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Dental orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that is associated with correcting bite misalignment and also to straighten crooked teeth. The dentist who carries out orthodontic procedures is known as an orthodontist. In orthodontics, a variety of treatments can help in providing solutions to the above cited issues. Braces and retainers are a prominent part of these solutions.
Dental braces are used to correct misaligned teeth as also to their position with respect to bite. It helps individuals with underbite, cross bite, open bite or over bite or crooked teeth. It also corrects other structural or cosmetic anomalies related with jaws.
The braces in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances help to widen the palate or to widen small jaws, increase the gaps between teeth or also to reshape the teeth and jaws. Dental braces can be used on the upper teeth or on the lower teeth or even on both, based on specific requirements. A majority of individuals who use dental braces comprise children and teenagers.
The procedure to fit dental braces begins with a routine consultation. Usually an orthodontist takes molds and impressions of the teeth and performs x-rays to assess the condition as well as requisite course of action.
An etchant is applied to the to-be-braced teeth to create crevices on them, which will help the cement to stick to the surface. A bracket will then be applied with dental-grade cement and will be hard bonded using a curing light. This process takes only a few seconds. In case it is so required, use of orthodontic spacers may be made between molars to enable placement of molar bands. These bands are required to ensure the adherence of brackets.
The period of treatment in the case of most patients ranges between 18 months to 30 months. However, this may extend based on the severity and complexity of the issue as also the age.
Usually orthodontists try not to extract any teeth during such treatment. However, if the teeth protrude and are too crowded together, they may consider the option of teeth extraction. In case such is really the situation, orthodontists prefer extraction of two of the upper bicuspids and two of the lower ones to get some leeway and enhance the contour. In certain cases, orthognathic surgery is also considered mandatory.
For adult patients there are many choices of the type of braces. These choices include metallic, ceramic braces, golden metal, invisalign, self-ligating, Viazis brackets, and Damon brackets.
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