Orthodontics

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaws. Orthodontists also have specialized training in facial abnormalities and disorders of the jaw.

What's the Difference Between Orthodontist and Dentist?

A Dentist graduates from dental school they can further there education by specializing in a branch of dentistry such as orthodontics by taking a 2 - 3 year residency program.  A dentist can only call themselves an orthodontist after completing this required advanced specialized education.

Can a Dentist Provide You With Orthodontic Treatment?  

Yes, a dentist that does not have the specialized designation of orthodontist can provide you with a wide variety of orthodontic treatment.  However, many general dentists choose to refer complex and challenging ortho patients to the specialized orthodontists.  This is not to say that a general dentist cannot provide you with great results through orthodontic care.  As with any major decision make sure you check the dentist's credentials and experience.

What's the Quickest Way to Straighten Teeth?

The one drawback to orthodontic care, especially as an adult, is the length of time it takes to complete treatment.  There are many new technologies today that make wearing dental braces less visible. Some treatment options can accelerate the time it takes to correct your bad bite or crooked teeth.  The best way to determine a treatment option is to have a consultation with a dentist that provides orthodontic care or a specialized orthodontist.

What Are the Benefits of Straight Teeth Using Orthodontics or Other Method of Straightening Teeth?  

Straightening your teeth with traditional orthodontics allows you to keep your natural teeth without having to remove natural tooth structure.  If your teeth are healthy and just need to be aligned, orthodontics will allow you to preserve your natural teeth.  Whereas another equally popular alternative to braces "porcelain veneers" allows you to give the appearance of perfectly straight teeth in as little as two visits, however in most cases the dentist will have to prepare your teeth to fit the veneers which mean removing tooth structure. There are so many different ways to straighten teeth today thanks to improved technology and greater competition.  The dental consumer with crooked teeth now has many choices. Invisible braces come in many different forms.  The term invisible is used in so many different applications.  For example, orthodontic appliances / aligners from companies like Invisalign and Orthoclear are made of clear plastic and are removable; however it would be more appropriate to say "nearly invisible".  They are a great option for adults and teens that want a solution to straighten their teeth without the traditional wires. 

Why choose orthodontic treatment?

Any orthodontic problem may be classified as a malocclusion, or "bad bite." The following problems may be helped or minimized with proper orthodontic treatment:

• misaligned, crooked, or crowed teeth
• missing teeth
• extra teeth
• an overbite
• an under bite
• misaligned or incorrect jaw position
• a disorder of the jaw joint

Orthodontic appliance

Dental clasps are removable secured to teeth in part by wire ears engaging the natural undercut of the teeth and in part by engagement with buttons adhered to the teeth. Clasps are modified for the above purpose and also form combinations to engage different areas of teeth to correct various occlusions. Preferably the clasps are encased in molded plastic appliances which fit a single arch or a portion thereof or fit both arches. The plastic appliance preferably does not cover the occlusal surfaces; hence the patient's mouth may close to a more normal position. The buttons are shaped to facilitate installation of the appliance, as by tapering the outside surface of the button or the slot in the button which receives the clasp.