What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the field of dentistry that specialised in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. These problems are classified as malocclusions, meaning “bad bite”.
Common malocclusions include:
Painful or difficulty chewing
Facial muscle or jaw pain
Permanent teeth coming in (erupting) from the incorrect position
Speech difficulties
Misaligned, twisted or gapped teeth
Overbite
Common Orthodontic treatments
During childhood, functional orthopaedic* appliances can be used to expand or change the jaw position. Functional appliances are usually removable plates that fit over the teeth and change the bite to achieve a more desirable jaw position.
After the orthopaedic treatment with functional appliances, fixed braces treatment usually follows. If your child is 12 or 13 years old, this may be the stage that their treatment will begin using fixed braces to straighten their teeth.
Orthodontic treatment using braces usually begins when most of the permanent teeth have erupted.
*Orthopaedic to mean manipulating the bone, orthodontics to manipulate the teeth.
Fixed appliances (braces)
Braces consist of brackets, which are adhered to the tooth surface and wires, which connect to each of the brackets.
The wire, which is under tension, applies pressure to the teeth and gradually moves each tooth into the correct position. The wire is adjusted at regular intervals to ensure the correct tension and movement of the teeth.
In addition to the braces, elastics (rubber bands) and can also be used which hook on to the braces to apply additional pressure to help move groups of teeth, or the jaw, into better alignment.
Fixed braces are the most common orthodontic treatment for kids and teenagers and provide the best possible outcome.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
The invisalign system is a sequence of clear removable aligners which offer a good alternative to braces - especially for adults concerned about wearing noticeable fixed braces.
Typically each aligner is worn for 2 weeks before replacing it with the next aligner in the sequence.
Invisalign can be used to treat a wide variety of malocclusions including:
Over / under / cross / open bite
Gap teeth
Crowded teeth
Misaligned teeth
