Diagnosing the problem is important to be done as soon as possible (Photo: ShutterStock)
Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on straightening teeth and how to use the bite and jaws, as well as treating the facial structure. This refers to crooked teeth, with gaps, deformity in the gums, or any element that impairs the aesthetic appearance or affects the function of the mouth, teeth and face. Diagnosis of the problem is important to be made as soon as possible, especially in children and young people, in order to prevent future medical problems and an unattractive overall appearance, to say the least.
"How teeth connect to each other has a significant impact on oral health. By improving how the upper and lower teeth meet, you can reduce the risk of a host of oral health problems, including cavities, gum disease, and excessive wear," explains dentist Dr. Cherna Diamant, an orthodontic specialist for 40 years, who runs a unique dental and oral care clinic for all ages.
According to her, it is important to distinguish between orthopedics combined with orthodontics and stemming from the location of the jaws, which can be diagnosed and treated from the age of five years, and orthodontic treatment only, which provides a solution from the ages of 14-16 years, during which all the milk teeth have been replaced and the structure of the mouth is usually fixed.
When can I start treatment?
"When we are talking about orthopedic problems that are expressed in disproportionate growth of the facial bones or poor development of the jaws, treatment can be started as early as the age of five and up. It is about the location of the upper or lower jaw, which does not grow harmoniously and thus one of two situations is created. In the first, the upper jaw grows inward and the lower one protrudes, which creates an unattractive appearance and a functional problem. When the lower jaw converges inward, the upper jaw protrudes outward, which can lead to functional problems such as breathing and snoring, as well as damage to appearance and aesthetics."
According to Dr. Diamant, "Teeth straightening is recommended around the age of 14, depending on the condition of the mouth and teeth, as an aesthetic and functional response such as various gum problems, large density of the teeth that makes it difficult to clean the pockets and more. Common orthodontic problems also include upper teeth protruding above the lower teeth, or vice versa; Overlapping or crooked teeth; and a tooth that is partially or completely trapped in the jawbone."
How do I know if it is advisable to start orthodontic treatment?
"When it comes to children and adolescents, it is usually the parent who identifies a change in the structure of the boy's or girl's face, in addition to other symptoms that appear such as jaw position or difficulty breathing, crooked teeth, vampire fangs that grow upward, protruding or crooked front teeth, and more. Referral to a dentist leads to diagnosis according to the patient's age and medical condition."
Dr. Diamant explains that facial and jaw structure growth usually ends at age 16 in boys and 14 in girls. "At the age of 12, teeth finish erupting, in most cases all flesh teeth, except wisdom teeth – they have their time. In some cases, the age of the teeth does not correspond to the age of the child and vice versa. This means that in a ten-year-old child it is possible that all the teeth have erupted, including the molars, compared to a 12-year-old child who still has milk teeth in his mouth."
How is each case diagnosed individually?
"The diagnosis, at any age and in both cases, often includes collaborations with periodontists, as well as clinical examination and dental x-rays that complete the full picture. Accordingly, the solution and method of treatment are determined. If the state of oral health is abnormal, it is important to address this issue first, before starting orthodontic treatment."
Is it possible to provide an orthodontic solution even in old age?
"Absolutely. However, at older ages it is important to emphasize oral condition and dental health, including pardionatal, gums and bone as a precondition for orthodontic treatment. If necessary, it is important to perform medical treatments first and foremost, and only then start straightening the teeth."
If you don't treat at the age of five to six years, the situation gets worse (Photo: ShutterStock)
What are the recommended treatment methods today and which ones do you implement in the clinic?
"We offer all methods, with an emphasis on choosing between straightening teeth using cubes and clear aligners. The treatment method is adjusted for each patient individually."
What is the difference between aligners and cubes?
"Clear aligners are a kind of invisible, removable plate, made of BPA-free plastic and customized for each patient. The treatment involves moving the teeth at small intervals, each time an iris is added to create the overall response. Since this treatment requires a lot of self-discipline, when it comes to assembling braces and using them properly, including maintaining oral hygiene, it is not suitable for everyone, especially children. The classic treatment is done using metal cubes, transparent, tooth-colored or hidden, located behind the gums. This method requires optimal tooth brushing and check-ups only once a month."
What about the feeling of embarrassment and shame and how do we overcome it, especially among adolescents?
"It's true that I often encounter adolescents and even adults who are a little embarrassed to assemble the blocks, and at the same time 14-year-olds are interested in metal blocks, which they claim are much more beautiful. If the patient is still worried or concerned about the appearance of the cubes, I suggest the clear aligners. This is so long as he promises to be disciplined and handle braces according to instructions. Otherwise the treatment is ineffective, which is a shame."
What happens if you don't take care of it on time and properly?
"If you don't treat the age of five to six years, the situation gets worse because you don't prevent or stop jaw growth, which damages the aesthetic appearance and can cause increased spitting and speech difficulties. In certain situations, the boy or girl may need surgery, along with potential social problems that may arise, so it is important to provide a timely medical and professional response. There are cases when the lip, which is a muscle, pushes the protruding teeth forward, which in most cases does not work out on its own but only gets worse. Here it is important for me to emphasize once again the need to contact a dentist in time and treat according to the diagnosis made."
Despite treatment, can the condition return to normal?
"Absolutely. Orthodontics is similar to diet, and it is also important to maintain it. At the end of the treatment, the patient receives accessories that help maintain what has been achieved as part of teeth alignment. This can include permanent fixation of a metal strip located behind the teeth, or a braces that must be worn twice a week during the night, a solution provided as part of treatment of clear aligners. When it comes to orthopedic treatment of the teeth of young children, there are internal and external devices that are adapted to the poor form of development of the jaw structure and they help maintain the results of the treatment over time."
For more information and advice, please contact Dr. Cherna Diamant at 03-9105878
To the clinic's
Facebook page To the clinic's page on the
Doctors website
More in Walla!
Shahal's TripleSafe - 3 life-saving devices, and now one as a gift
In collaboration with Shahal
In association with Zap Doctors
- health
- Doctor's
Tags
- dentistry