Orthodontics

   Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is "malocclusion", which means "bad bite". The practice of Orthodontics involves the design, application and control of corrective appliances (such as braces) to bring the teeth, jaws and lips into proper alignment and to achieve facial balance. The most commonly treated orthodontic problems include:

Crowding and misalignment: teeth may be aligned poorly because the dental arch is small and/or the teeth are large. Crowding can lead to impacted (unerupted) teeth, a poor bite and, in extreme cases, bone and gum loss and facial irregularities.

Protruding upper teeth: upper front teeth that protrude beyond normal contact with the lower front teeth are prone to injury, may indicate a poor bite of the back teeth (molars), and may be accompanied by unevenness in jaw growth. Often, protruded upper teeth are associated with a lower jaw that is relatively short in proportion to the upper jaw.

Bite problems: deep overbite ("deep bite") occurs when the lower front teeth (incisors) bite too close or into the gum tissue behind the upper teeth, causing excessive wear on the incisor teeth, discomfort and, in some cases, bone damage. Other bite problems include an open bite (the upper and lower incisor teeth do not touch when biting down), underbite (lower jaw protrusion), and crossbite (upper teeth bite insife the lower teeth).

Orthodontic treatment is accomplished by use of custom-made appliances such as braces: by placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth through their supporting bone to a new desired position.

Left untreated, orthodontic problems will become worse and will become increasingly harder to correct over time. Early orthodontic treatment can make a profound difference in self-esteem, social and career success throughout life.