Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that is concerned with the study of growth of teeth, jaws and face and with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites). The word orthodontics has origine from Greek word orthos-straight or proper, and odus-tooth. Malocclusions can be a result of genetic or environmental factors. They can be expressed as irregularities of teeth alignment, disproportions between teeth and jaw size, discrepancies of jaw relationship etc.

Edward Angle, an American dentist, was the first one that not only defined orthodontics as a new specialty, but also gave a great contribute in the development of orthodontics. He is considered the “Father” of Modern Orthodontics.

Later Orthodontics evolved during the 20th century, and especially in these first years of the new millennium. New techniques and modern materials improved the whole process, in both diagnostic and treatment aspect.

Orthodontics for Children
It’s best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually erupted by that time and eventual problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaws and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need of permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.

Planning now can save your smile later
Children grow rapidly, and can benefit enormously from orthodontic treatment utilizing appliances that direct the growth of the upper and lower jaws. Thus, a good foundation can be established, providing adequate room for eruption of all permanent teeth. This may prevent later removal of permanent teeth to correct crowding and/or surgical procedures. Leaving such a condition untreated until all permanent teeth erupt, could result in a jaw discrepancy too severe to achieve an ideal result with braces.

Orthodontic treatment can be carried out with success at any age and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Jaw surgery is more often required for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws are not growing. Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during, and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable.

A very valuable role of orthodontic treatment is as adjunctive for prosthetic patients. These kinds of treatments prepare (straighten) the teeth for prosthetic constructions.

Personal records to determine your unique treatment
Orthodontic records will be necessary to determine the type of treatment, appliances to be used, the duration of treatment time, and the frequency of visits. Records consist of models of the teeth, x-rays of the jaws and all the teeth-Orthopantomograms (OPG), and photographs. In special occasions Cephalograms (x-ray of the whole head, usually in profile) are needed.