Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with diagnosis, prevention and treatment of malocclusions, which are incorrect positions of the teeth and jawbone that influence facial balance, harmonious profile, proper mastication and smile.
Therapies in the orthodontics may be:
- Functional: they are indicated to reduce and eliminate any problems encountered with muscle exercises and /or passive orthodontic appliance guide masticatory forces;
- Mechanical devices that are used exerting forces needed to correct anomalies found;
- Surgical: mainly indicated in adults and /or when orthodontic methods do not solve problems.
VERY IMPORTANT!
It is very important to know, from the very beginning, that orthodontic treatment is a long-term contract.
Orthodontist (who should direct treatment), patient and (in some cases) parents should all work in union to achieve the proper result of treatment. Therefore it is important that patients and parents have a clear vision of progress and treatments necessary to achieve the proper outcome in a timely fashion.