Orthodontics

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialist branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of dental and facial irregularities occurring as a result of :

• A bad bite or malocclusion
• Missing or extra teeth
• Misaligned teeth
• Crooked Teeth
• Crowed teeth
• An overbite
• An underbite
• Misaligned or incorrect jaw position
• A disorder of the jaw joint

Orthodontic irregularities are corrected using corrective appliances known as braces. Braces are made from wires and springs attached to tiny metal plates or a plastic mould. The brace applies gentle forces to the teeth and encourages them to adopt a different alignment. The best orthodontic results are achieved with children when their teeth are still growing, many adults have orthodontic treatment but the process takes much longer. Visit our main braces page to read more abouthow they work and how to look after them.

 

The orthodontist will assess the teeth that need to be aligned and create either a fixed or removable brace, which can be adjusted during the course of the treatment to achieve the desired effect. The fixed braces as their name implies are permanent fixtures and are removed at the end of the treatment period, whereas removable braces can be taken off for eating and cleaning but are generally worn at all other times. This improves the function of the teeth and the general appearance of the person.

What is a bad bite or malocclusion and what causes it?

A bad bite is the misalignment of teeth or jaws causing functional problems such as difficulty in chewing and talking and/or affecting the cosmetic appearance of a person.  It may occur genetically or as a result of the following conditions:

• Trauma —Fractured or knocked out teeth in a growing child that on replacement fuses with the bone that surrounds them resulting in an improper line up in the jaw


• Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use — can result in pronounced protrusion of upper teeth over the lower teeth.


• Tongue-thrusting while swallowing — can result in pronounced protrusion of upper teeth over the lower teeth.


• Premature loss of baby teeth — causing:

• The permanent tooth to erupt incorrectly, resulting in crowded or partially erupted teeth
• The teeth next to the primary tooth to move into the vacant space and prevent the eruption of permanent tooth

Why is orthodontic treatment crucial?

Beneficial in long-term dental health

• Properly aligned teeth are easier to maintain with proper oral hygiene
• Reduces the risk of tooth decay

Improves chewing and digestion

• Since people with bad bites chew less efficiently it can often result in nutritional deficiencies in severe cases

Improves speech

• Misaligned upper and lower teeth can cause speaking difficulties

Prevents premature wearing of back tooth surfaces

• Since the teeth withstands a tremendous amount of force when one bites down, in the case of people with improper bites the back teeth are likely to wear out more quickly

At what age can one start orthodontic screening and treatment?

• Early childhood - You can have an orthodontic screening from the age of 7 by which time enough of the permanent teeth would have emerged, helping to identify potential problems
• Do not wait for all the permanent teeth erupt in the mouth as the earlier you start the more the advantages. 
• During adolescent and teen-age years – all permanent teeth would have come in by now and treatment is most effective at this age
• At adulthood - more complicated and often requires more than one dental professional to fully correct a problem.

What does the orthodontic treatment involve?

There are two stages in an orthodontic treatment

• The active phase — which involves the use of braces or other appliances to correct the alignment and bite
• The retention phase —use of a retainer to hold the teeth that have been brought into their new position and ensure their long term results

Invisalign or invisible braces

Some cosmetic dentists / orthodontists offer invisalign which uses a series of clear virtually invisible aligners that are custom-moulded to your teeth and help reposition them gradually over time. The advantages of invisalign are that the aligners can be removed to eat and clean and it is not obvious to others that you are having treatment or wearing braces. You can read more about invisible orthodontics on our Invisalgn page. Another form of invisible braces are Lingual braces these braces although made from metal brackets and wires are placed at the backs of the teeth and so are not visible from the front when you smile.

Inman aligners

Inman aligners are an alternative to invisalign treatment for simple orthodontic cases which require movements of the front teeth only. This removable appliance achives complete movement in about 6 - 8 weeks in some cases, however it is not suitable for all and it is best to seek advice through an orthodontic consultation before chosing the right treatment for your problem. Your can read more about this appliance on our Inman Aligner page.

Low Friction Damon Braces

As orthodontic technology has improves overtime there are a wide variety of braces available for straightening and moving teeth. Friction free braces such as the Damon braces system provide a faster and more comfortable alternative to conventional fixed orthodontic braces.

To read questions and answers from the experts about orthodontics click here.

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