it is essential to know everything about orthodontic care and its offers to provide your teeth with the best care
Despite popular belief, orthodontic services are not just meant for the younger generation, and there are many options for adults.
What Is Orthodontia?
In a nutshell, orthodontia is the specialized field of dentistry that treats dental and facial deformities.
Whenever you need orthodontic treatment, your dentist will refer you to an orthodontist.
These specialists have to study an extra 2-3 years to correct and align teeth and other treatments safely, and we will be discussing it in detail throughout this article.
What Services does Orthodontics Offer?
Most people think that the only treatment in orthodontics is traditional metal braces, but they would be wrong. There are numerous treatments available like:
Metal Braces
- These braces are made of metal wires and brackets that are merged onto your teeth.
- They are periodically tightened to move teeth into your desired position slowly.
- Wearing metal braces means that you are not allowed to eat hard or chewy foods.
- These braces have to be worn for an extended period, generally for two years.
- They are effective. You can correct almost all bite and alignment issues with metal braces.
Invisalign
- Made to be invisible, they are see-through plastic aligners that you can remove at your convenience.
- You will need to visit the specialist every 14 days to get a new set of aligners.
- You can use Invisalign for minor and significant alignments.
Lingual Braces
- These types of braces are applied behind your teeth, hiding them from sight.
- They are made the same as metal braces with wires and brackets.
- They should not be recommended to people with severe overbite issues, as this will place too much pressure on them, causing them to break.
- It’s challenging to clean these braces because they are hidden behind your teeth, out of sight and where they are harder to reach.
- They could affect your speech and cause you to lisp. However, this will be temporary until your mouth gets used to them.
Ceramic Braces
- These braces work the same as traditional metal braces but are made from ceramic camouflage against your teeth, making them hard to see.
- Although they usually go unnoticed, they can stain, so their maintenance can be pretty extensive.
Retainers Are Important
Retainers are usually worn after your braces are removed, Depending on your circumstances.
They need to be worn either on your top or bottom row of teeth, sometimes on both. Generally, they will need to be worn for six months to keep your teeth in place.
If your alignment issue is minor, you might be able to get away with just wearing a retainer and avoid braces altogether.
Orthodontics for Any Age
Realigning teeth is not just for tweens and teenagers. Adults of all ages can benefit from orthodontics. As long as your teeth and gums are in healthy condition, you will qualify for realignment, Even if you are in the 80s.
Why not?
It is always great to look your best, even if you are old.
Orthodontia is Not Just about Realigning your Teeth
There is more to orthodontia than realigning teeth.
If you have an over or underbite or jaw misalignment, you can have realignment surgery. Realignment surgery is for more severe conditions and is not necessary for a few skew teeth.
A local anesthetic will be given while your orthodontist repositions the gums and bones that keep your teeth in place. Although this is only minor surgery, there are still some risks involved which include:
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Bleeding
- Infection
Your crooked teeth could be a result of a misaligned jaw. If this is the case, you will require corrective jaw surgery to fix any bone irregularities and realign your jaw. This is an extensive surgery that has to be done in the hospital with a maxillofacial specialist and will include surgical plates, wires, and screws.
At AstaDent Clinic Turkey, we have highly skilled Dentists in the Dental treatments field. In addition to the experienced medical crew and the Clinic, which is equipped with advanced technologies. Click here to get an appointment for a free consultation.
Do I Need Orthodontic Care?
Despite popular belief, you might not always know that you need orthodontic treatments. Here is a list of reasons which might require you to consult with an Orthodontist:
- Noticeable changes in your teeth
Teeth are constantly shifting, and these changes might only occur once you are an adult. Through aging, your teeth lose bone density, and your gums can recede. Teeth can even shorten due to wear and tear through the years.
Believe it or not, stress can influence the way your teeth move.
Many people clench their teeth when stressed, which can result in additional pressure being put on your molars.
When this happens, your teeth will slowly start to move.
- You are finding it difficult to eat.
When you find that you are not able to chew correctly, you should see an orthodontist. Not correctly breaking down your food will cause issues with your digestion and hinder you from getting all the nutrients required to stay healthy. This usually happens when you have an uneven bite.
- You experience pain in your jaw and get constant headaches.
Pain in your jaw is often caused by tooth grinding or clenching.
Grinding teeth often happens at night when you are sleeping, which can cause pain, headaches, and sometimes even a stiff neck. If left untreated, it will result in further damage to your teeth and unmanageable headaches.
- Gum Disease
Determining whether you have gum disease can be challenging,
as it can hide very well. The most common sign is bleeding when brushing your teeth. Gum Disease is usually caused by plaque build-up.
Too much plaque can cause red and swollen gums. Also, when you have skew teeth, it can make it hard to floss properly, leaving behind much plaque. Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure cleanliness and avoid getting gum disease.
- If you are experiencing speech impediment
You must know that not all speech impediments can be cured through orthodontia. If you find that you are starting to develop a lisp or whistling while talking, consult with a specialist to determine if corrective measures can be taken.
