Many teenagers who visit Dr. Bonyanian’s dental clinic face the problem of misaligned teeth. The reason for their visit is to undergo dental orthodontic treatment. In the following, we will teach you everything you need to know about getting orthodontic treatment.
What is Dental Orthodontics?
Dental Orthodontics is one of the dental services in which the dentist corrects the misalignment of teeth and the disharmony of the relationship between the two jaws.
In other words, dental orthodontics means aligning and straightening teeth. The goal of orthodontics is to align the teeth of the upper and lower jaws. The younger the individual, the shorter the treatment time will be. However, generally, orthodontics takes longer than other dental treatments.
It must be said that if you feel ashamed or worried about your crooked and misaligned teeth, you should know that you are not alone. Not everyone naturally has straight and aligned teeth, and many have achieved a beautiful smile with the help of orthodontics.
If you want to know what dental orthodontics is, we must say that orthodontics is one of the specialized branches of dentistry. This word is composed of two Latin words: “ortho,” meaning “straight” or “correct,” and “odus” or its derivative “dens,” meaning “tooth.” This field is also the first specialty introduced in dentistry.
The work of dental orthodontics is mostly correcting malocclusion or improper bite of the teeth. This issue can arise from the incorrect position of the teeth or the two jaws relative to each other.
Factors Causing Orthodontic Problems and Prevention Methods
The reasons for oral and dental abnormalities are usually divided into two categories:
- Genetic problems: such as very high or low facial height, or large jaws inherited from parents.
- Environmental factors: which are themselves divided into several sections.
- Trauma to the jaw in childhood.
- Thumb sucking for a long period.
- Premature loss of baby teeth.
- Improper breathing pattern in children.
- Presence of extra teeth.
Who Needs Dental Orthodontics?
The presence of problems like the following in you or your child is an indication of the need for dental orthodontics:
- If there are spaces between your teeth (diastema).
- If one or more of your teeth are crooked.
- If one or more of your teeth have grown in a place other than their original position.
- If you suffer from receding teeth and gums.
- If you are facing the problem of crowded and congested teeth.
- If your teeth do not fit together properly when you close your mouth (overbite or underbite).
- Or if you have a jaw deviation.
But don’t worry! If you feel ashamed or concerned about your crooked and misaligned teeth, know that you are not alone. Not all humans naturally have straight and aligned teeth, and many have achieved a beautiful smile with methods like orthodontics.
Many dental specialists, like the orthodontists at Dr. Bonyanian’s dental clinic, with years of experience and skill in treating misaligned teeth, are capable of resolving this issue. Next, you will become familiar with examples of orthodontic treatments performed at Dr. Bonyanian’s clinic.
Advantages of Dental Orthodontics
- Improved appearance
- Improved function of the mouth and jaw
- Improved oral hygiene
- Reduced risks associated with irregular teeth (such as tooth wear)
- Improved respiratory function
- More beautiful jaw angle
Disadvantages and Complications of Dental Orthodontics
- Feeling pain and discomfort for at least a week after orthodontics
- Development of mouth sores
- Difficulty in eating
- Difficulty in speaking (which resolves over time)
- Increased accumulation of food and plaque between brackets and braces
Suitable Age for Orthodontics | Best Age for Dental Orthodontics
Although the appropriate age and time to start orthodontic treatment depend on the type of malocclusion, generally, age 9 for girls and around age 11 for boys is recommended.
The type of malocclusion means, for example, in patients with skeletal problems (e.g., their upper jaw is further forward than its natural position, or conversely, their lower jaw is further back than its proper position), the best time to start treatment is years before puberty. This is because the growth of children and adolescents can be used to treat these malocclusions.
In contrast, for problems that are solely related to the teeth, there is no age limit, but the golden time for orthodontic treatment is around 12 years old. The Iranian and American Associations of Orthodontists, in an article titled “Age assessment in orthodontics and general dentistry,” have pointed this out.
