Good morning, this is Dr. Yudelkys Gutiérrez, a dentist and orthodontic specialist from Clínica Cubana de Salud Bucal.
I was motivated to make this video because I am struck by the lack of knowledge people have when deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment to correct the position of their teeth.
It is important, first of all, that people know that this is a medical treatment that only trained personnel can perform; not all dentists are trained to perform orthodontic treatment.
A deep knowledge is required to achieve the correction of teeth, and not only of the teeth but also of the relationship between both jaws, the masticatory function, and finally the smile. People only think about how it looks aesthetically and do not realize that orthodontics goes beyond aesthetics.
Therefore, to perform the treatment, every orthodontic specialist needs to assess the patient.
Today I am going to talk about why the assessment is important and we cannot fail to do it before placing braces.
This appointment, which patients do not give the required importance to, is where the orthodontist assesses not only the teeth but all the tissues that surround them, the gums, the cheeks, the tongue and the lips, as well as the patient’s profile. It is important to relate all these aspects to each other when deciding to do an orthodontic treatment, because the bite is not modified just like that, by sticking braces and that’s it, no, a deep analysis must be done to be able to carry out the treatment.
Did you know that teeth are kept aligned with each other by the action of the muscles that surround them (the tongue on the inside and the lips and cheeks on the outside), and when one of these tissues is altered, the balance of the teeth is lost?
That is why it is important to make a good assessment of the case.
During the assessment consultation, it is decided which radiographic study the patient needs to undergo. These radiographs are not the same for all pathologies, it depends on the clinical case.
A good anamnesis of the case is also necessary, a good questioning is carried out so that the doctor can find out what were the causes that led the patient to have this malocclusion, as well as the habits that the patient has that are influencing the pathology, so that, once these risk factors are known, a treatment plan can be drawn up aimed at eliminating them.
For all that I have explained to you, it is necessary that you be aware that, before asking if braces will be placed in the first consultation, you should first of all make sure that your orthodontist gives you a good assessment so that your treatment is successful.
A good result in orthodontic treatment depends on a good anamnesis, diagnosis and treatment plan, as well as on the correct placement of the braces, on applying the technique used well and on your punctuality and attendance at the consultations for the follow-up of the same.
Oral hygiene also interferes, which is very important in the results of orthodontic treatment.
Little by little I will be providing you with information, especially on the factors that intervene in a satisfactory orthodontic treatment.