Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws. Malocclusion is not a disease — it is simply a difference in the position of teeth. But it may affect the shape of the face and the appearance of the teeth, resulting in embarrassment, lack of self-confidence, and even depression.
Spacing of teeth, crowding of teeth, and teeth protruding forward are the most common problems faced. The main reasons for such problems are habits, malnutrition, trauma, and diseases. The earlier the patient comes, the less difficult the treatment — saving both time and money. Treatment can be either removable or fixed, depending on the condition. Following instructions before and after treatment will give you back a beautiful smile.
Why Do You Need Braces?
Any dental problem will not go back to its original form unless treated. A dentist always suggests braces if the teeth cannot be corrected by a simple removable appliance. You should visit your dentist if you have lost your baby teeth early, in case of mouth breathing, or difficulty in chewing or biting. Speech difficulty, discomfort in closing the lips, spacing, and protruding teeth are a few more problems that require a dental visit.
Removable Orthodontics
During the age of 7–9 years, for making minor modifications, removable appliances can be given. This is also suggested for getting a limited amount of tooth movement. After fixed orthodontic treatment, a removable appliance is given to the patient to prevent the teeth from moving back to their original position and to keep the moved teeth in place.
Fixed Orthodontics
This type of orthodontic treatment is usually done for a minimum duration of 1 year. It has two parts — one part is fixed to the teeth with the help of cement, over which wires are placed. Wires need to be changed regularly, whereas the fixed part will be removed at the end of the treatment. The ideal age for this treatment is between 11–15 years because most permanent teeth come into the mouth by this age.
Clear Aligners
Dental aligners are one of the most upcoming and latest types of orthodontic treatments. They are made of a special type of transparent plastic material and are used to correct mild to moderate overlapping and gaps between the teeth, retreatment, and simple cases. The average duration of treatment is 12–13 months. The orthodontist makes a mold of the patient's teeth and digitally scans it, then sends it to a lab where dental aligners are custom made. These trays are then placed into the mouth under the supervision of the doctor and regularly monitored.
Appliances for Muscle and Bone Movement
An appliance used during the growing phase of a child to stop abnormal muscle movement and achieve the ideal jaw and teeth position. The ideal age for this treatment is between 10 years and the puberty phase. It cannot be given to adult patients as growth is completed. Since it is given at an early age, psychological disturbances with malalignment of the teeth can be avoided. It also stops habits like thumb sucking.
Habit-Breaking Appliances
Early identification of mal-alignment and starting simple orthodontic treatment is highly beneficial. It reduces the need for various orthodontic treatments at a later stage, which can be complicated and costly. The ideal period for a check-up would be around 9–11 years of age.
Commonly encountered mal-alignments are crooked teeth, crowding of teeth, spacing, proclination, and crossbite. Simple habit-breaking appliances can do wonders for such issues.
Related Services
- Best Dental Aligners in Malkajgiri — affordable and advanced aligner options
- Pediatric Dentistry — early intervention for children's dental habits
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery — orthognathic surgery for severe jaw issues