Article
Othodontics
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that corrects the position of teeth. Orthodontists correct irregular teeth by using orthodontic appliances, and the most commonly used appliance of choice is described as a fixed appliance. These are either metal or ceramic appliances attached to the teeth with dental adhesive, called train-tracks by most patients. These appliances help to align the teeth.
What does an Orthodontist do?
People with irregular teeth often feel unhappy and self-conscious about their smile. Patients tell us that this is particularly the case when they meet new people or have to speak in public. Straightening just a few teeth can transform a self conscious and relatively unhappy individual into someone outgoing and confident.
Stages of Orthodontic treatment for Cleft Lip & Palate
Orthodontics and Alveolar Bone Grafting
Patients with a cleft of the gum (alveolus) have an operation to fill the gap in the bone when the second teeth are coming through. The orthodontist enlarges the area around the cleft to allow easier access for the surgeon to replace the missing bone. This is carried out from around the age of 8, well before the eruption of the upper canine tooth. The surgeon will then graft new bone (taken from the hip or shin) into the gap which will hold the tooth firmly in place. This bone graft is crucial as it allows the orthodontist to help straighten the upper teeth, which may be required later on in treatment.
Conventional Orthodontics
The second phase of treatment is carried out in early adolescence when the majority of the permanent adult teeth have erupted. This is where the orthodontist addresses the issue of crowning, if the bite was slightly irregular. He/ She will also take into consideration the and shape and colour of the teeth. At this stage the orthodontist will work closely with colleagues who specialise in restorative dentistry.
Combined Orthodontic and Orthognathic surgery
If the patient has a smaller upper jaw compared to the lower jaw, this results in the patient’s bite being reversed, i.e. the upper teeth biting behind the lower teeth. This can not only cause problems with the way the patient bites, but will also affect appearance, possibly leading to the patient becoming very self conscious.
Orthodontists work in harmony with their surgical colleagues to help address all these issues, in combined orthodontic and orthognathic treatment. The orthodontist co-ordinates the positioning of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws, using fixed appliances. This allows the surgeon to then reposition the upper and lower jawbones to produce a better facial profile, and correct the position of the teeth so that the patient’s bite is in the ideal position. This can only be carried out when the bones in the patient’s face have stopped growing; this is on average after the patient’s 16th birthday for young ladies, and 17-18 for young men.
In summary
An orthodontist is involved in the care and management of children with clefts from a very early age right through to adolescence and sometimes into early adulthood. Orthodontics is very rewarding for both the patient and the clinicians involved – though there can be challenges and some discomfort along the way.
2 comments
I was wondering if invisalign is available in India, and if it is, how much does it cost for the whole treatment? Also, what is the price range for normal stainless steel braces? Thanks in advance for your help.
surgery
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