Orthodontists usually treat misaligned jaws or teeth that are either already impairing important bodily functions or are at risk of doing so. Orthodontic treatment is necessary, for example, if the misalignment
- Biting,
- chewing,
- pronunciation,
- nasal breathing,
- the closing of the mouth or
- the function of the temporomandibular joint
are negatively affected.
In adults
can be an indication of incorrect loading or a disease in the area of the temporomandibular joints. In the case of these symptoms, it must be clarified, possibly in collaboration with other doctors, whether the complaints have their cause in the temporomandibular joint.
Diseases or conditions that are treated in orthodontics are, for example
- malocclusion (dysgnathia) due to misalignment of the teeth
- Underpayment of teeth due to tooth loss or a missing tooth
- Tooth eruption disorders
- Lack of space in the dentition
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Temporomandibular joint disorders and functional disorders in the maxillofacial region(craniomandibular dysfunction, CMD)
In the case of severe jaw anomalies, coordinated oral surgery and orthodontic treatment may be necessary. This is the case with
- congenital deformities of the face and jaw,
- a malocclusion with a bony cause (skeletal dysgnathia) or
- misalignment of the jaw as a result of an injury
is necessary.
Before the orthodontist carries out jaw treatment or tooth correction, a comprehensive diagnosis is required.
First, the orthodontist checks the position of the teeth in the patient's jaws. In many cases, it is also necessary to take an X-ray. Finally, as part of the diagnosis, an impression of the teeth is taken so that an individual jaw model can be made. Using this model, the orthodontist can identify which teeth need to have their position in the jaws corrected.
In certain situations, particularly to clarify temporomandibular joint disorders and functional disorders in adults, further diagnostic procedures may be used. These include, for example, functional analysis and structural analysis.
Orthodontists primarily use braces to correct misaligned teeth or jaws. There are basically two options to choose from:
- Removable braces (such as plates)
- Fixed braces (such as bands, brackets, metal arches) or external braces
The decision as to which type of braces to use depends on
- the type of malocclusion,
- the age of the patient
- the general physical condition of the patient
- the number of teeth still present and
- the expected oral hygiene
and the expected oral hygiene.
If the orthodontist opts for fixed braces, they are bonded to the teeth. If the braces can be removed, the patient has to wear them every day, but only for a certain period of time. The orthodontist will also explain how to clean both the teeth and the braces properly.
Braces are one of the most common treatment methods for misaligned teeth © Microgen | AdobeStock
In two-phase treatment, both methods are combined. The orthodontist adjusts the braces precisely to the patient's teeth. However, this one-off treatment is not the end of the story. In order for the teeth to achieve the correct position, the orthodontist must readjust the braces at regular intervals.
Treatment with braces can last several years and is also possible for adult patients.
The only difference between the treatment of adolescents and adults lies in the type of braces. A distinction is necessary because the teeth of adolescents - unlike those of adults - are still growing, which is why other types of braces are necessary.
If the jaws are too small, the teeth are very crowded, interlocked and sometimes even outside the row of teeth. If there is not enough space for all the teeth despite the usual orthodontic measures, additional space can be created by removing the teeth.
This is also possible to compensate for unaligned or misaligned teeth or asymmetries.
Patients do not go directly to an orthodontist, but are referred there by their dentist.
Most orthodontists work independently in their own practice or in a joint practice with colleagues. The joint practice has the advantage that the doctors can share the high costs of instruments and equipment.
Other areas of activity for orthodontists include dental clinics.
After completing their studies in dentistry, dentists usually work as a general dentist for at least one year. This can be followed by three years of specialist further training to become a (specialist) dentist for orthodontics (orthodontist).
In Germany, prospective specialists must work in an orthodontic department of a university dental clinic for at least one year during their training. They can work for two years in an orthodontic practice authorized to provide further training.
Dentists can also acquire the necessary specialist knowledge at various private universities by studying for a Master's degree in Orthodontics (MSc Orthodontics).
A dentist specializing in "orthodontics" has not completed several years of advanced orthodontic training or a master's degree in orthodontics. After attending appropriate courses and performing a few orthodontic treatments, they are already entitled to use this specialty designation.
Orthodontists then have various options for further training. For example, they can complete further training to become an oral surgeon as part of a four-year course. As soon as they have completed this, they can also perform surgical procedures on teeth.
Another option is further training as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon( maxillofacial surgeon ). However, oral and maxillofacial surgeons who choose this path must also have completed a degree in human medicine.
There are also numerous further training courses on offer. Orthodontists should regularly inform themselves about new studies in their field. Studies show the effectiveness of new treatment methods or suggest new procedures.
Courses are also offered in areas such as aesthetic splint therapy and oral surgery in the primary dentition.
