Orthodontics

Orthodontics

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that corrects irregularities or misalignments of the teeth and jaws. It also aims to achieve an aesthetic appearance for functions such as biting, speaking, smiling and chewing.

Common conditions treated by orthodontics include

- Crowding due to the eruption of additional teeth

- Misalignment of teeth and jaws

- Dysfunctions such as mouth breathing

- Early loss of milk teeth due to tooth decay

- Trauma from falls or bumps

- Prolonged pacifier use or hard biting habits

- Thumb sucking

- Teeth grinding

- Underbite or overbite

- Skeletal disorders (may require surgery)

- Spaces left by extracted teeth

In order to have an aesthetically pleasing dental and jaw structure, it is important to seek orthodontic treatment without delay. If you think you have a malocclusion, improper bite or crooked teeth or jaws, you can seek advice from a dentist. After a dental examination, the dentist will determine the need for orthodontic treatment and provide you with the necessary information.

Orthodontic treatment involves applying force to the teeth or jaw. Examples of these treatments are

- Fixed appliances: Braces - brackets and wires apply pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the correct position.

Types of orthodontic braces:

- Metal braces

- Ceramic braces

- Lingual braces (attached to the inside of the teeth)

- Removable appliances

- Aligners (clear aligners)

- Orthodontic appliances (splints used to ensure proper jaw alignment and correct joint disorders)

- Palatal expanders (plastic devices screwed onto the palate to apply force and cause expansion)

- Retainers (used to maintain the results of treatment and prevent teeth from moving back into their original position)

- Headgear (used to slow down the development of the upper jaw, keep the back teeth in place and prevent the front teeth from moving forward; consists of bands and wires)

Please note that this translation provides a general overview of orthodontics and its treatments. It is always advisable to consult a dental professional for specific diagnosis and treatment options.

Orthodontics frequently asked questions about

Whats Jaw alignment

"Jaw alignment" refers to the proper alignment of the upper and lower jaws. This means that the jaws and teeth are in correct harmony with each other and have a normal biting function.
Issues with jaw alignment may include:
1. **Crossbite**: A situation where the upper teeth are inside and the lower teeth are outside. 2. **Overbite (prognathia)**: The lower jaw is abnormally forward compared to the upper jaw. 3. **Underbite (retrognathia)**: The lower jaw is abnormally backward. 4. **Open bite**: The front teeth do not touch each other. 5. **Deep bite**: The upper front teeth completely cover the lower front teeth.
Such alignment problems can arise due to genetic factors, trauma, tooth extraction, facial developmental disorders, or other factors. Jaw alignment issues not only cause aesthetic concerns but also can lead to speech difficulties, problems with chewing and eating, and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues.
The treatment for such problems can be carried out with orthodontic treatment (like braces) in mild cases, while more severe cases might require oral surgical intervention. If there's suspicion of a jaw alignment issue, it's best to consult with an orthodontist or oral surgeon.

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