Some people resort to orthodontics to correct certain jaw and facial deformities. They visit dental clinics to achieve perfect teeth and a Hollywood smile, improving their overall facial appearance and even their smiles. This process, known as orthodontics, involves using a device designed to move teeth or correct jaw alignment by adjusting bone position. Orthodontic treatment has stages and a duration, contributing to improved speech and chewing abilities, as well as enhanced gum health. Dr. Mohammed Saleh Al-Hathila, a consultant in orthodontics and maxillofacial surgery, explains that orthodontic appliances can correct various dental and aesthetic imbalances, such as crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, narrow jaws, protruding jaws, and both open and deep bites. Orthodontic treatment improves breathing for those with a narrow jaw and upper airway, as well as those experiencing sleep problems due to a receding lower jaw. It also contributes to improved growth in pre-pubescent children with delayed jaw development. Orthodontic treatment is a crucial step for those with deformities in one or both jaws, thus eliminating the need for surgical intervention to correct the deformity. Several appliances are available for orthodontic treatment, facilitating and accelerating the process. These include fixed and removable appliances, some of which do not require surgery and are attached to the teeth using adhesives. It is important to avoid hard and sticky foods to prevent damage to the braces. The duration of treatment varies depending on the individual patient's condition and problems, with an average treatment period of 18 months to two years.

Don't eat sticky food

Regarding some people resorting to installing a fixed device and another removable one, Dr. Muhammad Al-Hathila says: “The fixed device does not depend on the patient’s cooperation in the number of hours of wearing the device to perform the function specified by the device, unlike the removable device. On the other hand, there is difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene when using the fixed device and it needs more attention than the removable device. And whoever has lost his teeth and has installed others needs to do orthodontic treatment before prosthetic treatment to make the necessary space for dental implants.”.

Regarding the change in facial shape after the installation of orthodontic appliances, Dr. Al-Hathila says: “Orthodontic treatment alone, without surgical braces, focuses on moving the teeth, and can affect the relationship of the upper and lower lips with the teeth. Thus, there is a slight change in the face, and it is often for the better. In some cases, the doctor resorts to extracting some teeth in cases of severe crowding and malocclusion. The most prominent disadvantages of installing orthodontic appliances are some pain and discomfort, so it is advised to avoid some hard and sticky foods and the need for continuous care.”.

Strong tissue memory

Dr. Mohammed Al-Hathila advised patients to wear retainers after orthodontic treatment because the tissues surrounding the teeth have a long-term memory that allows them to return the teeth to their pre-treatment position. Additionally, the pressure difference between the lips, tongue, and cheek muscles on the teeth after treatment makes retainers recommended. Orthodontic treatment has some side effects, including pain and discomfort. Patients may experience tooth and gum pain after the retainer is fitted or adjusted, but this pain is usually temporary. Mouth ulcers are another side effect, as the retainer can initially cause sores or wounds in the mouth, leading to discomfort. Changes in the teeth, such as unwanted movement, can occur if the retainer is not properly fitted, and tooth decay can develop if oral hygiene is not maintained. Orthodontic treatment can increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth staining or discoloration if proper care is not taken. Staining or discoloration can appear around the brackets. Anxiety or psychological distress are also among the side effects.

Smile improvement

Orthodontist Dr. Khaled Sheiban believes that orthodontics is divided into functional treatment for malocclusion problems of all degrees and cosmetic treatment to improve the smile and the overall appearance of the teeth. There is no specific age to start treatment. In the case of functional treatment, it is done as soon as possible after the child reaches seven years of age, while in the case of cosmetic treatment, it is done after the canines have erupted. Braces can be fitted for adults, and it is preferable that the treatment period does not exceed one year. There are several types of appliances used in orthodontic treatment, and they are divided into fixed appliances and removable appliances, and their fitting does not require surgery. Certain rules for eating must be observed during orthodontic treatment, in addition to avoiding certain foods that may cause the braces to break. The duration of treatment varies according to the case, but clear aligners are the fastest solution, as orthodontic treatment does not lead to cavities.

Nothing leads to tooth decay except neglecting to clean. Attention must be paid to the health and cleanliness of the teeth. Teeth can be filled during treatment. He stressed the importance of installing a retainer after orthodontics, which is one of the most important steps in treatment to ensure that the teeth remain in the new position.

"Repairing the bite!"

Regarding building healthy gums through orthodontic treatment, gum aesthetics specialist Dr. Mustafa Rahwan says: “One of the most important conditions for orthodontic treatment is that the jawbone and gums be free of problems and inflammations.”

Therefore, healthy oral hygiene habits should be followed, such as brushing teeth at least twice a day, using dental floss daily, and having regular checkups,” stressing that there is a relationship between gum disease and orthodontics, as braces should not be obtained if signs of gingivitis appear. On the other hand, braces can help prevent the possibility of gingivitis by correcting the bite and straightening the teeth. Your dentist or orthodontist will assess your gum health to determine if it is possible to reshape the gums with braces.

Calendar from the seventh

Dr. Khalid Abdullah Al-Hathila, a dentist specializing in dental repair and aesthetics, advises visiting an orthodontist at the age of seven. It is not limited to young age groups, as orthodontics does not have a specific age limit. Often, all ages are suitable for orthodontic treatment, taking into account the supporting tissues of the teeth. He emphasized that orthodontics does not affect the health of the teeth if the supporting tissues are preserved. If decay develops during orthodontic treatment, the patient is referred to a specialist, and then the orthodontic treatment is completed.

Regarding how to clean the teeth of someone who has had braces fitted, Dr. Al-Hathila explained that after the braces are fitted, the patient is trained on how to maintain the cleanliness of the teeth using some helpful tools.

Gums, and what can I say about gums?

Orthodontist and maxillofacial consultant Dr. Adel Al-Harbi confirmed that orthodontics treats cases with cleft lip, pointing out the importance of ensuring healthy gums and tooth roots. Orthodontics can be performed up to the age of seventy, and the treatment varies from person to person, as some cases require months and others may extend to years. In the event of tooth decay, the decay must be treated, and then the orthodontic procedures can be completed.

For his part, general dentist Dr. Hassan Al-Harbi points out that the most common problems and challenges faced by patients during orthodontic treatment are the appearance of some gum problems, including inflammation, swelling and bleeding of the gums during cleaning, tooth decay, and tooth breakage. To prevent and maintain teeth completely, care and maintenance must be carried out at home using an orthodontic brush and having tartar removal and teeth polishing done every two months at the same time as the orthodontist visit. When the orthodontist removes the old elastics and before replacing them with new ones, the doctor performs tartar removal and polishing at another doctor in the same clinic, then returns to the orthodontist to complete the treatment.

These guidelines are a preventative measure against all the problems that the patient may face. They have been tested on a large number of patients and have proven effective for everyone. They are the best way to maintain good oral health during the treatment period and to obtain a good health result.