Basic Orthodontics

One of the common situation for orthodontic treatment is due to the overcrowding of teeth.

ANTEROPROSTERIOR DISCREPANCIES
These are deviations between the teeth located in the upper jaw, with those of the lower jaw in the anteroprosterior direction. Example of this is when the upper teeth is far forward in relation to the lower teeth.

CROWDING OF TEETH
In this kind of situation, there is not enough room for the normal number of adult teeth to grow into. Sometimes, to solve this problem, extraction of teeth is needed in order to make room for the remaining teeth to grow into.

Not everyone is gifted with a perfect smile and a perfect bite. Even way back in history, irregular position of the teeth has been a problem to some. That is why there is orthodontics.
Orthodontics deals with the treatment of improper bites, which are caused by irregularity of the tooth or disproportionate jaw relationships. Sometimes, it is caused by both.The treatment can be carried out for improvement of the patient’s teeth or even for cosmetic reasons.
In 1850, Dr. Norman Kingsley was the first dentist to use extraoral force to correct the teeth which are protruding. However, very few of the people who lived in this era had a complete set of teeth.

The types of removable appliances are the following:

ALIGNERS: These are alternative to braces and most preferred by adults. They are almost invisible and are removed during meals and brushing.

REMOVABLE SPACE MAINATAINERS: They have the same function as fixed maintainers.

JAW REPOSITIONING APPLIANCE: They are also sometimes called splints and are worn on either the upper or lower jaw and helps the jaw close in a right way.

LIP AND CHEEK BUMPERS: These help the lips or cheeks to stay away from the teeth. These help relieve the pressure exerted by the lips or cheeks.

REMOVABLE RETAINERS: These are worn on the roof of the mouth and prevent the teeth to shifting to their original position.

To bring the desired results, braces are adjusted on a monthly basis. The treatment can last for a few months to about a few years. Braces today are lighter and far more contains less metal than the braces in the past. They also come in clear or different colors depending on the patient’s preference.

SPECIAL FIXED APPLIANCE: This method is used to control thumb-sucking or thrusting of the tongue. They are attached to the teeth with the help of bands. They are very uncomfortable to wear during meals, that is why, most orthodontist only use these as a last resort.

FIXED SPACE MAINTAINERS: This is used when a baby tooth is lost to maintain the space until the permanent tooth grows.

Different kinds of appliances are used to repair the displacement of the teeth. These appliances can be removed or fixed, and works by applying enough pressure on the teeth and jaws.

Kinds of fixed appliances:

BRACES: These are the most common type of appliance used. They usually consist of bands, wires and/or brackets. The bands are used as anchor and are fixed around the tooth/teeth. Brackets on the other hand, are placed in the front of the tooth. The archwires are attached to the bands. Tightening them will put tension in the teeth and will help them move in the right position.

UNDERBITE: This condition gives the person a ‘bulldog’ appearance. The lower teeth stick out or the lower teeth are too far behind.

CROSSBITE: The upper teeth are not slightly in front of the lower teeth when normally biting together.

OPEN BITE: There is a space between the biting surfaces of the front teeth when the back teeth are biting together.

MISPLACED MIDLINE: This is a condition when the center of the upper teeth is not aligned with the center of the lower teeth.

SPACING: These are gaps or spaces in between teeth that are caused by a missing tooth.

CROWDING: this is a condition when there is not enough space to accommodate the teeth.

Orthodontists are specialists who practice in the field of orthodontics. They need to complete two to three years of post-dental education before they can be a certified orthodontist practitioner.
Only these people can know if you need an orthodontic treatment. Based on your health history, x-rays of your teeth and plaster models of your teeth, they can verify if you need a treatment and they will develop a treatment plan suitable for you.

The following conditions may be a factor if you need a treatment:

OVERBITE: This is sometimes called buckteeth. The upper front teeth stick out over the lower teeth.

We all know that too much thumb sucking can definitely effect a child’s dental development. If a child continues to thumbsuck beyond 6 years old, then parents should be concerned. Below are just some tips from the American Dental Association to help children eventually ease out of this habit:

• Praise children for not sucking, instead of scolding them when they are.
• Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure or needing comfort. Focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort to your child.
• For an older child, involve him or her in choosing the method of stopping.
• Your dentist can offer encouragement to a child and explain what could happen to their teeth if they do not stop sucking.
• If the above tips don’t work, remind the child of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night. Your dentist or pediatrician may prescribe a bitter medication to coat the thumb or the use of a mouth appliance.

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