What
is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is that
branch of dentistry which specializes in
the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of problems
in the alignment of teeth and jaws.
The technical term
for these problems is malocclusion,
which literally means bad bite.
Orthodontic treatment
involves the design and use of corrective appliances (such as braces,
plates, headgears and functional appliances) to bring the teeth and
jaws into proper alignment.
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Why
straighten teeth?
People have
orthodontic treatment
to improve the appearance, health and function of their teeth.
Appearance
These days, with good oral hygiene and regular dental care,
your teeth should last a lifetime. People are very aware of how teeth
look and an attractive
smile will play an important role in enhancing your self-confidence.
Wouldn’t it be nice if your teeth looked good too?
Hygiene
It's more difficult to clean your teeth when they are crowded and
overlapping. Inadequate cleaning is a major factor in tooth decay, gum
disease and eventual tooth loss. Having your teeth straightened
will make it easier for you to look after them.
Tooth wear
Some bad bites lead to clenching, grinding, and excessive wear and/or
uneven wear of the teeth.
Gum damage
In severe malocclusions the teeth can damage the gum.
For example, in cases of deep bite, the lower front teeth can bite
into the gum behind the upper front teeth.
Jaw joint
problems
Some bad bites stress the jaw joint causing damage and pain in and
around the joint.
Speech
Some people have difficulty speaking properly because of alignment
problems with their teeth and jaws.
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Have
you got an orthodontic problem?
Malocclusions can be
present behind seemingly acceptable smiles.
Warning signs which indicate that you or your child should see
an orthodontist include:
Crowding
Crowding is
a common orthodontic problem.
Crowded teeth can be unattractive
and difficult to clean.
Protrusion
Protruded
teeth can be unattractive
and are more prone to damage.
Under bite
The lower
front teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth.
An under bite can be unattractive and can cause
uneven wear of the front teeth.
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.
Open bite
An open
bite exists when some teeth don't meet.
It can cause eating problems, speech problems,
and excessive wear of those teeth which do meet.
The result can also be unattractive.
Cross bite
A cross
bite results when the upper jaw
is narrower than the lower jaw.
The lower jaw usually swings to one side
to allow the teeth to mesh.
Missing teeth
Missing
teeth can be very unattractive.
By moving all teeth into correct position,
proper space can be created to facilitate
replacement of the missing teeth.
Thumb sucking
Sucking the
thumb (or fingers)
can deform nearby teeth and supporting bone.
When
should you see an orthodontist?
Orthodontic problems
are usually apparent by the age of nine, when most of the adult
front teeth have erupted. However, your dentist may detect an
orthodontic problem earlier.
Early
examination allows
the orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems and plan appropriate
treatment.
Early treatment
may prevent more serious problems from developing and/or make
treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. Early treatment
may also achieve results that are not possible once the
face and jaws have stopped growing.
In most cases,
orthodontic treatment is commenced as soon as the last baby tooth has
been shed. This usually occurs in the early teens. In some
cases, it is an advantage to start just before the last baby teeth are
shed.
In the past,
orthodontic treatment was generally restricted to children. However,
the basic process involved in moving teeth is the same at any age and orthodontic
treatment is also successful for adults.
Because an adult's
facial bones are no longer growing, some severe malocclusions cannot
be corrected with braces alone. In such cases, orthodontic treatment
combined with jaw surgery can achieve dramatic
improvements.
Orthodontic
Treatment
This section
explains the various stages of a normal course of orthodontic
treatment.
The first
consultation
During this visit the patient is examined clinically. This enables the
orthodontist to give advice on the treatment options available, when
treatment should commence, the duration of treatment, and the
approximate cost.
If the patient
decides to proceed with treatment, an appointment is made to collect
records.
Records
Records include:
.- Impressions from which plaster models of the teeth are
constructed.
.- Photographs of the teeth and face.
.- X-rays of the teeth and jaws.
Records allow the
orthodontist to analyze each case accurately.
They are also used to record the existing malocclusion for future
reference.
Treatment
Planning
At this visit the orthodontist discusses the treatment plan(s) which
have been formulated using information obtained from the first
consultation and records.
Then, arrangements
are made to commence treatment or, if it is too early, to review the
patient periodically until it is an appropriate time to commence
treatment.
Extractions and
other preliminary procedures
Sometimes it is necessary to remove teeth to gain sufficient space to
align the remaining teeth.
Any decayed teeth
should be filled and the teeth sometimes need to be cleaned before
orthodontic treatment is started.
The patient is
referred back to the family dentist to have these preliminary
procedures carried out. The cost of these procedures is not
included in the orthodontic fee.
Braces
Braces are the most efficient and accurate way of moving teeth.
Braces (bands, brackets and wires) are usually made of stainless steel
although clear brackets are available, usually at extra cost.
Fitting the braces
usually involves two visits. Braces remain on the teeth for the entire
duration of treatment.
Patients then attend
approximately every 4-8 weeks for adjustments, wire changes, etc.
Rubber Bands and
Headgear
During treatment, patients may need to wear such items as rubber bands
and/or headgear with their braces. These items provide important extra
forces for the correction of the bite.
How Long?
Orthodontic treatment usually takes 18 - 24 months. Some cases may be
finished earlier and others may take longer to complete. The total
treatment time depends on the severity of the original malocclusion,
the type of treatment carried out, and the co-operation of the
patient.
Dental check-ups
Orthodontic patients should continue to attend their family dentist
for regular check-ups during the course of orthodontic treatment.
Retention
At the completion of the active part of orthodontic treatment, the
braces are removed and retaining appliances (retainers) are fitted to
hold the teeth steady in their new position. These appliances may be
removable plates or wires fitted behind the teeth.
Retainers play an
important role in orthodontic treatment for, if they are not worn
according to instructions, the teeth may move back towards their
original position.
The retaining
appliances are usually worn:
- Full-time for one year
- Just at night for a further year
- Phased out altogether over one more year
The corrected teeth
are observed periodically for up to five years after the retainers
have been phased out. During retention and the subsequent observation
period, patients are expected to attend once or twice a year.
