Orthognathic
Orthodontics and Dentofacial
Orthopedics, as the specialty is called, is the branch of dentistry
that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and
facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is “malocclusion,”
which means “bad bite.” The practice of orthodontics requires professional
skill in the design, application and control of corrective appliances (braces)
to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and achieve facial balance.
Your dentist may have
discussed the benefits of having healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment with
you. Crooked and crowded teeth are harder to clean and maintain. This can
result in tooth decay, gum disease and lead to tooth loss. Other orthodontic
problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing
function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth.
Treatment by an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional care
required treating dental problems that result from orthodontic problems.
Our clinics are
committed to offering a wide range of treatment options to
our patients. This includes proper diagnosis and treatment planning for the
patient’s problem. Our team is well trained with all the latest
technological advances in the field of orthodontics. Their expertise in handling
even the most complicated problems is one of the major assets of our clinics.
Our expert team
approach as a unit for interdisciplinary problems like
patients with mutilated dentition or with jaw asymmetries
or abnormalities are treated with expertise and great coordination. The
orthodontics department in coordination with the maxillofacial surgery team has
done many surgical procedures for the patients jaw problems. Our team thrives
to design and execute the best of the clinical practices.
For most people, a beautiful
smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your
braces come off, you will feel more self-confident.
How Orthodontic Treatment works?
The treatment aims at correcting the jaw and teeth discrepancies
provided the diagnosis is done at the right age. Orthodontic appliances can be
made of metal, ceramic or plastic materials. They may be removable or they may
be brackets (clips) fixed to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in
a carefully controlled direction, the appliances slowly move teeth to a
corrected position.
There are a lot of changes in orthodontics and this is a great
time to wear braces! Gone are the days when metal band with a bracket was
placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear or metallic in
appearance. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest
materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.
Duration of Treatment?
One of the most important
considerations before start of the treatment is the time taken for the
completion of it. Treatment time typically varies, depending on the patient’s
growth and the severity of the problem. The patient’s cooperative behaviour of any
prescribed instructions is an important factor in achieving the most efficient
treatment. Early treatment procedures may take less time or longer duration
depending on the severity of the problem. The fixed braces treatment may
usually lasts for 18-24 months based on patient’s malocclusion.
Orthodontics
and Children- Early Orthodontics
At what age should my child
first see an Orthodontist?
Orthodontist recommends that all children have an orthodontic
screening no later than age 7.
Why screen by age 7?
The posterior occlusion (bite) is established when the first
6-year permanent molars erupt. At that time, one can evaluate the 3 dimensional
relationships of the occlusion, as well as discover any abnormal shifting of
the lower jaw during function. Incisors will begin to erupt and problems can be
detected such as crowding, adverse habits, overbites, openbites, and some
facial asymmetries. When treatment is necessary, the orthodontist can guide the
growth of the jaws and guide the erupting permanent teeth. For some, a timely
screening will lead to significant treatment benefits; for some, an immediate
benefit is a parent’s peace of mind.
What are the benefits of
early treatment?
For those patients who have clear indications for early
intervention, early treatment presents the opportunity to:
- Lower
risk of trauma to protruded upper incisors.
- Influence
jaw growth in a positive manner
- Harmonize
width of the dental arches
- Improve
eruption patterns of permanent teeth
- Correct
harmful oral habits
- Improve
esthetics and self-esteem
- Simplify
and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics
- Reduce
likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
- Improve
some speech problems
- Preserve
or gain space for erupting permanent teeth
- Early treatment can simplify later treatment