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Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites), which may be a result of tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships, or both. |
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Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. One of the most common reasons for seeking orthodontic treatment is malocclusion or irregular bite due to teeth that are not positioned correctly. The most common form of treatment used to correct the position of teeth is through the use of orthodontic braces, although there are various other appliances commonly used. With the help of braces a dentist is able to move the teeth into their ideal position to optimize function and esthetic appearance. One of the main problems with malpositioned teeth is the difficulty with access to practice good oral hygiene. There are various potential problems caused by poorly positioned teeth. Teeth that are not positioned properly can also affect our appearance. Crooked teeth can affect our self-esteem and make us more self-conscious. They can make our teeth more susceptible to plaque and tartar buildup, which eventually leads to periodontal, gum disease. Mal-positioned teeth can also be more susceptible to dental caries or tooth decay. Tooth decay can occur even in individuals with good oral hygiene due to inability to access certain area of a tooth. They can also cause masticatory muscle strain, excessive, premature tooth wear and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) strain. Over the long-term some of these events can be accompanied by chronic pain and possible joint degeneration. Malocclusion, or any irregularity in position of teeth or how the upper and lower teeth meet during chewing can have a variety of causes. Heredity is a common cause for malocclusion. Family history of misaligned teeth can indicate potential problems for the children. Disease can also lead to malocclusion. If you lose a tooth before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt the remaining teeth can drift into the empty space and leave little room for the adult tooth. Nutritional deficiencies lead to malnutrition and abnormal or slowed growth patterns. This can affect the development and growth of jaws and teeth. It can also alter normal eruption patterns. Trauma can be another cause of malocclusion. Early loss of a tooth due to an accident can lead to teeth drifting into the empty space. This will eventually affect the eruption of a permanent tooth. Habits such as lip biting and thumb sucking can also cause the teeth to shift out of alignment.
Some of the most commonly seen jaw and dental problems that will benefit from orthodontic treatment are crowding of teeth, open spaces between the teeth, cross bite, open bite, and malpositioned teeth or what we commonly know as crooked teeth. Let's discuss these briefly.
Oral Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment: Learn about how to care for your teeth during orthodontic treatment. What to avoid during orthodontic treatment. Learn about other conditions that can be treated with braces or other forms of orthodontic treatment: |
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