The dentist-orthodontist is a very important and necessary specialty: a doctor of this direction performs correction of teeth and dentition, placing emphasis on correct bite.
Dentistry includes several directions. One of them is orthodontics.
Who is an orthodontist?
The emergence of orthodontics as a dental line dates back to 400 BC. Era. Even then people thought about the importance of the right bite and made attempts to level the teeth and correct the proportions of the face. However, the true recognition of orthodontics and the improvement of the practice of eliminating dentofacial defects occurred only in the last century. Only then orthodontics was isolated in a separate direction and the specialty of the dentist-orthodontist was determined.
The dentist of this specialization works with maxillofacial deformations and corrects the dentition and individual deformed teeth.
The doctor-orthodontist is obliged to have medical higher education on a specialty "stomatology-orthodontics" and to pass an internship course.
The specialist should be able to organize qualified dental care in his direction, be able to classify diseases of the oral cavity and maxillofacial area, use dental anesthesia methods if necessary. The doctor-orthodontist should have excellent knowledge on the development and eruption of teeth, the formation of the jaw system, the structure of the maxillofacial zone. He must understand the classification of deformations and anomalies in the development of teeth and jaws, detect and eliminate defects and disorders in the structure of the masticatory apparatus.
When should I go to an orthodontist?
The reason for applying to an orthodontist may be a referral from a general dentist, or one's own observation of the dental row.
Parents of young children should pay more attention to the location and condition of the child's teeth. Correct bite is easiest in childhood, in addition, treatment performed in childhood, more comfortable and faster, and the result is more stable.
Unfortunately, not always even teeth - this is the guarantee of a proper bite. Consult an expert and do not be afraid to bring a child to a preventive reception with an orthodontist.
If you notice a violation of chewing, abnormal teeth abrasion, speech defect formation, frequent tongue or cheek injuries, or a change in facial shape, you should contact a specialist. Incorrect bite can cause serious health problems, such as digestive disorders, speech functions, the formation of aesthetic defects in the facial area.
What diagnostic methods does the dentist-orthodontist use?
In order to draw up an optimal treatment regimen, the expert-orthodontist should conduct a thorough diagnosis. In addition to radiography, orthodontics uses some other diagnostic methods:
- orthopantomogram - obtaining a panoramic image of the jaw system (necessary for assessing the position and condition of the dental roots and nearby tissues);
- teleradiogram - X-ray examination of the lateral projection of the skull (to determine the angle of inclination of the front row of the upper and lower teeth).
The presence of bite defects, the extent of the disorder and the expected therapeutic effects the doctor determines during a thorough visual examination of the oral cavity. Sometimes it may be necessary to conduct a radiograph of the dentoalveolar system.
To correct the occlusion, a specific therapy is usually carried out, which uses special orthodontic structures that ensure the correct arrangement of the dentition and individual teeth. If a malocclusion caused an abrasion or loss of a tooth, it will be recommended to use prosthetics.
Orthodontist help may be required at any age, although the treatment of deformity of teeth in children is easier.
What does the dentist-orthodontist do?
The competence of an orthodontist includes:
- assessment of the teeth and jaws, detection of abnormalities and anomalies of their formation;
- counseling patients with detected dentoalveolar defects;
- conducting clinical studies to determine the quality of chewing, speech, swallowing and respiratory functions of the patient;
- visual assessment of the condition of the oral mucosa;
- determination of the mobility of individual teeth;
- setting a preliminary diagnosis according to the classification of dentoalveolar anomalies;
- removal of jaws and ebb of the corresponding model;
- X-ray images of the jaw and teeth;
- deciphering the results of other dental research;
- anthropometric measurements;
- the definition of central occlusion;
- drawing up a plan for orthodontic therapeutic interventions;
- selective therapy of temporary teeth in children;
- carrying out preventive work with parents and children regarding the preservation of the health of teeth and oral cavity.
What diseases does the dentist-orthodontist cure?
The doctor-orthodontist corrects defects of an occlusion, eliminating following anomalies of formation of a dentoalveolar system:
- signs of distal occlusion - insufficiently developed lower jaw and too developed upper (with jaw closure the front upper row of teeth appears to be pushed forward in front of the lower row);
- signs of mesial occlusion - lack of development of the upper jaw with a too developed lower (respectively, the lower anterior dentition is advanced forward relative to the upper row);
- signs of open bite - bite defect, when some teeth (both front and side) can not completely close;
- signs of deep bite - a violation in which, when the jaws converge, the upper anterior dentition more than half overlaps the lower;
- signs of cross bite - bite defect, characterized by an underdeveloped part of the dentition of any of the jaws;
- signs of dystopia - "falling out" of teeth from its series, displacement of teeth from its normal position;
- signs diastema - the appearance of an intermediate gap between the upper (less often lower) incisors of 1-6 mm.
Orthodontic dentist advice
It is extremely important to periodically inspect the location of teeth and dentition, determine the presence of symmetry of the lower and upper teeth.
The correct bite is determined by the contact of the opposing teeth. If you notice that the child has such a contact either missing or displaced - this is a sign of possible bite problems. In addition, it indicates a potential disruption of the masticatory function, when the lower incisors abut against soft tissues, gums or the sky. The correction of this situation should be dealt with immediately, while the final formation of the child's dental system has not yet ended.
Often it is possible to limit the usual prevention of bite defects, if periodically independently monitor the development of the dentition in children and promptly consult a specialist for advice.
Also it is necessary to carry out preventive measures that reduce the risk of development of periodontal diseases, which can provoke deformation of the teeth. Among the main methods of prevention are the following:
- restriction of the use of sweets;
- regular and proper brushing of teeth;
- use of hard varieties of vegetables or fruits, especially those containing enough zinc, ascorbic and folic acid;
- Exclude from the menu too hot or too cold food, especially used contrastingly;
- the use of food rich in calcium, in particular, fermented milk and dairy products.
Ideal and even natural teeth - a fairly rare phenomenon. Many people suffer from the presence of their curved or protruding teeth, which spoil the aesthetics of the appearance and can interfere with verbal and chewing processes. The way out of this situation is the consultation of a qualified specialist. The dentist-orthodontist will assess the condition of your teeth and will take effective measures to improve the dental location and create a beautiful and high-quality bite.