Orthodonti | Definition | Types | Treatments

What is Orthodonti ? 

Orthodonti is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities, such as misaligned teeth and jaws. Orthodonti treatment can improve the function and aesthetics of the teeth and jaws, leading to better oral health and a more confident smile.

There are several types of dental irregularities that orthodontic treatment can address. These include:

1. Crowded or crooked teeth: This is when there is not enough space in the jaw for all of the teeth to fit properly, causing them to overlap or twist.

2. Overbite: An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap with the lower front teeth.

3. Underbite: An underbite is when the lower front teeth protrude in front of the upper front teeth.

4. Crossbite: A crossbite is when the upper teeth are inside the lower teeth when biting down.

5. Open bite: An open bite is when the front teeth do not touch when biting down.

Orthodonti treatment can also address other issues, such as jaw pain, speech difficulties, and sleep apnea.

Orthodonti treatment typically begins with an evaluation by an orthodontist, a dental specialist who has completed additional training in orthodonti. The orthodontist will perform a thorough examination, which may include X-rays, photographs, and impressions of the teeth and jaws. Based on this evaluation, the orthodontist will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the patient's specific needs.

Orthodonti Appliances

There are several types of orthodonti appliances that can be used to move the teeth and jaws into the desired position. The most common type of appliance is braces, which are made up of brackets, wires, and bands that are bonded to the teeth. The brackets hold the wires in place, and the tension from the wires gradually moves the teeth into the correct position. Braces can be made from metal, ceramic, or clear materials, depending on the patient's preference.

Another type of orthodonti appliance is clear aligners, such as Invisalign. These are custom-made, clear plastic trays that are worn over the teeth to gradually move them into the correct position. Clear aligners are removable, which makes them more convenient than braces for some patients. However, they are typically more expensive than braces and may not be suitable for all types of dental irregularities.

Other orthodonti appliances include headgear, which is worn outside of the mouth and attaches to the braces or other appliances to help correct jaw irregularities, and palatal expanders, which are used to widen the upper jaw to create more space for the teeth.

Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment typically takes several months to several years, depending on the severity of the dental irregularities and the type of appliance used. During this time, the patient will need to visit the orthodontist regularly for adjustments and monitoring of their progress.

After the orthodontic treatment is complete, the patient will need to wear a retainer to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original position. The orthodontist will provide specific instructions for retainer wear and care.

Overall, orthodontic treatment can improve the function and aesthetics of the teeth and jaws, leading to better oral health and a more confident smile. If you are interested in orthodontic treatment, talk to your dentist or orthodontist to determine if it is right for you.