DENTAL SERVICES

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics or Braces is the science in dentistry that deals with the straightening of crooked teeth. It treats any type of malocclusion that can damage the structure, function and the appearance of teeth and jaws.

What causes misaligned teeth?

Malocclusion or crooked teeth can be an inherited condition, meaning it may be passed from one generation to other.
Malocclusion is also caused because of the issues with the size and shape of the jaw or teeth. One of the common causes of crooked teeth is too much or too little space in the jaw. If a child has small jaw, the teeth may grow in crooked or crowded manner. If the jaw is too big and there is much space in the jaw, the teeth may have gaps in between or drift out of place.

There are few other habits or conditions that may change the shape and structure of the jaw. These include:

• Use of a pacifier
• Prolonged bottle feeding
• Thumb Sucking
• Injuries resulting misalignment of the jaw
• Tumors in the mouth or jaw
• Poor dental care i.e. improper fitting of crowns or braces
• One should get a check-up done for a child at the age of 6-8 years to ensure that his/her teeth will erupt in the desired manner.There are many simple techniques that can be used to avoid crooked teeth if corrective measures are taken in early stages. This is known as preventive orthodontics.
• Age group between 10 -14 is ideal to get teeth straightened,we can take advantage of the growing age to solve many complex problems.

Types of braces:

1. Fixed Braces
These are the braces, which are stuck onto the teeth with the help of chemicals. Broadly speaking, they are made up of steel or tooth-coloured ceramic. With the help of wire elastics, e-chains the teeth are pushed back.
Fixed braces are used in cases where irregularity of teeth or malocclusion is more. Proper care should be taken in terms of brushing & cleaning of teeth regularly.
Types:

• Steel
• Ceramic
• Lingual
• Invisible (invisalign)

2. Removable Appliances
These are the appliances which are made of acrylic (tooth-coloured or pink) and can be worn and removed by the patients. These are usually used for minor teeth and jaw corrections.
They are very aesthetic and they are required to be worn for 24 hours by the patient. These are usually called plates and need activation or supervision by an orthodontist every 1 month or 15 days.

• Different Types of Removable Appliances
• Appliances for minor teeth correction
• Habit breaking appliances
• Retention appliances
• Jaw correction appliances
• Jaw expansion appliances

What are invisible or Invisalign braces?

The invisible or INVISALIGN braces are totally different from routine metal or ceramic braces. As the word suggests they are totally transparent and no wires or brackets are necessary to move the teeth.

The Invisalign braces are very comfortable to wear and do not interfere in day to day activities like eating certain food or brushing and flossing. These are to be removed while eating and brushing and still work wonderfully to straighten your teeth.
The Invisalign aligners come in sets of aligners which are to be changed every 10 to 15 days and you yourself can change the aligner without visiting the dental office. Thus the treatment appointments are long and of short duration.