Orthodontic

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that specializes in treating patients with improper positioning of teeth when the mouth is closed (malocclusion), which results in an improper bite. Orthodontics also includes treating and controlling various aspects of facial growth (dentofacial orthopedics) and the shape and development of the jaw. An orthodontics specialist is called an orthodontist.

Orthodontists use a range of medical dental devices, including headgear, plates, braces, Invisalign, Cfast braces, and others to help in:

  • Closing wide gaps between the teeth
  • Making sure the tips of the teeth are aligned
  • Straightening crooked teeth
  • To improve speech or eating (oral function)
  • To prevent long-term excessive wear or trauma (of teeth)
  • Treating an improper bite

Orthodontics services can be provided by an oral surgeon as well as by an orthodontist. Both of these dental specialists can help patients deal with issues such as misaligned teeth, jaw bone problems, or malocclusion.

Orthodontics was the first recognized specialty field within dentistry. The history of orthodontics has been intimately linked with the history of dentistry for more than 2000 years. Dentistry had its origins as a part of medicine.

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites), which may be a result of tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships, or both. Orthodontic treatment can focus on dental displacement only, or can deal with the control and modification of facial growth. In the latter case it is better defined as "dentofacial orthopedics".

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD