Orthodontics
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the specialist branch of dentistry that diagnoses and monitors misaligned and crowded teeth and the way they fit together, works to prevent these problems and treats them.
For problems such as a lower jaw that sits too far forward or too far back, the treatment method is chosen with the patient's age in mind. If the patient is an adolescent and the upper or lower jaw is set back, it can be treated using orthodontic techniques.
In adults, skeletal problems are treated through a combination of orthodontics and surgery. Jaw misalignment can also develop as a result of functional problems such as mouth breathing. In a person who breathes through the mouth, the upper jaw remains narrow and takes on a V shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can have orthodontic treatment without wearing braces. Invisalign treatment uses a series of clear aligners custom-made for you. These clear aligners are used to straighten your teeth and correct crowding.
In this treatment, small, square porcelain (clear) attachments called brackets are bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth, and crowded teeth are straightened with the help of archwires placed in these brackets. Because porcelain brackets are tooth-coloured, they are much less noticeable.
In this treatment, small, square stainless steel attachments called brackets are bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth, and crowded teeth are straightened with the help of archwires placed in these brackets.
Children should have their first orthodontic check-up at around 6–7 years of age, when the permanent teeth start to come through. The first signs of orthodontic problems can appear at this age.
An orthodontic examination at an early age can help prevent problems that might develop later, and it also helps determine the right time to start treatment.
Orthodontic treatment usually begins between the ages of 9 and 12, when the baby teeth have fallen out and been replaced by permanent teeth. In some cases, however, early orthodontic intervention can make future treatment easier or even remove the need for it altogether. These cases include:
Severe crowding
When the jaws are too small to accommodate all the permanent teeth, they can be widened using removable appliances (plates), or teeth may be extracted. This shortens the length of any later treatment with braces.
Severe anterior crossbite
If the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth, this can be corrected with a removable plate or an extraoral appliance, depending on the underlying cause.
Protruding upper teeth
This can make the upper teeth more prone to fractures. It can be treated with removable plates.
Breaking harmful habits
Thumb or finger sucking: children are usually expected to stop between the ages of 2 and 4. If the habit continues, the pressure it creates can push the upper front teeth forward and distort the shape of the palate.
Tongue thrusting
This is when the tongue pushes out between the teeth during swallowing. The resulting pressure pushes the teeth forward.
Mouth breathing
This can lead to abnormal growth of the upper and lower jaws.
No, they do not hurt. Within a few days, the appliance feels like a natural part of the palate.
Contact your orthodontist without delay. A new appliance must be made to preserve the progress achieved with treatment; otherwise, the jaws may return to their original position.
With regular wear, the necessary correction is usually achieved within 6–8 months. After that, the appliance is worn at night for a further 6 months to maintain the result.
Unless your orthodontist recommends otherwise, these appliances are generally worn at all times except during meals and toothbrushing.
Once removed from the mouth, the appliance should always be stored in the case provided by your orthodontist. Never wrap it in a napkin: appliances wrapped in napkins are often thrown away by mistake.
Clean the appliance with water and a toothbrush. There is no need to use toothpaste or soap.
