Orthodontics is a department of dentistry which treats the malocclusion which is a condition in which teeth are not correctly positioned when mouth is closed. This causes an improper bite. An orthodontist specializes in making your teeth straight.
The orthodontic devices can either be fixed or they can be removable.
The braces consist of brackets, wires, and bands.
If a child loses a baby tooth, a space maintainer will stop two teeth on either side of the spaces from moving into it until the adult tooth comes through.
These are an alternative to fixed-space maintainers.
These appliances can help in controlling the tongue thrusting or thumb sucking.
Aligners are an alternative to braces which are removable and almost invisible as they are made of clear plastic.
These are specially made for relieving the pressure of cheeks or lips on the teeth.
The appliance is designed for making the arch of the upper jaw wider.
The retainers are used once the braces are removed to stop the teeth from moving back to their original position.
People suffering from:
The treatment usually begins at the age of 12 or 13 when the adult teeth have just developed. Children with cleft lip and palate may need orthodontic treatment before the adult teeth have developed completely.
The assessment will include:
While the dentist specializes in the broader area of oral health such as preventing infections and dealing with the teeth, jaw, nerves, and other aspects, the orthodontist specifically deals with bite and straightening of teeth.