Braces - correcting irregular teeth
May 15 is World Orthodontic Health Day. Orthodontics is that specialised field of dentistry, which deals with the diagnosis and rectification of dispositioned teeth and jaws. Specialists who perform such corrections are called an orthodontist.
Malocclusion (misaligned teeth) causes harmful effects on an individual. Because of irregular teeth, the tissues surrounding the teeth become weak. Thus, the support is reduced and incidence of caries is more and chewing of food is impaired. This might lead to strain on the jaw joints and muscles, when teeth do not come together properly. Speech might be impaired and facial appearance too. This can have a profound psychological impact on a child, which can cause psychological disturbances.
For the prevention of malocclusion, abnormal oral habits in children – thumb-sucking, mouth-breathing, etc – have to be checked. Proper care should be given to the deciduous or milk teeth. These milk teeth influence the growth and development of the jaws and face. Therefore, as soon as a child gets all his deciduous teeth between two and a half and three years, he should be taken to a dentist. These visits should be continued regularly for regular dental care and early detection of irregularities. This will ensure a normal growth of the teeth and jaws.
After evaluation, the orthodontist sees whether treatment should be done by extraction of teeth or without. This helps in retracting the protruding upper and lower front teeth. The first premolars are commonly extracted during orthodontic treatment. Extraction of teeth causes no harm to the individual.
In fixed treatment, brackets are rigidly fixed to the teeth. Wires are attached to exert force on the teeth. Brackets can be bonded to the tooth surface.
Treatment can be done with removable and fixed braces.
Nowadays, ceramic brackets are being used, which match the shade of the tooth. These are aesthetically acceptable to adult patients.
With the introduction of vastly improved orthodontic materials, better treatment facilities are being provided to patients, thus, enabling the orthodontist to achieve good results. In cases where jaws are not aligned properly, surgical intervention along with orthodontic treatment can rectify the problem. This specialised area is known as surgical orthodontics.
People have a wrong perception that orthodontic treatment is only for children. There is no reason why adults cannot avail orthodontics, provided their gums and bones supporting the teeth are in good shape.
Treatment time depends on the type of malocclusion. It usually lasts for 18 to 30 months.
Treatment improves facial appearance by bringing about a harmony between the various parts of the face that is teeth, upper and lower jaws, nose, cheeks, lips and chin.
Nowadays clear aligners are the latest in orthodontic treatment modalities. It should be done by a qualified and certified orthodontist only. Regulating and keeping a check on tooth movements with aligners should be done under the supervision of an experienced orthodontist only.