Matloga Orthodontic Practice

Orthodontics

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.

Orthodontics used to be called orthodontia - the word comes from the Greek orthos, meaning "straight, perfect or proper", and dontos, which means "teeth".

Orthodontists are concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites), which may be a result of tooth irregularity and/or disproportionate jaw relationships. 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".

Malocclusion literally means bad bite. Malocclusion refers to crooked, misaligned teeth and a fault in the relation between the bottom and top set of teeth (the two dental arches). This may develop because of injury to the teeth or facial bones, frequent thumb sucking, or for reasons unknown..

Types of Malocclusions explained:

Overbite -
Underbite -
Crossbite -
Open bite -
Abnormal Eruption -
Spacing -
Crowding -
Overjet/Protrusion -

Malocclusions

Overbite

sometimes called "buck teeth" - where the upper front teeth lie too far forward (stick out) over the lower teeth

Underbite

a "bulldog" appearance where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back

Crossbite (Front and Back)

when the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting together normally

Openbite

space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together

Spacing

gaps, or spaces, between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not "fill up" the mouth

Crowding

when there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate

Abnormal Eruption

when teeth or a tooth grows out of position and is not aligned to any other.

Overjet/Protrusion

when the front teeth protrude outward abnormaly/exccessively

Treatment of Malocclusions

Step 1

For comprehensive orthodontic treatment, metal wires ("Jushi") are inserted into orthodontic brackets (braces), which can be made from stainless steel or a more aesthetic ceramic material. The wires interact with the brackets to move teeth into the desired positions. Functional appliances are often used to redirect jaw growth.

Step 2

After a patient complete the course of active orthodontic treatment, patients will typically wear retainers (either a fixed metal retainer on a removable retainer), which help to maintain the teeth in their improved positions while surrounding bone reforms around them. This picture shows retainers for the top and bottom of the mouth.