Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. It plays a crucial role in enhancing oral health, function, and aesthetics. Orthodontists are dental professionals with advanced training and expertise in designing and implementing treatment plans to achieve proper alignment of teeth and jaws. 

Conditions Treated By The Department

• Crowded Teeth: This occurs when there is insufficient space for teeth to grow properly, leading to overlapping or misaligned teeth.
• Overbites: In an overbite, the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth, often causing aesthetic and functional issues.
• Underbites: An underbite is characterized by the lower front teeth extending further forward than the upper front teeth.
• Crossbites: This occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, causing misalignment.
• Open Bites: An open bite is a gap between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are clenched.
• Protruding Teeth: When upper front teeth project too far forward, they can be at risk of injury and often affect facial aesthetics.

Key Procedures

• Braces: The most common orthodontic treatment, involving the use of metal, ceramic, or plastic brackets attached to the teeth, connected by wires and elastic bands to gradually move teeth into the desired position.
• Invisalign and Other Clear Aligners: These are transparent, plastic forms of dental braces used to adjust teeth, offering a less visible alternative to traditional braces.
• Palatal Expanders: A device used to widen the upper jaw so that the upper and lower teeth fit together better.
• Retainers: Worn after braces are removed, retainers help to keep teeth in their new position. They can be removable or fixed to the teeth.
• Headgear: A type of orthodontic appliance attached to the braces and worn externally to apply additional force to the teeth, often used to correct more significant misalignments.
• Space Maintainers: Used for children to keep a space open until a permanent tooth emerges, especially when a baby tooth has been lost prematurely.
• Lingual Braces: Similar to traditional braces, the brackets and wires are placed on the inside of teeth, making them invisible from the outside.
• Orthodontic Mini-Screws (Temporary Anchorage Devices - TADs): Small temporary screws that can be used to provide anchorage for moving teeth, especially in complex cases.
• Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): For severe cases, surgery to the jaw might be necessary to correct misalignment and improve the ability to chew, speak, and breathe.
• Dental X-Rays and 3D Imaging: Used for diagnosis and planning of orthodontic treatment.
• Customized Appliances: Specialized appliances, such as Herbst or Mara appliances, may be used, particularly in growing children, to correct overbites by encouraging lower jaw growth.
• Interceptive Orthodontics: Early intervention treatments in children to guide jaw growth and correct bite problems, such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting habits.

Key Advantages

• Improved Oral Health: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: Orthodontic treatment leads to a more pleasing smile and improved facial aesthetics, boosting confidence and self-esteem.
• Optimized Bite Function: Correcting bite issues improves chewing and speech, reducing the risk of jaw pain and discomfort.
• Prevention of Dental Trauma: Properly aligned teeth are less prone to injury from accidental impacts.
• Addressing Speech Problems: Orthodontic treatment can help correct speech difficulties caused by misaligned teeth or jaws.
• Long-term Health Benefits: Well-aligned teeth contribute to overall oral health, potentially reducing the risk of systemic health issues related to oral hygiene

Call 011-42888888 to book an appointment with a specialist at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.