Orthodontics

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean, are at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay and periodontal disease, and cause extra stress on the chewing muscles that can lead to headaches, TMJ syndrome and neck, shoulder and back pain. Teeth that are crooked or not in the right place can also detract from one's appearance. The benefits of orthodontic treatment include a healthier mouth, a more pleasing appearance, and teeth that are more likely to last a lifetime. A specialist in this field is called an orthodontist. Orthodontists receive two or more years of education beyond their four years in dental school in an ADA-approved orthodontic training program.

How do I Know if I Need Orthodontics?

Only your dentist or orthodontist can determine whether you can benefit from orthodontics. Based on diagnostic tools that include a full medical and dental health history, a clinical exam, plaster models of your teeth, and special X-rays and photographs, an orthodontist or dentist can decide whether orthodontics are recommended, and develop a treatment plan that's right for you

If you have any of the following, you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment:

Overbite:

sometimes called "buck teeth" - where the upper front teeth lie too far forward (stick out) over the lower teeth.

Underbite:

A "bulldog" appearance where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back.

Crossbite:

When the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting together normally .

Openbite :

Space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together.

Thumb sucking: (Tongue Thristing Pusing)

Front Teeth with tongue Sucking the thumb (or fingers) can deform nearby teeth and supporting bone.

Spacing :

Gaps, or spaces, between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not "fill up" the mouth. Crowding:

Crowding:

When there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate.

Deep:

Bite the upper front teeth cover the lower teeth. A deep bite can cause excessive wear of the front teeth and gum damage behind the upper front teeth

Disadvantages

• Cause pressure that results in underlying bone resorption and soreness
• Removability- not fixed like natural teeth
• Bulk
• Instability because it is removable and underlying progressive bone resorption
• Looseness as it can only sit atop the gums- especially lowers
• Only low chewing or biting forces can be produced
• Speech problems due to a large appliance in your mouth and it may move
• Taste problems
• Longevity- the need to reline to fit or wearing out
• Covering the roof of the mouth which can result in gagging problems

Braces

Dental braces are used to correct malocclusion of teeth, improper bite, crowded teeth, protruding teeth, teeth with gaps etc.

Types of Braces:

• 1. Metal Braces
• 2. Colored Braces (Pink braces, Blue Braces, Yellow Braces, Red Braces)
• 3. Ceramic Braces/ Invisible Braces
• 4. Lingual Braces