Orthodontics is a dental discipline that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of malposition of the teeth and their relationship to the jaw bones.
The most common objective of the application of orthodontic treatment is to solve dental crowding, but before applying orthodontic treatment, specialists in dentistry perform a complete study of each case, in order to determine the causes that are causing the malposition of the teeth and / or jaw bones, and thus establish the best treatment to correct them.
Orthodontics in Dentistry
Currently, orthodontics is a discipline closely related to all other therapeutic areas of dentistry. Modern dentistry has a multidisciplinary character, which implies that professionals with different specialties have to coordinate to work together and perform a comprehensive treatment to the patient.
Orthodontics is also necessary for other types of treatment such as cosmetic dentistry, surgical treatment or implant placement.
Techniques and treatment options
- Conventional fixed orthodontics: this is the most typical orthodontic technique, where metal brackets are placed on the outside of the tooth. Currently, for adult patients with esthetic needs, there are clear porcelain brackets; and also brackets with a specific design, called “low friction”, which allows a significant reduction in the duration of treatment.
- Lingual fixed orthodontics: brackets are placed on the inside of the teeth, i.e. inside the mouth, which allows the braces to be hidden.
- Invisible orthodontics without brackets: sequential use of transparent splints that are imperceptible to others.
Benefits of orthodontics for children and adults.
For adolescent children:
- Guides and controls the correct growth and position of the jaws.
- Controls the correct eruption and functional and esthetic placement of permanent teeth.
- Prevents the appearance of future problems arising from dental crowding or malposition of the jaws.
For adults:
- Improves facial aesthetics, creating wide smiles.
- Facilitates teeth cleaning and reduces the risk of periodontal disease.
- Extends the life of teeth and prevents or reduces jaw joint muscle pain.