An orthodontist is a dentist who uses various techniques, such as braces, aligners, and other dental appliances, to straighten the teeth and correct the bite of patients. Orthodontists play an important role in improving the function and appearance of the teeth and jaws.
Orthodontics as a branch of dentistry
Dentists, just like other doctors, choose a specialization. In order to become a dentist in Ukraine, one must graduate from a medical higher education institution and obtain one of the dental specialties. It can be therapeutic, surgical or orthopedic dentistry, implantology, periodontology, children’s dentistry, orthodontics, etc. After that, it is necessary to complete an internship and obtain a certificate that will give the right to practice medicine.
Of course, a dentist must have knowledge of all areas of the profession and improve them throughout his life. However, it is impossible to master absolutely all knowledge and skills. Therefore, as the complexity of the clinical case increases, the patient is referred from a general practice dentist to a specialist doctor who has obtained an additional level of education at a specialized department.
Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of facial and dental abnormalities such as malocclusion. Orthodontists also straighten teeth and jaws using braces, transparent aligners, and other devices.
A brief history of orthodontics
The practice of straightening teeth dates back thousands of years, as anthropologists have found mummified ancient humans with coarse metal bands wrapped around individual teeth. Historians suggest that as early as 1000 BC, people were already researching methods of correcting misaligned teeth.
However, orthodontics as a recognized science began in the 18th century. In 1728, the French dentist Pierre Fauchard published a book describing an orthodontic device he called the “bando”.
However, orthodontics achieved significant success only in the 19th century. In 1819, Christophe-Francois Delabarr introduced the first wire mouthguard, the prototype of modern braces. Considered by many to be the “father of modern orthodontics,” Edward Engle identified the true nature of malocclusion and standardized orthodontic treatment with braces in the late 1800s.
The 20th century saw further progress with the development of stainless steel wires, which replaced gold and silver and made braces more affordable. The invention of dental adhesives (glues) in the 1970s made it possible to attach braces directly to the teeth, which increased the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment.
Modern orthodontic treatment is very far from the devices of the past. Thanks to constant research and clinical innovation, modern orthodontics offers a variety of complex options for correcting malocclusion.
Common problems with which orthodontists are consulted
Displaced teeth that are incorrectly positioned. This can include problems such as gaps between the teeth. Displacement of teeth makes cleaning difficult, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
A distal overbite is when the upper front teeth protrude too far over the lower front teeth. This can cause the bottom teeth to dig into the roof of the mouth, which can lead to gum problems and tooth wear. It can also affect facial profile and aesthetics.
The lower (mesial) bite is the opposite of the distal bite, when the lower front teeth are in front of the upper front teeth. This can make it difficult to chew properly, cause uneven wear on the teeth, and affect the overall appearance of the face.
An open bite is when the upper and lower teeth do not meet when closing the jaws, that is, there is a gap between them, which creates problems with chewing and pronunciation.
Crowding of teeth occurs when there is not enough space in the mouth for all the teeth. This can make the teeth crooked and overlap each other. Crowded teeth are harder to clean and can be more prone to tooth decay and gum disease.
These orthodontic problems can occur in children and persist into adulthood if left untreated. They can affect not only oral health, but also have a profound effect on self-esteem and confidence.
Correcting the incorrect bite of the teeth can:
- facilitate biting, chewing and communication;
- improve the symmetry of the face and the general appearance of the patient;
- reduce pain in diseases of the temporomandibular joint;
- separate the teeth and simplify their cleaning, which will help prevent caries.
Do orthodontists do anything other than braces?
Although the installation of braces is an important area of work of orthodontists, it is only part of the comprehensive services provided by this doctor. These specialists have many techniques designed to eliminate complex irregularities of the teeth and face.
In particular, it is about:
- clear aligners: such as Invisalign, which also align teeth but are less visible than braces
- retainers: devices that are needed after braces to maintain the position of the teeth.
- orthodontic plates (palatal expanders): for people who need to adjust the width of the upper jaw.
- temporary anchorage devices (TADs): micro-implants that serve as an anchor point to move certain teeth.
Orthodontists do not only align teeth, but also correct bite problems.
Sometimes the patient may need orthognathic surgery, or jaw osteotomy, which allows you to correct jaw deformities and malocclusion in an adult, if the problem cannot be solved with the help of braces.
Treatment of cleft lip and palate often requires collaboration with other specialists for comprehensive treatment. Orthodontists also treat dental injuries that affect tooth alignment and jaw structure.
Specialist orthodontists have sufficient experience to provide a full range of corrective procedures.