Orthodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry concerned with the development and management of irregularities and abnormalities of the teeth, jaws and face. The technical term for these problems is "malocclusion," which means "bad bite." 

The aim of Orthodontics is to produce a healthy, functional bite, creating greater resistance to disease and improving personal appearance. This contributes to mental and physical well-being.

The benefits of undergoing a course of treatment are as follows:

• Improvement in facial aesthetics
• Improvements in the function of the dentition
• Prevention of trauma to prominent teeth and treatment of impacted teeth
• Improved resistance of dental disease

What causes orthodontic problems (malocclusions)?
Most malocclusions are inherited, but some are acquired. Inherited problems include crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra or missing teeth, and a wide variety of other irregularities of the jaws, teeth and face.

Acquired malocclusions can be caused by trauma (accidents), thumb, finger or dummy (pacifier) sucking, airway obstruction by tonsils and adenoids, dental disease or premature loss of primary (baby) or permanent teeth. Whether inherited or acquired, many of these problems affect not only alignment of the teeth but also facial development and appearance as well.

In general, active treatment time with orthodontic appliances (braces) ranges from one to three years. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take only a few months. The actual time depends on the growth of the patient’s mouth and face, the cooperation of the patient and the severity of the problem. Mild problems usually require less time, and some individuals respond faster to treatment than others. Use of rubber bands and/or headgear, if prescribed by the orthodontist, contributes to completing treatment as scheduled.

While orthodontic treatment requires a time commitment, patients are rewarded with healthy teeth, proper jaw alignment and a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Teeth and jaws in proper alignment look better, work better, contribute to general physical health and can improve self-confidence.

At what age can people have orthodontic treatment?
Children and adults can both benefit from orthodontics, because healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. Because monitoring growth and development is crucial to managing some orthodontic problems well, we recommend that all children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7. Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.

An orthodontic evaluation at any age is advisable if a parent, family dentist or the patient’s physician has noted a problem.

Orthodontists routinely discuss fee arrangements after individual examinations. gerneally, fees may be paid over extended periods during the course of treatment.

Functional appliances have been the source of some controversy because it is claimed that they can make bone grow (especially of the lower jaw) and enlarge the jaws enough to make extraction of adult teeth unnecessary and to improve the top to bottom jaw relationship.

Unfortunately, these claims have no scientific evidence to support them.
As a treatment choice they are better used for a relatively rare type of malocclusion (bad bite) rather than for every sort of bite or cosmetic problem.

Using functional appliances “or removable plates” without thinking of their problems or limitations may mean longer treatment times and/or poorer results which often require the use of “braces” to complete the treatment.

Another risk is instability of the lower front teeth as these plates tend to tip these teeth too far forward and the teeth end up tipping back again and crowding up at the same time.

Functional appliances are often used in European countries where the health system favours relatively inexpensive, mass treatment choices for orthodontic problems based on an “improvement of” rather than “correction of” the problem.

Because functional appliances can be made quickly and inexpensively and have seemingly simple ways of moving teeth they have found favour with dentists wanting to do some orthodontic treatment. These general dentists usually take week-long courses to learn how to use these appliances, without undertaking the extra 3 years full time university training required to become an orthodontist. Without undertaking such a formalised training programme they are not recognized legally by the Dental Council of New Zealand and cannot call themselves Orthodontists.

Orthodontists may use functional appliances for selected problems, but use braces and bands glued to, or around, the teeth to treat most orthodontic problems because they offer more control of teeth movements, are more efficient in correcting the original problem and usually are more comfortable than functional appliances.