6 Questions On Orthodontics Answered
Everyone wants to display his or her smile proudly. However, certain conditions hinder us from smiling wide such as a crooked set of teeth.
Fortunately, Dentistry has come up with procedures and treatments to address these problems and allow people to have straighter and healthier teeth through Orthodontics.
Read on and learn more about Orthodontics, its history, treatments under it, how and where you can achieve your most perfect smile.
What is Orthodontics?
The word Orthodontics stemmed from the Greek words “orthos” which means correct or straight and “odont” which means tooth. True to its Greek etymology, Orthodontics aims to give people a straight set of teeth by correcting their crookedness.
Formally, Orthodontics is a specialization in dentistry involved in the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of improperly positioned teeth.
Among the dental issues, Orthodontics seeks to address are underbite, buck teeth, open bite, crossbite, misplaced midline, problems with crowding, spacing, and jaw joint disorders.
Through the correction of these alignment problems, other issues that may be consequences of malocclusion including gum recession, oral bone deterioration, and bleeding gums will also be resolved.
How did Orthodontics start?
Orthodontics is believed to have started more than 2,000 years ago. Mummified remains support the long history of the dental specialty as metal bands were found wrapped around the teeth of the remains in Egypt.
Greeks, the Etruscans, and the Romans are also believed to perform orthodontic procedures during their early civilizations.
In the 18th century, Pierre Fauchard invented bandeau. Fauchard, who is recognized as the Father of Modern Dentistry, utilized his invention in his practice. The bandeau is a horseshoe-shaped metal strip with regularly shaped holes. The holes fit around the teeth, correcting the alignment.
Two centuries after, Edward Hartley Angle, known as the Father of Modern Orthodontics, identified the properties of malocclusion and invented orthodontic appliances that will help address orthodontic problems.
What are the Procedures under Orthodontics?
Fixed and removable appliances are utilized in orthodontic treatments.
Fixed devices include special fixed appliances and fixed space maintainers. The most popular fixed orthodontic appliances are dental braces.
Dental braces are composed of brackets, bonding, and archwire which, when put together, apply steady pressure to the teeth over time, slowly moving them in a particular direction and altering the bone formation.
Dental braces can be metal, clear or tooth-colored, lingual, or gold. Metal braces are best for more complicated cases of malocclusion, while clear or tooth-colored braces are recommended for those who want a less noticeable orthodontic treatment. Lingual braces are also an option for those who wish for a less visible treatment. Alternatively, gold braces are best for people who want to embrace their treatment as they are shiny and noticeable.
On the other hand, removable appliances include removable retainers, headgear, palatal expander, lip and cheek bumpers, jaw repositioning appliances, removable space maintainers, and aligners.
Clear aligners are most associated with Invisalign which is a set of transparent computer-generated trays. The trays are the adjusted or changed every bi-weekly. Since they are transparent, Invisalign makes straightening the teeth less attention-grabbing, while their removability makes eating and brushing more comfortable.
However, it is good to remember that each orthodontic treatment has its pros and cons and suitability for each patient.
How long does an orthodontic treatment last?
The average period of treatment is 18 to 24 months. But, the length of treatment is dependent on the case and the patient’s cooperation and response to the treatment.
Usually, orthodontic treatments particularly braces will need several appointments for adjustments.
Who can perform an orthodontic treatment?
The dentists who specialize in Orthodontics are called orthodontists. They are qualified to perform the treatment and procedures to straighten teeth and correct malocclusion.
Orthodontists underwent additional training and study aside from completing their dental education.
Get your most beautiful and healthiest teeth with Hawaii Family Dental. Our orthodontists boast more than 30 years of experience and have performed over 22,000 orthodontic treatments.
Our orthodontists are also qualified Invisalign providers.
Aside from their expertise and experience, orthodontists at Hawaii Family Dental are known providers of the best dental care. For four consecutive years, our orthodontists have been recognized as the “Best Dentist” by their colleagues and peers through Honolulu Magazine’s peer-review survey.
Where can I get an orthodontic treatment?
Talk to a dentist or call 808-748-4985 for a detailed explanation of the orthodontic treatment that is best for you.
You can consult with Hawaii Family Dental, the most trusted and largest dental practice in Hawaii. Visit us in our 11 locations in Honolulu, Aiea, Ewa Beach, Mililani, Downton Honolulu, Kihei, Kaneohe, Hilo, Kailua Kona, Lihue, and Kahului.
Our locations are open every Monday to Saturday with extended office hours.
Hawaii Family Dental also offers flexible payment options, including 0% financing, for traditional braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen.
