Orthodontics is the speciality of the odontology that focuses on the study, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the misplacement of the teeth, malocclusions and disposition of the dental arches.
This way so, orthodontics does not exclusively treat the position of the dental pieces, but also the correction of the jaws (upper jaw to mean the upper zone and jaw to mean the lower zone). Maxilofacial orthopedics is the branch of orthodontics that foceses on the above mentioned correction.
The principal aim of orthodontics is to restore the morphologic and functional balance of the oral cavity, besides influencing the improvement of the oral aesthetics.
Which are the bite patterns that may require an orthodontic treatment?
Dental malocclusion is an incorrect alignment of the upper and lower teeth and the term could also refer to an incorrect matc between the upper jaw and the lower jaw.
In modern orthodontics, it is not enough to evaluate the malocclusions only basing in a single classification of dental relations:
- Type I: jaws in the correct position and advanced upper arches (a); or jaws in the correct position and backward position of the dental arches (b).
- Type II: jaws in the correct position and advanced upper arch (c); or advanced upper maxilla and upper arch with lower maxilla and lower arch in the correct position (d).
- Type III: jaws in the correct position and advanced lower arch (e); or advanced lower maxilla anb lower arch with upper arch and upper maxilla in the correct position (f).
Which pathologies could be treated with orthodontics?
Orthodontics could correct the problems caused by the different bite patterns:
- Cross bite
- Open bite
- Overbite
- Dental crowding
- Gap teeth
- Removed dental pieces
- Jaws of limited cavity
- Twisted teeth
Which pathologies could be treated with maxilofacial orthopedics?
Maxilofacial orthopedics is a branch of the orthodontics and focuses on the correct growth of the maxillary bones (upper jaw and jaw). Maxilofacial orthopedics treatments are especially carried out in early ages. Hence the importance of an early diagnosis and interceptive prevention of severe malocclusions and the prevention interceptiva of the severe maloclusiones during childhood.
Which are the appliances use in orthodontics?
The are three types of orthodontic appliances:
1- Functional appliances:
They are removable appliances designed to achieve functional modifications. In other words, these appliances change the function of the muscles of the face. Generally, they are in use in early ages to avoid major structural problems in adult life.
2- Removable appliances:
As the Spanish Society of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the removable appliances are “those that patient himself/herself can take off/take on for cleaning, but when they need to be used, are firmly fastened to the dental pieces”. They act directly on the teeth and/or maxilla. Extremely useful in the following cases:
- Maxilla expansion
- Correction of cross bites
- Minor dental crowding
3- Fixed appliances:
The fixed appliances could individually displace each and every of the dental pieces in any direction, which does not occur with other appliances. The famous brackets are the most known fixed appliance. The white brackets hae also become popular in the recent years. Very useful in the following cases:
- Dental malocclusions
- Twisted teeth
- Closing spaces between teeth
- Angular correction of the position of upper and lower incisors.
- Multiple movements
Invisalign, the alternative to brackets
Even if the main goal of orthodontics is to correct positional irregularities, it is true patients attach great importance to the aesthetic factor.
At Ortiz-Vigón Clinic, we will also work with Invisalign, the alternative for an orthodontic treatment to align and straighten the dental pieces. These are custo made removable clear aligners. Advantages:
- Removable: they can be easily removed to eat and to brush the teeth
- Precise: made to measure and adapted to the teeth
- Comfortable: they do not cause the little inconveniences that brackets may cause
- Esthetic: they cannnot be seen at first sight
Anyhow, attending to the clinical needs of the patient and his/her requirements, our team will decide which is the best and the convenient treatment for each patient. Do not wait anymore, make an appointment.
