Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics is the specialty which deals with prevention and correction of all dental and dento-facial discrepancies including teeth and jaws protruding out, teeth out of alignment (crooked), inter-dental spaces, and disproportionate jaws, in the young or in grown-ups, for results with pleasing esthetics and proper function and health.

The Orthodontic facilities are comprehensive and advanced, with use of the highest quality material and techniques. The TMJ (jaw joint) treatment and evaluation receives careful consideration. Orthodontics often can produce dramatic results and beautiful smiles in the growing child.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the specialized branch of dental science which deals with correction of position of teeth and the upper and lower jaws during and after growth of a person.

Fault in position of teeth (orthodontic problems ) may arise due to a multitude of factors but are associated with causes or disturbances during growth of the child i.e. commonly - decayed milk (deciduous ) teeth , oral habits , constant nose/throat infections, etc. and also due to what may be inherited from parents (referred to as genetic causes).

Orthodontic treatment possibilities are based on the ability to move teeth within the bone by applying force and the ability to mould bone itself especially during growth of a child. So the key to good results is so often the utilization of growth of a child.

Benefits

Orthodontic treatment promotes a healthy smile, pleasing looks (esthetics), healthier teeth and gums and a better bite for normal chewing and function.

Orthodontics plays an important role in improving overall oral health and achieving balance and harmony between the face and teeth for a beautiful, healthy smile, which may enhance one’s self esteem.

Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and so the tendency to decay may be decreased as may be the likelihood of developing disease of the gums and supporting bone. Also, well aligned teeth are less likely to experience wearing down of teeth.

Because of the individual conditions present and the limitations of treatment imposed by nature, each specific benefit may not be attainable for each patient.

Scope of orthodontic correction varies from individual or multiple teeth position correction, orthopedic or bone changes and teeth-bone ‘orthognathic’ correction by combining with surgery.

Orthodontics at Any Age

A variety of conditions, obvious or innocuous may require orthodontic correction and accordingly age or time of correction may differ, sometimes significantly. But again generally speaking, most orthodontic interventions are done at the age of 9 to 12 years, a little earlier perhaps in girls than in boys.

However people of any age can benefit from orthodontic treatment provided the teeth are healthy. A healthy bite and good looking smile is as important at the age of 60 as it is at 16.

How long does treatment take?

The amount of time depends on your age, the seriousness of your problem and the treatment technique used. Treatment generally involves a visit to your orthodontist on a regular basis over a period of months to years. In general, it takes 1-2 years.