Orthodontics

Orthodontics is probably the most common and well-known field of dentistry. Most people do not know that orthodontics is a field of dentistry, however, most orthodontists are actually dentists. In addition, most of us at some point will come into contact with an orthodontist, whether we need work done, or our children do. Orthodontists most often deal with patients who have oddities in their smile. This can include, but not be limited to, incorrect jaw bites, crooked teeth, gapped teeth, over bites, under bites, and any other improper growths of the teeth.

Orthodontic treatment can focus on dental displacement only, or can deal with the control or modification of facial growth. This is called "dentofacial orthopedics". Many people only have orthodontic treatment for the cosmetic effects such as teeth straightening. However treatment is often prescribed for necessary reasons. Patients are usually referred by their dentist to an orthodontist for jaw or bite irregularities. Dr. Edward H. Angle was the first orthodontist including the first dentist to limit his practice to orthodontics only.

Dentist must have postgraduate work in order to attain an orthodontic license. This usually means they have to attend one of the schools in the United States that has programs offering these types of degrees. Most orthodontists usually need to attend school for two to three years and take a combination of full time classes and clinical work. Orthodontist institutions usually require candidates to apply and interview for their job.

In diagnosis and treatment planning, the orthodontist must:

• Recognize the various characteristics of malocclusion and dentofacial deformity.
• Define the nature of the problem.
• Design a treatment strategy based on the specific needs and desires of the individual.
• Come up with a treatment strategy that patients fully understand and one by which they understand the financial obligations of the process.

If the main goal of the treatment is the teeth displacement, orthodontists usually use brackets to align the teeth. In this case orthodontic wires are inserted into braces, which can be made from stainless steel or other materials.

Braces with a power chain, removed after completion of treatment.

Also removable appliances, or "plates", headgear, expansion appliances, and many other devices can be used to move teeth. Functional and orthopedics appliances are used in growing patients with the aim to modify the jaw dimensions and relationship if these are altered. This therapy is frequently followed by a fixed multi-bracket therapy to align the teeth and refine the occlusion.

Hawley retainers are the most common type of retainers. This picture shows retainers for the top and bottom of the mouth. After a course of active orthodontic treatment, patients will often wear retainers, which will maintain the teeth in their improved position while the surrounding bone reforms around them. They are often worn at night or for other periods for up to a year. However, some orthodontists now insert permanent retainers, which are thin wires that go behind the top and bottom front teeth.