Correction of the dentition by orthodontic plates
Psychologists have proved that people who smile at the first acquaintance, get job more often, make friends faster and are more attractive to others. Also, it’s easier to smile openly when you have perfect teeth. However, only about 10-15% of people have the correct bite and ideal dentition naturally. Everyone else can get a beautiful smile with the help of dentist-orthodontist.
By the way, an even dentition is not only beauty. Articulation, the quality of chewing food and the distribution of the load on the mandibular joint depend on the correct proportion of the jaw.
What are orthodontic plates
To form the correct alignment of the teeth there are several basic options in the dentists` arsenal for orthodontic solutions. They are divided into two categories: removable and non-removable. An example of the latter are bracket systems (construction of metal arcs and fixating locks). The removable solution is orthodontic plates.
An orthodontic plate is a custom-made, removable dental appliance made of special hypoallergenic plastic. Its design repeats the shape of the patient’s jaws, providing fixation on the inner surface of the dentition.
Dental plates include three basic elements:
- The base (body) structure made of special plastic or silicone
- metal arc, which is fixed on the teeth. By constant action of the pressure force of the wire, gradual correction of the dentition takes place
- the key element that launches the plate into movement (the mechanism is hidden inside the structure).
Advantages of using dental plates
Removable plates are chosen to correct the bite in children and adolescents. Constructions have the following advantages:
- convenience. They are removed while eating. Therefore, the taste of food is not distorted and there are no difficulties with chewing
- safety. Plates are removed before training and sports
- various design options. Each plate is made individually for the patient. Therefore, the child can be offered a plate with the image of favorite cartoon characters and of any color
- quick process of construction installation
- quick adaptation. Unlike braces, at the initial stage the plates can be removed for 30 minutes to minimize salivation. You can’t do that with braces.
Our dental orthodontist
Artem Bryzitskyi
Conducts orthodontic treatment: identification of functional disorders of the dentition, diagnosis of diseases of the temporomandibular joint, correction of the dentition (bite) in children and adults, installation of braces, aligners, plates.
Indications and contraindications
The main purpose of orthodontic plates is to correct the bite in children and adolescents under the age of 16 during the period of intensive growth of the jaw bones, eruption of permanent teeth.
Installation of an orthodontic apparatus (plate) is recommended for:
- fixing or stimulating the movement of teeth in the anatomically correct position
- correction of palate width
- influence on the intensity of jaw growth
- correction of the shape of the jaw
- adjustment of upper or lower jaw forward protrusion.
The plate also helps with the following:
- incorrect closing of the dentition
- partial reversal of individual teeth
- increasing or decreasing the gap between teeth.
Often an orthodontic plate is recommended for children when baby teeth have already fallen out, and the constants have not yet cut through. The construction will retain space in the dentition for permanent teeth.
But there are contraindications. Orthodontic constructions are not worn in the presence of:
- plaque and tartar on the teeth in large quantities
- mental disorders
- acute inflammatory processes in the oral cavity
- allergies to metal or plastic.
The process of correcting teeth with plates
Selection of the plate begins with the consultation of the orthodontist. The specialist studies a panoramic image (or CT) of the jaw, conducts diagnostic procedures and offers treatment options.
The doctor takes prints from the jaw. On their basis, an individual orthodontic plate will be created.
After making the structure, the dentist fixes it to the patient’s jaw and explains how to do it yourself correctly. The process of correcting the bite with a plate takes up to 2 years. Duration may vary depending on the growth rate of the jaw, the mobility of the dentition.
Once every 3–4 weeks, the patient visits a doctor to monitor the process of correction of the bite. If necessary, the doctor adjusts the arc tension force with screws.
Care of plates and recommendations
In order for orthodontic plates to perform their function as long as possible, doctors advise:
- for parents and children not to perform independent interventions into the plate construction on their own
- clean with a separate toothbrush and paste each time before installation
- take out before playing sports
- not to chew nuts and other solid food, pulling candy.
Frequently asked questions when using orthodontic plates
What factors should be considered when choosing plates on teeth for teeth alignment?
The type of orthodontic plate is selected by the orthodontist, considering the individual characteristics of the oral cavity, dentition, development of the patient’s jaw and clinical diagnosis.
How to reduce discomfort from orthodontic plate?
During the first 24 hours, breaks in wearing the plate up to 30 minutes are allowed. From the second day of treatment, the plate is left in the mouth for 20–22 hours a day.
What are the most common side effects from the orthodontic plate during the adaptation period?
Most often, patients complain of impaired diction, increased salivation, nausea. Within 2–3 days, it usually goes away.
What to do when the plate falls out, or it is difficult to put it on?
You must immediately schedule an appointment with an orthodontist for a consultation. The doctor will identify the cause and try to restore the treatment process. As practice shows, the plates fall out or are difficult to put on for children who independently take out the structure and wear it less than 14 hours a day. Therefore, encourage your child up for a long process and productive cooperation with the doctor.
Cost of orthodontic treatment
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