Orthodontics
Braces 
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry specializing in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Braces are appliances used to correct the irregularities. Poorly arranged teeth can easily break, cause chewing difficulties, TMJ disorders, unesthetic appearance. and decay easily. 

There are currently over four million children and adults in USA going through orthodontic treatment; the majority are in their early teens and almost 20% are adults. Successful orthodontics can be performed on adults. 

Topics of Interest: 

ORTHODONTIC CLASSIFICATION
 
The majority of jaw and teeth misalignments are hereditary, while other local factors such as thumb sucking, abundant cavities, gum disease, trauma and premature loss of teeth can also result in a crooked and mal-aligned teeth. The simple explanations of either jaw or teeth size discrepancies are:    
 
    Class I occlusion: When the 1st molar and the anterior teeth are correctly in position. The 1st lower molars are half-a-cusp distance in front of the upper 1st molar, and the upper front teeth are 2-3mm over the lower incisors.  

    Class II occlusion: The lower 1st molar is further back than the normal position and the upper incisors may be protruding forward. This will give the impression of bucked teeth and/or the lower jaw being smaller than the upper jaw. In some instances the lower lip may fall under the upper incisors.  

    Class III occlusion: The lower 1st molar is forward compared to its natural position, the upper anterior teeth fall behind the lower ones and the person appears to have a protruded lower jaw.

EXAMINATION
 
At your initial exam the Orthodontist will go over your medical and dental history. X-rays, photos and impressions of your teeth are taken. A tailored treatment is then formed to meet your needs and a rough estimate of treatment time is given.  
TREATMENT 
 
In majority of cases where braces are used, it will include Brackets, a piece of specially shaped metal or ceramic that is attached to each tooth by bonding. An Archwire, a piece of wire bent to the way your teeth are to be aligned is used to straighten your teeth. The archwire is attached to the brackets on your teeth by elastics, as the wire tries to go back to the way it originally was, in it will gently move the teeth along with it. 
MAINTENANCE 
 
During treatment the brackets, archwire and the elastics can cause food to easily become trapped and plaque build up increases. Optimum oral hygiene is essential or the chances of decay and gum disease are highly increased. Depending on the extent of treatment, retainers may be required to stabilize the new positions of your teeth. They usually need to be worn at night and the length of time is determined by the Orthodontist. In some cases the lower anterior teeth may be stabilized using a fixed splint, which is a thin metal wire bonded onto the back of the lower incisors.  
 
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