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What is
orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry which deals
with recognising and treating malocclusion of the teeth and jaws. It
requires extensive and precise knowledge of both the growth process in
the jaw and face area and of dental development. For this reason,
orthodontists undergo several years of specialist training after their
dental training, which entitles them to be called an orthodontist (in
German Zahnarzt für Kieferorthopädie or simply Kieferorthopäde).
What is the point of
orthodontic treatment?
The aim of orthodontic treatment is to establish
the teeth and jaws in a position which will ensure the maximum life-span
for the teeth. In order to achieve this it is important that
malocclusion is corrected at the right time. Orthodontic treatment is
also essential in cases where malocclusion makes biting or chewing
difficult or impossible, and in cases where lip or tongue functions,
breathing or speech are affected
How do “crooked” teeth develop?
In
orthodontics we make a distinction between malocclusion of the jaws
(where the position of the jaws in relation to each other is incorrect)
and of the teeth (where the position of the teeth within the jaw is
incorrect). Malocclusion of the teeth or jaws can be hereditary or can
arise from physical causes, such as thumb-sucking. The premature loss of
a milk tooth from decay can also lead to malocclusion of the teeth.
At what age does a patient
receive orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is usually started when the patient is between
nine and twelve years old. This means that subsequent growth can be used
to assist correction of jaw positioning. Treatment usually takes around
3-4 years. Treatment from the age of three to four years (early
treatment) is only carried out in certain cases e.g. in cases of extreme
malocclusion of the jaw in order to re-establish a normal growth
pattern. In a small number of malocclusion cases, unpreventable awkward
growth means that normal orthodontic treatment is not possible. Once the
patient has stopped growing (after the age of 17 or 18) additional
surgical measures are then necessary. It is possible to correct tooth
positioning at any age (even in adults) and this is often necessary
before teeth are replaced or in cases of jaw-related problems.
How are “straight” teeth achieved?
“Removable” and “fixed” braces are used to correct malocclusions of the
teeth and jaws. Fixed braces are stuck onto the teeth which means that,
in contrast to removable braces, they cannot be taken out. In general
terms, fixed braces are used to treat “crooked” teeth and removable
braces are used to correct jaw positioning. There are, however, cases
where these areas of treatment overlap. Where malocclusion of the jaw is
the result of a physical cause, e.g. thumb-sucking or incorrect
swallowing, this cause must also be tackled, as the braces may otherwise
work only partially, or not at all.
Do I need orthodontic treatment?
The need for orthodontic treatment should always be assessed
individually by an orthodontist, as the issue is less the current degree
of deviation from the “norm” and more the possible future developments
or complications. Ask your orthodontist!
Apart from good
general oral care,
what else can I do to protect my teeth during orthodontic treatment?
During orthodontic treatment, the concentration of
decay-causing bacteria in your mouth can double (with removable
appliances) to triple (with fixed appliances), so it can be wise to have
your individual risk of tooth decay assessed tested using a caries risk
test (CRT). An individual preventative treatment plan for the treatment
period can be worked out in conjunction with this test. Quite apart from
any other special measures, it is advisable that fixed brackets should
be stuck onto a fluoride-releasing protective layer rather than straight
onto the tooth. This protective layer (sealing) is applied to the entire
surface of the tooth immediately before the brackets are positioned.
This helps to effectively protect the tooth, at least in the early
stages of treatment when the patient is not yet used to their oral care
regime. In order to protect the areas between the teeth, patients with
fixed appliances are advised to have their teeth professionally cleaned
once every three months. We apply a protective anti-bacterial lacquer to
the teeth after each teeth-cleaning session, which helps prevent
bacteria from multiplying for a short time.
What is the difference
between a
dentist and an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed
three to four years of supplementary specialist training. This period is
spent specialising exclusively in the field of orthodontics. The
training culminates in an examination before a specialist panel composed
of a professor of orthodontics and several established orthodontists.
Only individuals who have completed this specialist training are
entitled to call themselves orthodontists (Kieferorthopäde/in or
Zahnarzt für Kieferorthopädie). However, dentists who have not
completed this specialist training can also carry out orthodontic
treatment.
Can you get tax allowance for a orthodontic treatment?
If you pay taxes in Germany, expenses for illness
will be tax considered. This also includes your own participation on the orthodontic treatment. You can note it as extraordinary burden at your annual adjustment of income tax. You can get more information at the revenue or your tax adviser. Read also here (German)
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