Why should a full jaw and face examination be done before orthodontics?

Comprehensive, scientific and educational guide for patients

Introduction: Orthodontics; Beyond teeth straightening

In the minds of many patients, orthodontics only means straightening the teeth and creating a beautiful smile; But scientific reality is more than that. Orthodontics is a serious and long-term therapeutic intervention that, by applying precise and controlled forces, not only corrects the position of the teeth, but also affects the relationships between the jaws, temporomandibular joint, muscles and even the soft tissues of the face. Any wrong movement in this process may destroy the roots, disrupt the function of the jaw or even damage the beauty of the face. Therefore, the starting point of orthodontic treatment is a comprehensive, scientific, accurate and multi-stage examination that determines the future of treatment.

Part I: The medical and scientific importance of "pre-orthodontic examination"

1. Complete evaluation of the health of teeth, roots and jaw bone

Before starting orthodontic treatment, it is necessary to check the health of each tooth and the condition of supporting structures such as gums and jawbone. Without understanding bone density, root length and periodontal health, teeth movement may cause irreversible problems.

Applicable images at this stage:

OPG (Orthopantomogram): panoramic image of the entire upper and lower jaw, detecting the number, condition and position of teeth.
Cephalometric: lateral image to evaluate the angles of the jaws in relation to the skull and analyze the face profile.
CBCT (Cone Beam CT): three-dimensional imaging of bones and joints in complex cases.

2. Diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)

The temporomandibular joint plays a key role in speech, chewing and swallowing. Any disorder in this joint must be identified and treated before orthodontics so that orthodontics does not cause pain or movement limitation.

Warning signs:

Clicking or rattling sound when opening and closing the mouth
jaw locking
Pain or pressure around the ear and temple

3. Balance analysis of facial bones and facial profile

Orthodontics must maintain aesthetic balance. For this reason, in addition to the condition of the teeth, the orthodontist examines the bone structure of the face with cephalometric analysis software. This review shows whether there is a need for orthognathic surgery or whether only orthodontics is sufficient.

Part 2: Complete pre-orthodontic examination process – step-by-step tutorial

Step 1: Detailed interview and recording of medical records

Reviewing the records of general diseases (diabetes, osteoporosis, heart and respiratory diseases)
Inspection of drugs that can affect bone density or gum health
Registering dental records and experience of previous treatments

Step 2: Intraoral and extraoral clinical examination

Inside the mouth: examination of caries, fillings, gum condition, impacted teeth, fractures
Outside the mouth: evaluation of face shape, lip line, jaw ratio and temporomandibular joint

Step 3: Preparation of photos and specialized images

OPG and Cephalometric images for patients who need comprehensive treatment
CBCT for 3D analysis in cases such as complex impacted teeth or jaw joint problems

Step 4: Molding or digital scanning

The 3D model of the teeth allows the specialist to predict and simulate the movement path of each tooth.

Step 5: Designing a personalized treatment plan

This plan is specially prepared based on the analyzes carried out and can include the following:

Fixed or movable orthodontics
Invisible orthodontics (Invisiline)
combination of orthodontic treatment with jaw surgery

The third part: the consequences of starting orthodontics without a full examination

Exacerbation of gum diseases
Analysis of roots
Increasing the length of treatment due to wrong planning
need for expensive additional treatments

Section 4: Teaching tips for patients

Before going for examination:

1. Prepare a complete list of medications

Part 5: Orthodontics in children - the importance of preventive examination

At growing ages, jawbones are more flexible and can be corrected before deformities become fixed. A complete examination in children allows problems such as receding or protruding jaw to be corrected in time.

Sixth part: comparison of orthodontic types and its relationship with complete examination

Metal orthodontics: suitable for most clients, but the choice of bracket depends on the initial examinations
Ceramic orthodontics: need to check gum health and bone density
Invisible orthodontics (Invisiline): for clients who do not need to pull teeth and cooperate in using them

FAQ

Is it possible to start orthodontics without photography? No, this is like driving without a map and lights at night.

How long is the full examination? 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the volume of reviews

Summary

Starting orthodontic treatment without a complete jaw and face examination has serious risks for your health and beauty. This stage is the basis of the precise design of the treatment and the guarantee of the final result. To guarantee the best result and to use modern technologies, it is necessary to refer to well-equipped and expert centers.

Dr. Foroughi's Orthodontic Clinic by using advanced imaging technologies, 3D digital scanner and expert team, designs a specific and scientific treatment plan for each patient so that in addition to beauty, the full health of the jaw and teeth is also maintained.

Click on this post for points! [Total: 0 Average: 0] Invisible Orthodontics Aligners or Traditional Brackets: Cost, Length of Treatment and Actual Outcome - A Comprehensive Guide to an InformedNext Decision
Write your opinion Cancel Answer
educational

educational
educational
Using orthosurgery (jaw surgery with orthodontics): steps, risks and recovery process