Orthodontics is an area of dentistry that diagnoses and corrects teeth and jaw alignment problems. At Dr. Belokar’s Dental Clinic, we specializes in treating patients with improper positioning of teeth when the mouth is closed (malocclusion), which results in an improper bite. Orthodontics also includes treating and controlling various aspects of facial growth (dentofacial orthopedics) and the shape and development of the jaw.
When teeth don’t line up properly it can cause problems such as uneven wear on teeth and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. The corrections are done with braces which can be Metal, Clear (Teeth colour), invisible which can be lingual fixed or Clear/Invisible trays. In addition to braces‚ orthodontists sometimes use special appliances (called functional appliances) to direct the growth of the jaw in young children.
Types of Orthodontic problems
Some common orthodontic problems are: Excessive overbite, Underbite, Protruded teeth, Gaps and Crowded teeth.
Types of Braces/ Orthodontic Treatment options
- Metal braces are made from high-grade stainless steel and are the most common type of braces in use. They use elastic ties to hold the wire into the bracket.
- Clear braces are an option for adult treatment‚ as the brackets are made from clear material. They are less conspicuous compared to metal counterparts.
- Self-ligation is an advanced form of technology that can reduce the time you need to wear braces. It uses a high-tech wire system that is more comfortable than traditional braces and usually requires fewer adjustments reducing the number of visits and time.
- Lingual braces are braces bonded to the back of the teeth making them invisible to other people. Hence‚ lingual braces are a cosmetic alternative to those who do not wish the braces to be visible. But not all patients are suitable candidate for lingual braces treatment. The orthodontist also needs specialized training to offer lingual braces option to patients.
- Invisible braces uses clear removable tooth-aligners that gradually move your teeth without use of fixed braces. However, not all problems can be corrected with this type of treatment. It is imperative that the patient undergoes a thorough examination by the orthodontist for this treatment to be advised.
