This section tries to provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Orthodontic treatment. However feel free to contact us if you have any additional query.
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This section tries to provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Orthodontic treatment. However feel free to contact us if you have any additional query.
Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics is the first speciality created in the field of dentistry. It deals with the correction of malocclusion which can either be due to irregularly placed teeth or abnormally positioned jaws. Depending on the cause of the problem and age of the patient a suitable treatment plant is formulated to bring about favorable changes in occlusion which not only improves facial aesthetics but also corrects problems related to speech, mastication, poor oral hygiene etc.
Ideally the first Orthodontic visit should be scheduled at seven years of age. In most cases the problem of malocclusion and unsightly appearance takes years to manifest completely and therefore an early detection makes it possible for the orthodontist to intervene early. In addition the child’s remaining growth can be utilized favorably for correction of the discrepancies of the jaw position.
However with newer materials and techniques it is never too late to undergo Orthodontic treatment. Today it is possible for a seventy or eighty year old patient to successfully undergo a comprehensive or adjunctive Orthodontic treatment.
A large number of people are not able to avail orthodontic treatment in their childhood. Adult Orthodontics is a specialized field in Orthodontics which caters to the Orthodontic needs of adult patient by understanding the peculiarities in the treatment of an adult patient.
With newer materials like Ceramic Braces (tooth colored) and techniques like Lingual Orthodontics it is possible to undergo orthodontic treatment without the aesthetic & social concerns during treatment.Today age is not a bar for undergoing successful Orthodontic treatment. In addition orthodontics can be a very useful adjunct in treatment of other dental problems like missing teeth, inadequate bone at implant site and gums related problems.
The art and science of Orthodontics has seen so much development in the last hundred years that today, for any given problem, we can offer our patients with a wide variety of treatment options depending on his/her age, severity of problem and aesthetic concerns.
When the problem is noticed at an early age it is more amenable to correction by growth modulation. The advantage of these procedures are that, they not only minimize chances of extraction for correction of malocclusion but also provide a more stable and aesthetic treatment outcome. However those who could not benefit from orthodontic treatment at an early age need not loose hope, as even they can greatly enhance their smile and social confidence by undergoing treatment. For those adult patients who are reluctant to undergo treatment because of social reasons there is the option of invisible orthodontics. Today there is no problem or concern which is insurmountable. All you need to do is talk to your Orthodontist.
Earlier, although Orthodontic treatment invariably led to a sparkling, attractive smile and improved overall facial aesthetics, most patients had to contend themselves with a “metallic smile” during the course of treatment. However now with newer materials and techniques it is possible to undergo a successful orthodontic treatment without others knowing about it. In other words the appliances which are used are either truly “invisible” to others or may have very little visibility. This has encouraged an increasing number of adult patients seek orthodontic treatment.
These appliances can be in the form tooth coloured “ceramic” brackets or a set of clear aligner trays which gradually bring about the desired tooth movement. The “Lingual Technique” takes it one step further by being truly invisible as the appliance is fitted on the lingual (back) side of tooth.
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Majority of patient may not need extraction of teeth for successful orthodontic treatment provided they consult the orthodontist at an early age. Ideally the first orthodontic consultation should happen around 7-8 year age group. If the problem is recognised early and intercepted at an early stage chances of it being corrected without extraction increases significantly.
However there are certain conditions which cannot be corrected without extractions. In such cases extractions are carried out under local anaesthesia. This is a minor oral surgical procedure which commonly does not cause much pain or discomfort. There are no adverse effects of extracting healthy teeth, either on the dentition or the eyes. On the other hand a successfully treated patient with well aligned teeth has more chances of preserving his dentition for a longer duration.
Bone, although being one of the hardest substances in the human body, is also the most pliable. Malocclusion as we know can be due to a variety of reasons. One of the most common and important reason for malocclusion is the disharmonious growth between the bones of upper and lower jaw. It can present as excessive growth of one jaw and recessive growth of the other.
Functional & Orthopaedic appliances modulate the growth of jaws (just like a regulator which modulates the speed of your ceiling fan) to bring about harmony in jaw growth. It is important to remember that growth modulation can not take place in the absence of growth. Therefore age of the patient is critical for successful treatment.
Severe dento-facial deformity in adult patients cannot be addressed completely by orthodontic means alone. In such cases, in order to get optimum result, along with the usual orthodontic treatment minor oral surgical procedures may be carried out to harmonize the jaws. These surgeries can drastically improve the aesthetics of the face and smile and hence are becoming increasingly popular with adult patients.