Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the dental speciality concerned with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws. Beyond aesthetics, properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reduce the risk of decay and gum disease, improve biting efficiency, and can prevent problems with the jaw joint (TMJ) and the wear patterns of tooth enamel.
What orthodontics addresses
Common problems treated by orthodontists include overcrowding (insufficient space for all teeth to sit properly), excessive spacing between teeth, overbite (where the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower), underbite (where the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper), crossbite (where the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly), and open bite (where the front teeth do not meet when the back teeth are closed). Some cases involve both dental and skeletal discrepancies, requiring combined orthodontic and surgical treatment.
Treatment options
Fixed braces — metal or ceramic brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by archwires — remain the most widely used orthodontic appliance and are particularly effective for complex cases. Clear aligner systems (such as Invisalign) offer an aesthetically discreet alternative for suitable cases, using a series of removable, custom-made transparent trays to gradually move teeth. Removable appliances, functional appliances (used to modify jaw growth in children), and retainers (worn after active treatment to maintain the result) are also part of the orthodontist's toolkit. Treatment duration varies from several months to over two years depending on complexity.
Choosing where to be treated
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