (archwires) and/or brackets (clasps or locks).
Rings surround the teeth and are used to secure the archwire to the posterior teeth, while brackets are most often bonded to the outer (buccal) side of the anterior teeth, including the premolars.
Metal dental arches are attached to the brackets and rings.
The archwires exert pressure on the teeth and guide them into the correct position.
The archwires are usually adjusted once a month, with the final result achieved in a few months to several years.
Modern braces are smaller, lighter and show much less metal than in the past.
They are available in bright colors for children, but adults often prefer colors that are as invisible as possible.
We offer braces treatment at our dental clinic in addis ababa.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
Invisalign, also known as clear aligners, are an alternative to fixed appliances for adults.
These aligners move teeth in the same way as fixed appliances, without the use of wires or brackets.
The clear aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing.
Related topic : Invisalign Clear Aligners Treatment
Other existing orthodontics treatments
Fixed devices :
Special fixed appliances
Used to address thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, these appliances are attached to the teeth with braces.
These appliances are extremely uncomfortable during meals and should only be used as a last resort.
Space maintainers
If a baby tooth falls out prematurely, a space maintainer is used to keep the space created until the permanent tooth erupts.
A ring is sealed onto the tooth next to the space and a wire welded onto this ring rests on the tooth on the other side.
Removable appliances:
Removable space maintainers
These devices perform the same function as fixed space maintainers.
They have a resin base that fits over the gums and neighboring teeth and the space is held in place by clasps or a false tooth.
Jaw repositioning appliances
Also known as aligners, these appliances are worn on either the upper or lower jaw and help exercise the jaws to restore physiological movement.
They can be used for temporomandibular joint disorders.
Lip and cheek bumpers
They are designed to prevent teeth from coming into contact with the lips or cheeks.
The muscles of the lips and cheeks can exert negative pressure on the teeth, and these bumpers help relieve this pressure.
Palatal spacer
This is a device used to widen the arch of the upper jaw.
It is a plastic plate that fits over the arch of the palate.
Screws exert pressure towards the outside of the mouth and separate the palate bones in an anteroposterior direction, thus widening the palate.
Retainers
They rest on the palate; they prevent the teeth from returning to their original position.
They can be modified to help fight thumb sucking.
Fixed retainers
Are made by gluing a wire to the underside of the teeth.
Extra oral force
Consists of a rigid wire that rests on the back teeth and is connected to an elastic band that runs behind the head.
It slows down the growth of the upper jaw, holds the back teeth in place and pulls back the front teeth.
Call our dental clinic in Addis Ababa for any orthodontic need and question.
