2. DEFINITION
Ortho – Right
Dons – teeth
is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the
diagnosis, prevention and correction of
malpositioned teeth and jaws. As well as growth
assessment and correction of growth and
development of dentofacial complex.
3. BRANCHES
Preventive – preventing of malocclusion before any
discrepancy starts to develop
Interceptive – eliminate potential irregularities and
malocclusions in developing dentofacial complex
Corrective – existence of a malocclusion after
growth has stopped. It is most difficult and longest
phase of orthodontics
4. AIMS OF ORTHODONTICS
Functional efficiency – teeth and sorrounding structures
performing certain important functions should not be compromised by the
treatment.
Structural balance -- correction of one structure should not harm
other
Esthetic harmony – increase overall esthetic appeal of the
individual
8. WHAT CAN I DO (ORTHODONTIST)
Recreate space
Close space
Upright teeth
Align teeth
Align jaws
9. WHAT CAN I DO (HYGIENIST)
Occlussal assessment
Patient education
Pre orthodontic therapies
Clinical intervention during treatrment to maintain
health
Post orthodontic therapies
Daily oral hygiene methods and strategies
10. ASSESSMENT
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Difficulty chewing or biting
Mouth breathing
Sucking the thumb or fingers, or other oral habits
Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude, or are recessed
Speech difficulty
Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
Protruding teeth
Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
Facial imbalance or asymmetry (features out of proportion to
the rest of the face)
Grinding or clenching of teeth
Inability to comfortably close lips