The first consultation with an orthodontist should be at age 7 so that, if necessary, preventive measures are not missed.
Dr. Bonyanian’s recommendation for addressing these potential problems is an annual (or even every 6 months) visit to the dentist after the child reaches 6 years of age. By doing so, if the dentist observes a problem in the child’s teeth, they will provide appropriate solutions to prevent further damage.
Is Dental Orthodontics Painful?
Orthodontics is generally not painful, but in some cases, you may experience discomfort and minor changes in your mouth. For example, you might feel pain and discomfort after the installation of brackets and braces.
This sensation usually lasts for a few days to a week. Your teeth and gums might also ache, and you might feel pressure. This discomfort usually subsides with mild painkillers.
Don’t forget that your teeth are misaligned from the root. Repositioning these teeth to their original path is not a simple, one-day, or comfortable task and may be accompanied by discomfort. But the result is worth the effort.
Can a General Dentist Perform Orthodontic Treatment?
Yes. But with what quality?!
Orthodontics is a long-term and complex treatment that is directly related to the patient’s appearance and self-confidence. A treatment that, in the best-case scenario, takes a year, and an orthodontist has studied for nearly 4 years more than a general dentist to learn its techniques.
Perhaps you like your dentist and are comfortable with them. Perhaps your dentist has told you that they can do orthodontics for you and charge you less than an orthodontist.
Many people are found who have had their orthodontic treatment done by a general dentist. But among them, there are those whose dentist could not properly address their problems, forcing the individual to refer to an orthodontist again.
This issue, regardless of the repeated and even higher costs incurred to correct the previous dentist’s mistake, increases the treatment duration by two or even three times!
An orthodontist, by studying in the field of orthodontics, has received specialized training for this treatment. This specialist usually only deals with orthodontic treatment. The fact that they have more academic experience than a general dentist means they are constantly treating various types of these malocclusions. Therefore, in most cases, they provide better and more reliable treatment for jaw and dental problems.
Duration of Orthodontic Treatment | How Many Years Does Dental Orthodontics Take?
The duration of orthodontic treatment usually lasts from 6 to 36 months (generally one and a half years). Factors affecting the duration of orthodontic treatment include the severity of oral and dental malocclusions, the age of the orthodontic patient, the condition of orthodontic care, and of course, the skill of the dentist in orthodontics.
Types of Oral and Dental Malocclusions in Orthodontics
Oral and dental malocclusions in orthodontics are of two types:
- Jaw Malocclusions
- Class II and III malocclusions
- Jaw deviation
- Large or small upper jaw
- Large or small lower jaw
- Dental Malocclusions
- Increased or decreased number of teeth
- Enamel defects (Amelogenesis Imperfecta)
- Peripheral enamel defects
- Dentin defects
Only some of these problems require orthodontic treatment. Also, the intervention time for correcting these problems is another important difference between jaw and dental malocclusions. Next, we will introduce some of these problems that can be treated with orthodontics.
| Common Treatment Methods | Common Symptoms | Brief Explanation | Type of Malocclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orthodontics, Jaw Surgery | Difficulty closing mouth, facial disharmony | Upper jaw being forward or backward relative to normal | Upper Jaw Malocclusion (Maxillary) |
| Orthodontics, Orthognathic Surgery | Chewing disorder, facial beauty affected | Protrusion or retrusion of the lower jaw | Lower Jaw Malocclusion (Mandibular) |
| Fixed or Removable Orthodontics | Abnormal tooth wear, jaw pain | Transverse displacement of teeth | Crossbite |
| Orthodontics, Surgery in severe cases | Difficulty biting and speaking | Open bite when closing the mouth | Open Bite |
| Orthodontics, Bite Correction | Tooth wear, jaw pain | Excessive overlap of front teeth | Deep Bite |
| Jaw Surgery, Orthodontic Treatment | Facial asymmetry, chewing disorder | Jaw movement to one side | Jaw Deviation (Skew Jaw) |
Treating Anterior Open Bite with Orthodontics
Open bite malocclusion is one of the types of malocclusion (dental and jaw deformity). In this type of disorder, which can have a dental or jaw origin, when the patient closes their teeth together, there will be a gap between their upper and lower teeth.
