Orthodontics Center

Orthodontic treatment is the correction of crooked teeth and improper bite (malocclusion). Crooked teeth and bite problems can lead to various dental issues, such as tooth decay (caries), gum inflammation, periodontal disease, and others. Teeth are most commonly straightened using braces, but there are also other methods available.

Causes of Crooked Teeth

• Genetics (hereditary factors)
• Early loss of primary (baby) teeth
• Trauma

When baby teeth are lost too early, the eruption of permanent teeth becomes irregular. As a result, permanent teeth may lack space and grow in incorrect positions, leading to further misalignment.

In some cases, permanent teeth are larger than the jaw, so they do not fit properly and begin to crowd each other. Since teeth can move, orthodontists use various appliances to gradually position them correctly.

Why Straighten Teeth and Correct Bite?

Crooked teeth and improper bite can cause:

• Tooth decay – crowded teeth are harder to clean, allowing food debris to accumulate
• Gum inflammation
• Accelerated tooth wear (abrasion)

In addition to health reasons, orthodontic treatment improves aesthetic appearance. People with misaligned teeth often feel discomfort when speaking or smiling.

An improper bite can also lead to poor chewing, which over time may contribute to digestive system problems.

Methods of Teeth Straightening

• Braces
• Clear aligners (trays)
• Orthodontic plates

Orthodontic Treatment with Braces

Braces are used to straighten teeth and correct bite using metal or ceramic brackets attached to the teeth and connected by a metal archwire.

The wire creates tension that gradually moves the teeth into the desired position. Patients must regularly visit the orthodontist to monitor progress.

Treatment duration: from a few months to several years, depending on individual cases.

Before treatment:

• dental impressions are taken
• panoramic X-ray (orthopantomogram) is performed
• if needed, lateral cephalometric X-ray or CT scan is done

Photographs are also taken for treatment planning.

Types of Braces

Metal Braces

• Traditional method
• Durable and highly effective
• Do not damage enamel if maintained properly
• Main disadvantage: visible appearance

Ceramic Braces

• Function similarly to metal braces
• Tooth-colored, less noticeable
• Better aesthetics

Self-Ligating Braces

• Use special clips instead of elastic ligatures
• Reduce friction and pressure
• Shorter treatment time
• Fewer orthodontic visits required
• Can be metal or ceramic

After treatment, a retention wire is bonded to the inner side of teeth to maintain results.

Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are custom-made removable trays designed to gradually move teeth.

• Treatment is digitally planned
• 8–25 or more aligners are produced per jaw
• Aligners are replaced periodically during treatment

Key points:

• Must be worn ~22 hours per day
• Removed during eating and drinking
• Regular orthodontist visits are required

Treatment duration is similar or slightly shorter than with braces and depends on patient compliance.

Orthodontic Treatment with Plates

Orthodontic plates are usually used for children and adolescents.

• Custom-made removable appliances
• Include metal wires for tooth movement

Advantages:

• More affordable

Disadvantages:

• Can affect speech
• Requires strong patient discipline
• Effectiveness depends on consistent use

Orthodontic treatment helps improve both oral health and aesthetic appearance, ensuring proper function and long-term dental stability.