Braces for correction of irregular teeth WORLD ORTHODONTIC HEALTH DAY TODAY

Orthodontics is that specialized field of dentistry, which deals with the diagnosis and rectification of malpositioned teeth and jaws. The specialist who performs such corrections in dental irregularities and improves facial appearance is called an orthodontist.

Malocclusion cause harmful effect on an individual. Because of irregular teeth, the tissues surrounding the teeth become weak. Thus the support is reduced incidence of caries (tooth decay causing cavities) 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 get impaired and facial appearance too which can cause psychological impact on the child.

For the prevention of malocclusion abnormal oral habits thumb sucking and mouth breathing in children needs to be checked. Proper care should be given to the deciduous or milk teeth. These milk teeth influence the growth and development of jaws and face. Preventive measures should be taken before malocclusion develops. As the child gets all his deciduous teeth, between the age of two and a half years and three, he/ she should be taken to dentist.

These visits should be regularly for dental care and an early detection of irregularities.

If a child’s milk tooth is lost prematurely, a dentist should be consulted. Periodic checkups are essential during the phase when milk teeth are shed and permanent teeth erupt (713 years) so that the permanent teeth are properly aligned.

Diagnostic Aids: An orthodontist examines the child clinically and utilises diagnostic aids (photographs, study models, orthopantomogram and cephalogram) to analyse the case. 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.

Teeth alignment: Treatment can be done with removable and fixed braces.

Nowadays, porcelain brackets are being manufactured, which match the shade of the tooth. These are aesthetically acceptable to adult patients.

For aligning teeth forces are used depending upon the types of movement required. With the introduction of vastly improved orthodontic materials, better treatment facilities are being provided to the patients, thus enabling the orthodontist to achieve good results. In case where jaws are not aligned properly surgical intervention along with orthodontic treatment can rectify the problem. This specialized area is known as surgical orthodontics. People have a wrong information that orthodontic treatment is only for children.

There is no reason why adults can’t avail orthodontics, provided their gums and bones supporting the teeth are in good shape. Lingual braces and aligners are the latest in treatment methodology.

Patient cooperation: Cooperation of patients is essential for orthodontic treatment. If the child is cooperative excellent results can be achieved. A child should pay more attention to oral hygiene. He should brush teeth properly and regularly.

Treatment time depends on the type of malocclusion. It usually last for 18 to 30 months. Treatment improves facial appearance by bringing about a harmony between the various parts of face that is teeth, upper and lower jaws, nose, cheeks, lips and chin.

(The writer is Department of Orthodontics head at Sardar Patel Postgraduate Institute of

Dental Sciences, Lucknow)