The increasingly demanding postulates of facial aesthetics are becoming an important reason why adult patients choose to be treated with fixed orthodontic appliances.
Orthodontic therapy is not only important for a beautiful smile, but also for the benefit of the entire oral system.
More and more adult patients are opting for the orthodontic treatment. Our experience indicates that there are many among them who have various gum problems (periodontally compromised patients) and require collaboration through the teamwork of periodontists, dentists and orthodontists.
Periodontology is a branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting apparatus of the teeth and gums (gingiva). Periodontal diseases are the leading cause of tooth loss in adults today.
Periodontal disease is a silent disease and occurs in two forms:
- gingivitis - inflammation of the gums on the surface of the tissue,
- periodontitis - inflammation that engages deeper structures of supporting tissue.
The disease of periodontium is primarily due to inadequate dental hygiene. The main cause of the disease is the bacteria found in the calculus and the plaque. The warning symptoms that, if left untreated, can lead to the destruction of surrounding bone and tooth loss are:
- swollen, red bleeding gums,
- bad breath
- slight teeth movement.
The plaque consists of bacteria and saliva that collects on the surface of the teeth. By depositing plaque around the tooth neck (the place where the tooth and gums touch) the gums become inflamed and gingivitis is created. Some of the plaque bacteria are harmful and can cause gum disease. The plaque can become solid (mineralized) and turn into a solid deposit or calculus (calculus, tartar). The present bacteria continue to damage further tissue that supports the root of the tooth.
Prevention of the periodontal diseases is in proper maintenance of oral hygiene and regular checks by the dentist / periodontist. Gingivitis can affect anyone at any age and is naturally the least desirable with young people and children.
Teeth clenching make it difficult to clean them, which leads to caries and periodontal disease. Improper bite affects the jaw joint and the uneven distribution of forces on the teeth, irregular tooth wear, all of which have a detrimental effect on the gums and the supporting tissue of the teeth. In addition to gum withdrawal, stripping of the root of the tooth, reduction of the amount of the supporting bone, loss of the teeth, tooth migrations often occur into inadequate positions. This creates involuntary contacts, worsens the stability of the existing teeth and enables the progression of periodontal disease.
Orthodontic treatment with patients with periodontal disease can do great benefits for the patient. By wearing a fixed orthodontic appliance, the teeth are stabilized, traumatic tooth movements are prevented, the retaining bone of the teeth is preserved, the teeth are put in the correct position and proper bite is obtained. This creates conditions for the stabilization of the bite, the proper arrangement of the teeth and thus the periodontal disease is kept under the control in the long run. The balanced bite and position of the teeth create the conditions for proper and good oral hygiene, which is imperative for the prevention of periodontal disease progression.
Excellent results are achieved with good and harmonious cooperation of the patient, the periodontist and the orthodontist.