Lisping could be caused by your top row of teeth overlapping the bottom row. Whistling occurs when the tongue is pushed into the wrong location due to misaligned teeth, making it possible for air to clear out and create a whistling sound.
Words can only be adequately pronounced when your tongue is not restricted. Unfortunately, due to these boundaries caused by misaligned teeth, slurring can also occur.
How Old Should My Child be For their First Orthodontic Visit?
Children need to have their first orthodontic appointment at the age of seven; the reason being that if you catch the issue early on, it is easier to correct. For instance, thumb sucking can cause misaligned teeth, and if caught early, can be treated.
For misaligned jaws, your dentist can install an expander to correct the alignment, but if left untreated, you might require corrective surgery in the future.
Just because you take your child to the specialist at the age of seven. doesn’t mean that they will need treatment immediately. Most treatments require them to be older and could start at the age of 10 or 14.
What does Orthodontic Care Cost?
The cost for orthodontic treatments will differ depending on what type of procedure you are getting and your location:
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Traditional Metal Braces | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Lingual Braces | $8,000 – $10,000 |
| Invisalign | $4,000 – $7,500 |
| Ceramic Braces | $4,000 – $8,000 |
You’ll be surprised to find that having your treatment done in a city could be cheaper than in a rural area. This is because there is more competition in the cities, forcing specialists to charge lower prices.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Orthodontics?
Dental plans can differ significantly, so it would be best to call your provider and ask what they cover. For example, most plans do not cover orthodontic care for adults but can have partial or complete coverage for people under 18.
If you find you are not covered, insurance is available that covers most corrective treatments, called orthodontic insurance. It would be best if you never changed insurance providers during your treatment.
Most plans refuse to cover any orthodontia performed before joining. This is considered a pre-existing condition, and you will have to pay for it yourself.
Conclusion
Orthodontia can help correct your dental issues and give you back your confidence. If you start to notice changes in your teeth, see a specialist as soon as possible to catch it early. If left untreated, misaligned teeth could cause speech impediments like slurring, lisping, or whistling.
People tend to avoid the dentist like the plague, but you have to go if you have issues with your teeth. If you ignore the signs, your teeth will deteriorate and worsen, potentially leading to missing teeth or surgery.
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In AstaDent Clinic Turkey, we offer high-quality, specialized, and affordable dental treatment services. Visit Our full article about Wisdom Teeth, or go back to the Blog.
FAQs
What is Orthodontic care?
In a nutshell, orthodontia is the specialized field of dentistry that treats dental and facial deformities.
What do orthodontic treatments cost?
The cost for orthodontic treatments will differ depending on what type of procedure you get and your location. Generally traditional metal braces cost $3,000-$7,000, Ceramic braces $4,000 – $8,000, Lingual braces $8,000 – $10,000, Invisalign $4,000 – $7,500.
Does Dental Insurance cover orthodontic care?
Dental plans can differ significantly, so it would be best to call your provider and ask them what they cover. Most plans do not cover orthodontic care for adults but can have partial or complete coverage for people under 18.
What's the ideal age to visit an orthodontist?
Children need to have their first orthodontic appointment at the age of seven; the reason being that if you catch the issue early on, it is easier to correct. For instance, thumb sucking can cause misaligned teeth, and if caught early, can be treated.
What causes orthodontic problems?
Common orthodontic problems include; crowding, excessive spacing, cross-bite, open bite, overbite, under-bite, over-jet, and abnormal eruption.
Why is orthodontic treatment necessary?
Treatment is done to correct alignment for a functional bite.
Once your bite has been corrected, it will make it easier to speak, chew and eat. If orthodontic problems are left untreated, it could cause extensive damage to your teeth that will be expensive to repair.
Is the orthodontic treatment effective for adults?
Realigning teeth is not just for tweens and teenagers. Adults of all ages can benefit from orthodontics.
Even if you are in your 80s, as long as your teeth and gums are in a healthy condition, you will qualify for realignment.
Are there any orthodontic treatments that are less noticeable?
Yes, there are a few types of orthodontic treatments that were designed for discretion. Invisalign are clear trays, lingual braces are placed behind your teeth, and ceramic braces are similar in color to your teeth, making them less visible.
If I am being treated for gum disease, can I still get orthodontic treatment?
If you have gum disease, you cannot get braces. Speak to your dentist about other realigning treatments like Invisalign.
Is there free orthodontic treatment available?
Unfortunately, there are no dental clinics that will offer free orthodontic treatments; however, some NGOs raise money for children in need, like Smile for a lifetime.
What is the maximum age for orthodontic treatment?
There is no limit to the age when it comes to orthodontic care. Even if you are in your 80s, as long as your teeth and gums are in a healthy condition, you will qualify for realignment.
How do I know I need orthodontic care?
Look for signs like noticeable changes in your teeth, if you are having difficulty eating, experiencing pain in your jaw, have headaches, gum disease, and lastly, if you are lisping, slurring, or whistling while talking.
