How can orthodontic treatment help?
Orthodontics is a branch
of dentistry that treats malocclusion, a condition in which the teeth are not
correctly positioned when the mouth is closed. This results in an improper
bite.
An orthodontist
specializes in making the teeth straight.
Treatment can be
cosmetic, to improve a person’s appearance, but it often aims to improve oral
function, too.
Types of treatment
An orthodontist can carry
out work that aims to achieve the following:
- Closing wide gaps
between the teeth - Aligning the tips of
the teeth - Straightening crooked
teeth - Improving speech or
chewing ability - Boosting the long-term
health of gums and teeth - Preventing long-term
excessive wear or trauma of the teeth - Treating an improper
bite
Treatment can improve the
appearance of the teeth, but it can also lead to better chewing and speech
function and help protect teeth from damage or decay, in some cases.
To achieve these goals,
the orthodontist uses a range of medical dental devices, including headgear,
plates, and braces.
Devices
Orthodontic devices can
be fixed or removable.
Fixed appliances
These are the most common
devices used in orthodontics. They are used when precision is important.
A person can eat normally
with fixed appliances, but some foods and drinks need to be avoided, such as
carbonated drinks, hard candy, gum, and other sticky foods.
People who participate in
contact sports need to tell their orthodontist, as they may need special gum
shields.
Examples of fixed
orthodontic appliances include:
Braces
These consist of
brackets, wires, and bands. Bands are fixed firmly around the teeth and serve
as anchors for the appliance, while brackets are usually connected to the front
of the teeth.
Wires in the shape of an
arch pass through the brackets and are fixed to the bands. As the arch wire is
tightened, tension is applied to the teeth. Over time, this moves them into
proper position.
Follow-up involves
monthly visits to adjust or tighten the braces. Treatment may last from several
months to a number of years.
Both clear and colored
braces are available.
Fixed-space maintainers
If a child loses a baby
tooth, a space maintainer will stop the two teeth at either side of the spaces
from moving into it until the adult tooth comes through. A band is fixed to one
of the teeth next to the space, and a wire goes from the band to the other
tooth.
Removable space maintainers
These are an alternative
to fixed-space maintainers.
Special fixed appliances
These can help control
tongue thrusting or thumb sucking. They may be uncomfortable, especially when
eating, and so they are only used if necessary.
Removable orthodontic appliances
These may be used to
treat minor problems, such as preventing thumb sucking or correcting slightly
crooked teeth.
The appliance should only
be taken out when cleaning, eating, or flossing. Sometimes, the orthodontist
may advice the patient to remove them during certain activities, such as
playing a wind instrument or cycling.
Examples of removable appliances include:
Aligners: This
alternative to braces may be useful for adults. They are virtually unnoticeable
by other people, and they can be removed to brush the teeth, floss, or eat. An
aligner is used for 2 to 3 weeks, then changed for a tigher one.
Headgear: A strap around
the back of the head is attached to a metal wire in the front, or face bow. The
aim is to slow down upper jaw growth, and keeping the back teeth in position
while the front ones are pulled back.
First Floor, 1 - Changodar City Centre, Above Anil Pharmacy,
Changodar, Ta. Sanand, Dist. Ahmedabad.
Call for Appointment: +91 9904453230
Source : by CARE & CURE HOSPITAL, Changodar, Ahmedabad.
Disclaimer : This tool does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The content of these article if for information only, Information is gathered and shared from reputable sources; however, Ahmedabad Medical Guide is not responsible for errors or omissions in reporting or explanation. No individuals, including those under our active care, should use the information, resource or tools contained within to self-diagnosis or self-treat any health-related condition. Ahmedabad Medical Guide gives no assurance or warranty regarding the accuracy, timeliness or applicability or the content.
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DR. NIRAV PATEL
DR. MANISHA PATEL
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