In 2030, the number of orthodontic patients may reach 10 million
Before you straighten your teeth, you need to know these things
In recent years, orthodontic treatment is no longer the preserve of teenagers.
The latest data shows that the number of orthodontic cases in China has increased from 1.6 million in 2015 to 3.1 million in 2020, and is expected to reach 9.5 million in 2030.
Among the oral and dental consumption in 2020, the largest demand is for orthodontic treatment.
So, at what age can you start orthodontics?
What should I pay attention to in orthodontics?
In this regard, a reporter from Science and Technology Daily interviewed relevant experts.
The best orthodontic time cannot be generalized
"At what age can a child start orthodontics?" This is one of the most frequently asked questions by Wang Lei, deputy chief physician of the Department of Orthodontics at the Stomatological Hospital Affiliated to the Air Force Military Medical University.
Wang Lei said that in general, the best period for orthodontics is the peak period of children's growth and development.
"Boys are 12 to 14 years old and girls are 11 to 13 years old. During this period, the roots of the permanent teeth are gradually developed, and the occlusal relationship between the upper and lower teeth is also adjusted. Orthodontics at this time has a short course of treatment and good results." She said.
However, the best correction time cannot be generalized. Some deformed teeth that affect the development of the jaw need to be detected early.
"For example, what we often call 'tooth pockets' or 'tooth in the sky', such dental deformities can be treated at the age of 3 to 5 years. Another example is severe mandibular retraction and deep overbite, which can be treated during the mixed dentition period ( 7 to 10 years old) for early treatment can avoid the occurrence of serious dental deformities and avoid subsequent surgical treatment." Wang Lei reminded, "Once the child's dental development problems are found, parents should take the child to the hospital for an examination as soon as possible, and consult a specialist. advice, so as not to miss the opportunity for treatment.”
The retainer needs to be worn for 2 years to consolidate the results
After long-term orthodontics, the teeth are aligned and the appliance is removed, but this does not mean the end of the treatment, and the patient still needs to wear a retainer.
Liu Siying, deputy chief physician of the Orthodontics Department of the Stomatological Hospital Affiliated to the Air Force Military Medical University, said in an interview with a reporter from Science and Technology Daily that during the orthodontic process, not only the teeth will move, but the periodontal tissue will also change to adapt to the position of the new teeth.
Therefore, at the end of orthodontic treatment, although the teeth have moved to the ideal position, the reconstruction of periodontal fibers has not yet been completed, and it still takes a certain period of time to recover, during which it needs to be maintained by external force.
"The retainer is of great significance in the entire orthodontic treatment process and should not be underestimated. If the retainer is not properly worn as required by the doctor, the orthodontic success may fall short." Liu Siying said.
"The retainer generally needs to be worn for about two years, and for some cases that are very prone to recurrence, such as severe torsion of the teeth, multiple gaps in the teeth, etc., the relevant patients need to wear the retainer for a longer time." Liu Siying added.
Tooth extraction is a common orthodontic treatment
When it comes to orthodontics, many patients are most worried about having their teeth extracted.
They felt the teeth were healthy and it seemed a pity to have them removed.
"Actually, the main cause of tooth crowding is the imbalance between the amount of teeth and bone, that is, the length of the existing dental arch cannot accommodate the teeth in the dental arch, and the teeth can only be misplaced and crowded and grow crookedly. This may be related to human genetics, Evolution is related." Wu Junjie, deputy chief physician of the Department of Orthodontics, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, explained that in order to straighten teeth, a small number of teeth need to be extracted to provide space for other teeth to align and adduct.
"Tooth extraction is a very common treatment method in orthodontics." Wu Junjie pointed out that professional doctors generally follow the principle of "retaining good teeth as much as possible and extracting bad teeth", and choose to extract teeth that can solve the problem without affecting the appearance and chewing. .
"Of course, not everyone needs tooth extraction for correction. The orthodontist will make a comprehensive evaluation and analysis based on the patient's teeth, facial features, tooth volume, and bone volume to determine whether or not tooth extraction is needed. Patients don't need to worry too much." Wu Junjie added.