This malocclusion can be diagnosed and treated by an orthodontist. The orthodontist, by examining various factors such as problems related to tooth eruption, facial structure, the type of relationship between teeth and jaws, identifies the cause of the disorder and plans the treatment.
Treating Crowding with Orthodontics
Misaligned teeth or crowding is also one of the common oral and dental malocclusions. In this malocclusion, when teeth larger than the usual size grow in jaws smaller than usual, they lack the necessary space to complete their growth process and inevitably push other teeth aside.
Closing Gaps Between Teeth or Diastema
Gaps between teeth are another dental problem that, in addition to negatively affecting the beauty of your smile, causes plaque accumulation between teeth and jawbone resorption in the long run.
To treat this problem, depending on the amount of space and its distribution in the teeth, orthodontic treatment or cosmetic dental restoration using laminate or composite can be performed.
Missing Teeth
Some individuals, due to genetic or environmental reasons, are missing one or more teeth! This absence of teeth can affect people’s daily lives and disrupt their general health, appearance, and self-confidence.
Treating Overlapping Teeth (Deep Bite)
Deep bite or excessive overlap of upper and lower teeth causes wear of the lower teeth, periodontal discomfort, or dysfunction of the jaw joint. If this problem is treated before reaching puberty, it can be controlled with removable orthodontic appliances.
Treating Crossbite with Orthodontics
Normally, the upper jaw teeth should be slightly outside the lower jaw teeth. In a crossbite, this is reversed. That is, when you close your mouth, your lower jaw is in front of your upper jaw.
This disorder can be caused by problems in tooth eruption, thumb sucking, mouth breathing, or jaw abnormalities. The best age to treat this disorder is before reaching puberty.
Treating Retruded Lower Jaw with Orthodontics
A retruded lower jaw is one of the disorders whose most common cause is hereditary factors. This disorder can be corrected with orthodontics. Therefore, if you consult an orthodontist before puberty, you can correct this problem using extraoral orthodontic appliances such as headgear.
Correcting Protruded Lower Jaw with Orthodontics
Just as a retruded jaw can cause malocclusion, a protruded jaw also has its own problems! The best age to treat this disorder is before puberty. Treatment of this disorder after puberty is usually done with orthodontics combined with jaw surgery.
Impacted Canine Tooth
An impacted canine tooth is one of the disorders that usually occurs in the upper jaw and is accompanied by risks such as cyst or tumor formation. This problem can be resolved by extracting the impacted tooth and orthodontic treatment of the upper jaw.
Types of Orthodontic Treatment Methods
When visiting an orthodontist, we are looking for answers to questions we have in mind. Questions such as:
- Which treatment is suitable for our or our child’s dental or jaw problem? Fixed or removable?
- Is there a need for extraoral appliances?
- Can we use treatments with tooth-colored or invisible (almost invisible) appliances?
- Is my or my child’s problem solvable only with orthodontic treatment, or should it be combined with treatments such as jaw and facial surgery or other dental treatments to achieve the desired result?
- Is there any other solution besides orthodontic treatment to solve the problem?
Now that you know what dental orthodontics is, we will briefly discuss some orthodontic treatment methods, their applications, advantages, and disadvantages, perhaps to answer the preceding questions.
However, it should be noted that the best type of treatment is only studied and recommended by an orthodontist following clinical examinations and review of radiographs and molds.
Fixed Orthodontics with Metal and Ceramic Brackets
Most orthodontic treatments are in the form of fixed orthodontics because this method provides the best results in the shortest time for any type of misalignment and dental malocclusion.
The main device used for fixed dental orthodontics is called a “bracket.” The dentist, using brackets attached to the teeth and other auxiliary equipment (such as wires, elastics, and metal springs), forces the teeth to move and position themselves correctly.
