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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.

Orthodontic problems

Crowding
Crowding is a common orthodontic problem. Crowded teeth can be unattractive and difficult to clean.

 

 

 

Protruded teeth
Protruded teeth can be unattractive and more prone to damage. The lower front teeth often over-erupt and damage the palate behind the top front teeth.

 

 

Under bite
The lower front teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth. An under bite can be unattractive and can cause uneven wear of the front teeth.

 

 

 

Deep bite
The upper front teeth cover the lower teeth. A deep bite can cause excessive wear of the front teeth and gum damage behind the upper front teeth

 

 

Open bite
An open bite exists when some teeth don't meet. It can cause eating problems, speech problems, and excessive wear of those teeth which do meet. An open bite can also be unattractive.

 

 

 

Cross bite
The upper teeth should fit outside the lower teeth like a lid on a box. If the upper jaw is too narrow, the lower jaw usually swings to one side to allow the teeth to mesh. A crossbite results.

 

 

Missing teeth
Missing teeth can be very unattractive. By moving all teeth into correct position, proper space can be created to facilitate replacement of the missing teeth.

 

 

 

Thumb sucking
Sucking the thumb (or fingers) can deform nearby teeth and supporting bone.

 

 

 

Other problems
An orthodontic opinion might also be sought when there is:

• Difficulty in chewing or biting
• Speech difficulty
• Grinding or clenching of teeth
• Jaws that shift or make sounds

Why is Orthodontic treatment important?

The value of an attractive smile should not be underestimated. A pleasing appearance is a vital asset to one’s self-confidence. A person's self-esteem often improves as treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment may benefit social and career success, as well as improve one’s general attitude toward life.

Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay but also eventual gum disease. Other orthodontic problems may contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth.

When left untreated, many orthodontic problems become worse. Treatment by a specialist to correct the original problem is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat more serious problems that can develop in later years.

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