Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Orthodontic treatment can be done in every age. If you start treatment in time,it can take less time and the result will be better and effective. Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean, are at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay and periodontal disease, and cause extra stress on the chewing muscles that can lead to headaches, TMJ syndrome and neck, shoulder and back pain. Teeth that are crooked or not in the right place can also detract from one's appearance. The benefits of orthodontic treatment include a healthier mouth, a more pleasing appearance, and teeth that are more likely to last a lifetime. If you have any of the following, you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment: Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, Open bite, Misplaced midline, Spacing Crowding.
Fixed appliances include:
- The desired result may be achieved within a few months to a few years. In order to reach the best result braces are usually adjusted monthly.
- Special fixed appliances — used to control thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, these appliances are attached to the teeth by bands.
- Fixed space maintainers — if a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a space maintainer is used to keep the space open until the permanent tooth erupts.
- Aligners — an alternative to traditional braces for adults, serial aligners are being used by an increasing number of orthodontists to move teeth in the same way that fixed appliances work, only without metal wires and brackets.
- Jaw repositioning appliances — also called splints, these devices are worn on either upper or lower jaw, and help train the jaw to close in a more favorable position.
- Lip and cheek bumpers — these are designed to keep the lips or cheeks away from the teeth.
- Palatal expander — a device used to widen the arch of the upper jaw. It is a plastic plate that fits over the roof of the mouth.
- Removable retainers — worn on the roof of the mouth, these devices prevent shifting of the teeth to their previous position.
- Headgear — with this device, a strap is placed around the back of the head and attached to a metal wire in front, or face bow.