Advantages of Fixed Orthodontics
- This method is the best way to treat severe dental malocclusions.
- It has the most suitable cost for orthodontic treatment compared to other methods.
Disadvantages of Fixed Orthodontics
- If oral and dental health is not maintained, due to the presence of wires and brackets, the possibility of food debris remaining and consequently tooth decay is higher with this method.
Invisible Orthodontics (Clear Aligners)
One of the things that many orthodontic applicants dread is the appearance of their teeth after orthodontics. This issue is particularly seen in adults and working individuals who have to interact with other people.
One of the most common ways to straighten teeth without using metal wires and prominent appliances on the teeth is to use clear, colorless plastic aligners to straighten teeth, which are nowadays known as invisible orthodontics.
Advantages of Invisible Orthodontics
- No tooth decay after orthodontics.
- Digital and fast design.
- No need for repeated impressions and the use of clear aligners, which greatly helps the patient’s aesthetics during treatment.
Disadvantages of Invisible Orthodontics
- This treatment cannot address severe dental and jaw malocclusions and is practically used for simpler misalignments.
- The cost of treatment with this method is higher than other orthodontic models (such as fixed orthodontics).
Lingual Orthodontics
By using special brackets in some treatments, they can be attached to the back and tongue side of the teeth, which is also called “lingual” or “behind the teeth” fixed orthodontic treatment.
Advantages of Lingual Orthodontics
- Suitable for problems such as changing tooth height, tooth rotation, and closing empty spaces between teeth.
- If oral hygiene is not maintained, discoloration of the braces (due to their position behind the teeth) is not obvious.
Disadvantages of Lingual Orthodontics
- Expensive.
- Limitation in dental movements.
- Irritation and discomfort to the tongue.
Damon Orthodontics
Damon orthodontics is one of the practical methods in dental treatment, which is now considered one of the newest methods of orthodontic treatment. Treatment with Damon braces is done by attaching self-ligating brackets and using small elastics.
Self-ligating brackets are a type of bracket that does not require any elastic or wire for connection.
Advantages of Damon Orthodontics
- Faster orthodontic closure.
- Reduced pressure on teeth.
- Improved oral hygiene.
- Ease of treatment.
Disadvantages of Damon Orthodontics
- Visible.
- Expensive.
- Irritating.
Removable Orthodontics
Removable orthodontic treatment is usually used to correct the relationship between the upper and lower jaw, stimulate jaw growth, single tooth movements, etc. This method is mostly applicable to children and before the ages of 9-10. The appliance used in this type of treatment is called a “plate.” These plates are sometimes used in one jaw and sometimes in both jaws.
Advantages of Removable Orthodontics
- Ease of oral and dental hygiene.
- Reduced occurrence of gum problems and dental decay.
- Ease of cleaning orthodontic appliances.
- No restrictions on eating and speaking.
- Relatively short treatment duration.
Disadvantages of Removable Orthodontics
- Rotation of a single tooth can be corrected, but multiple rotations cannot.
- Only simple misalignments such as rotations, trauma, etc., can be corrected.
- Final alignment of teeth is not possible.
Components of Dental Orthodontics
As you know, dental orthodontics is performed with the help of a set of tools and equipment. These tools, by being placed on the teeth, determine the correct path of tooth movement and help resolve malocclusions.
The components of dental orthodontics include the following:
- Braces
- Bands
- Archwire
- Brackets
- Bracket Gem (if applicable)
- Elastics (Rubber Bands)
- Springs
- Hooks
Stages of Dental Orthodontics
The stages of dental orthodontics will vary depending on the type of orthodontics. However, generally, these stages include the following:
- Consultation and Evaluation: The initial stage involves a meeting with the orthodontist. In this stage, the orthodontist examines you, reviews your medical and dental history, and takes radiographic images.
- Taking Dental Impressions: The next stage of dental orthodontics is taking dental impressions. In this stage, after a thorough examination of the patient’s teeth, the orthodontist takes impressions to record the condition of the teeth at the beginning of the orthodontic stages.
