Orthodontics – A Specialized Field of Dentistry
Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and managing misaligned teeth. It can be used to treat a wide variety of dental problems, from improper bite patterns to malpositioned teeth. In some cases, it may also be used to alter facial growth patterns, which is referred to as dentofacial orthopedics.
Treatment options
Orthodontics can help correct a malocclusion, or bad bite. A misaligned bite can lead to a variety of oral health issues, including tooth decay and gum disease. It can also affect the way you chew, causing pain and headaches. Properly aligned teeth also make it easier to clean your teeth.
Patients can benefit from orthodontic treatment for various reasons, including minor misalignments, severe crowding, or disproportionate jaw relationships. The treatment will improve your bite and look while protecting the front teeth from damage. Sometimes, a person's jaw is too narrow to accommodate all the teeth in a row, and the orthodontist may have to remove some teeth in order to make room. Other problems may include impacted teeth, which occur when an adult tooth does not emerge from the gums. In addition, you may have asymmetrical teeth, which is a situation in which the upper and lower teeth are not aligned in the same direction. Lastly, you may have an overbite or deep bite, which occurs when one or more teeth in a row are crowded together.
While orthodontic treatment can be an expensive venture, it can improve your smile and self-esteem. A straight set of teeth will also help you with speech and chewing. Additionally, straight teeth can help prevent gum disease and other oral problems. Many types of orthodontic treatment are available, including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign(r) clear aligners. In addition to braces, there are also removable appliances and partial treatments.
Education requirements
There are many prerequisites to becoming an orthodontist. The first is a four-year undergraduate degree, typically in a science field. Not all dental schools require this, but it gives the prospective orthodontist an advantage. You should check the admission requirements for each school to find out what classes they require before applying. Some schools may require you to take chemistry, biology, English, and other sciences classes.
Some schools require students to take a year of general biology at college, and others require at least two. For example, the University of School of Dentistry requires at least one year of college-level biology. It also suggests taking courses in human anatomy and microbiology. Other requirements may vary from state to state.
While you are in high school, make sure you take science classes. Taking biology, chemistry, and calculus classes will prepare you for the coursework in dental school. It will also help if you take physics and computer science.
Treatment time
Orthodontic treatments require several appointments a week. These appointments are required to evaluate your treatment progress and make necessary adjustments. It is important to follow your orthodontist's instructions as closely as possible to achieve the best results. Otherwise, you can damage your orthodontic devices and cause setbacks in your treatment. In addition, it is important not to rush through your treatment. Excessive force during the appointments can cause your teeth to shift, prolonging the time required for them to straighten.
The overall treatment time for orthodontics can take from six to 24 months, although the average time can be shorter. The type of malocclusion and the types of dental devices used will determine how long it will take to complete treatment. A patient's motivation and acceptance of orthodontic devices will also affect the overall treatment time.
Although orthodontic treatments are often faster for young patients, adult patients may require two or three years to see the desired results. Treatment time for orthodontics also depends on the severity of the problem. While a simple spacing/crowding problem can be corrected within a year, more complicated problems may require more time. It is important to follow all instructions given to you by the orthodontist and keep your oral hygiene up to date. Keeping your teeth clean and using your braces correctly is essential for success.
Side effects
Orthodontic treatment can cause side effects on gums and bones. These complications can delay orthodontic treatment and can lead to loose teeth or infection and pus discharge. Patients also experience loss of periodontal support. These side effects may be more severe in patients with preexisting bone resorption. Nonetheless, it is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine during orthodontic treatment to prevent them.
While the causes of these complications are unknown, they are commonly associated with orthodontic treatments. Some of these adverse effects are root resorption, pulpal changes, decalcification, and periodontal disease. The extent of these effects varies, and they are linked to factors such as the length and shape of the roots. This issue is also linked to a patient's dental habits and genetic predisposition.
The movement of teeth can lead to root erosion. This erosion increases over time and may eventually lead to the death or serious damage of teeth. In severe cases, orthodontic treatment may cause decalcification of teeth. This results in small white lesions on the teeth. Orthodontic treatment is usually not necessary for people with naturally better jaws.
CATEGORY: Dentistry
TAGS: dentist, dentures, cosmetic dentistry, dental clinic, dental care
Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and managing misaligned teeth. It can be used to treat a wide variety of dental problems, from improper bite patterns to malpositioned teeth. In some cases, it may also be used to alter facial growth patterns, which is referred to as dentofacial orthopedics.…