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Orthodontics
(Braces) |
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Braces
 Orthodontics,
often
called
Dentofacial
Orthopedics,
is a special
branch
of dentistry
that deals
with straightening
teeth
and altering
bone growth.
The dentist
uses specially
fitted
appliances
including
bands,
brackets,
wires
headgear,
elastics,
and removable
appliances
to put
constant
pressure
on the
teeth.
This pressure
gently
and gradually
guides
the teeth
into their
proper
positions.
Well-aligned
teeth
require
less care,
place
less strain
on the
surrounding
gums and
bone,
and give
you an
attractive
smile.
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Why
Do I Need
Braces?
People
have their
teeth
straightened
for lots
of reasons,
but dental
health
is the
most important.
If your
teeth
and jaws
don't
line up
properly
in good
biting
position,
tooth
decay
and gum
disease
can develop.
Appearance
is another
reason
for wearing
braces.
Many people
get braces
because
they simply
aren't
happy
with the
way their
teeth
look.
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Common
Bite Problems
If
your jaws
don't
line up,
your teeth
don't
close
properly.
The same
is true
if your
teeth
are turned,
crowded,
or missing.
Bite problems
fall into
three
classes
of malocclusions.
Other
bite problems
can also
occur,
either
on their
own or
along
with a
malocclusion.
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Normal
Bite with
Crooked
Teeth
(Class
I)
The
jaws line
up with
each other,
but the
teeth
don't
close
right.
This causes
a dental
malocclusion.
The teeth
may be
too large,
too small,
trapped
in the
bone (impacted),
or turned.
Overbite
(Class
II)
The upper
jaw is
too large
and sticks
out over
the lower
jaw. Or
the lower
jaw may
be too
small
or too
far back.
This causes
buck teeth
or rabbit
teeth.
An overbite
is most
often
caused
by a skeletal
malocclusion.
Underbite
(Class
III)
The lower
jaw is
too large
or too
far forward.
Or the
upper
jaw may
be too
small.
Then the
lower
teeth
close
in front
of the
upper
teeth.
An underbite
is most
often
caused
by a skeletal
malocclusion.
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Open
Bite
Some
of the
back teeth
close
properly,
but the
front
teeth
don't
meet.
Thumb
sucking
and tongue
thrusting
can cause
an open
bite.
Closed
(Deep)
Bite
The upper
teeth
overlap
the lower
teeth
too much.
Then the
lower
incisors
can press
into the
roof of
your mouth
when you
chew.
Crossbite
Some upper
teeth
close
inside
the lower
teeth.
This happens
if one
jaw
is too
big or
too small,
or some
teeth
are not
aligned
right.
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© Dr.
Shahangian, 2004