- Teeth Cleaning: Based on the orthodontist’s diagnosis, teeth cleaning may be necessary before starting the orthodontic process and installing brackets. Also, if one or more teeth require dental restoration, they must be treated before starting orthodontics.
- Performing Orthodontics and Installing Brackets: Performing dental orthodontics (the duration of which varies depending on the type of orthodontics) will be done in one session at the dental office.
- Follow-up Visits to the Orthodontist: After placing the brackets on the patient’s teeth, the orthodontist schedules sessions for subsequent visits. These sessions are for monitoring the progress of the patient’s treatment and adjusting dental movements.
How Much Does This Treatment Cost?
The price of dental orthodontics depends on many factors such as the severity of oral and dental malocclusions, the type of orthodontic treatment method, the quality of materials used in orthodontics, etc.
However, in our article on the cost of dental orthodontics in Tehran, we have reviewed all the costs and tariffs for dental orthodontics.
Caring for Orthodontically Treated Teeth
Getting orthodontic treatment is only part of the journey to having beautiful and aligned teeth. A major part of this process is your responsibility. Proper care of braced teeth prevents food from getting stuck between wires and brackets and ultimately, orthodontic treatment will yield the best results for you.
The correct and principled way to care for orthodontically treated teeth will be taught to you by your orthodontist. Here, we will also remind you of some of the most important tips for caring for teeth and orthodontics.
Use a Special Orthodontic Toothbrush
These toothbrushes are specifically designed for people who have had orthodontic treatment. The middle of the orthodontic toothbrush is concave and can better clean around the brackets. It is better to clean your teeth with a special toothbrush after consuming any sugary or sticky food.
Use Special Orthodontic Floss
There are special types of dental floss designed for orthodontically treated teeth. These flosses consist of three parts: a stiff end for threading under the wire, regular floss, and a thicker section for cleaning around the brackets. Your orthodontist will teach you how to use this floss.
Use Mouthwash
Using mouthwashes containing fluoride is beneficial for preventing decay and strengthening teeth during orthodontic treatment. It is usually recommended that individuals who have had orthodontic treatment use mouthwash after brushing.
How to Shorten the Duration of Orthodontic Treatment?
The first condition for shortening the duration of dental treatment with orthodontics is to consult an orthodontist at a younger age. The younger the individual, the easier their dental malocclusions will be corrected.
Apart from this, regular visits to the clinic on scheduled dates also help reduce the duration of orthodontic treatment. In these sessions, the dentist assesses the progress made and plans adjustments to the treatment program.
Final Summary
In this article prepared by Dr. Bonyanian’s dental clinic, we discussed dental orthodontics, its components, advantages and disadvantages of orthodontics, and types of dental orthodontics.
We learned that orthodontics is the best solution for treating oral and dental malocclusions, which must be performed by a specialist orthodontist. This process, which is carried out through various methods such as invisible orthodontics, fixed orthodontics, etc., helps to treat dental problems.
Dr. Bonyanian’s dental clinic, with experienced and professional staff from the best dentists and orthodontists in the country, is ready to provide services to all applicants for this process.
You can benefit from our orthodontic services by calling 00982188539720 or by visiting our clinic located in Tehran, Arjantin Square, Ahmad Qasir (Bokharest) Street, West Sixth Street, No. 22, Unit 7.
Dr. Nazi Bonyanian
Dental Surgeon (DDS) — Medical Council Number: 138662
Graduate of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with over 15 years of experience in implants, laminates, and oral and dental surgery.
Address: No. 22, Unit 7, West Alley 6, Bokharest Street, Argentina Sq., Tehran, Iran
Phone: +98-21-88539720 | WhatsApp: +98-912-514-2202
Email: info@drbonyanian.com
Working Hours: Sat–Wed 09:00–20:00 | Thu 09:00–14:00 | Friday Closed
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