The Tribune

MOST laymen refer to orthodontics as “braces for teeth.”

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a speciality service of dentistry that deals with the misalignment of the teeth. An orthodontist is the clinical specialist that treats these misaligned (crooked) teeth. Some general dentists with special related training also offer braces treatment.

In the early days of orthodontics, it was a common belief that braces treatment was only for children. One of the biggest revolutions came when orthodontists incorporated adults in the mix. Nowadays, almost every orthodontic practice caters to adults and children.

What are the goals

orthodontics?

The goals of orthodontics are to restore function and aesthetics to misaligned teeth. The face and the facial profile are also very special considerations

Teeth that are out of line do not chew properly. With effective orthodontic treatment, persons who once had ‘out of line teeth’ begin to function optimally for the first time.

The production of aesthetics is always a part of the treatment.

Orthodontics

and aesthetics

Crooked front teeth look bad. I can think of a few instances where misaligned teeth are part of the signature look of some Hollywood actors. Every now and then these smiles can look okay, but in most instances they do not.

Crooked teeth are also a particular concern for teenagers. Many teens are the butt of jokes because of their misaligned teeth. This often has negative effects on them socially speaking, and sometimes reduces the self-esteem and confidence of a young person. This is really a pointed issue in teen girls.

How did orthodontic challenges begin?

It is all in the genes. When a child has small jaws and the incoming adult teeth are large, a tooth size/jaw size discrepancy begins. When the teeth crowd the jaws, the need for space arises and so does the need for braces to guide the process. The good news is that because of the jawbone structure of children, their teeth can move easily resulting in early positive results with treatments.

Types of braces

Braces can be ‘removable’ or ‘fixed’ depending on the treatment modality sought by the dentist. With fixed braces, the orthodontic brackets are bonded to the teeth. With removal braces, the patient is directed by the dentist and can remove and return the appliances into, and out of the mouth.

In the early days of orthodontics, the silver brackets dominated and most people saw them as unsightly. With the passing of time, clear brackets were introduced and most persons found them more pleasing to look at in their mouths.

Braces for adults

Adults can benefit greatly from orthodontic treatment. Their crooked teeth generally have been left over from their childhood. Many adults hide their teeth and their smile because of these misalignments. The good news is that in 12 to 36 months most adults can have a fabulous smile for the first time.

Conclusion

Whenever possible, parents should look after the misalignment of their children’s teeth and seek early orthodontic intervention. Some children can be adversely affected by having misaligned teeth. As for adults, the days are gone when crooked teeth are a life sentence. More and more modern adults are seeking and accepting braces to correct their crooked teeth.