Orthodontics


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Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, is a specialty field of dentistry that deals primarily with diagnosis, prevention and correction of malpositioned teeth and the jaws. Orthodontia literally means "straight teeth". Various causes for for malposition may include childhood caries, discrepancy in the growth of upper and lower jaws, deleterious habits (mouth breathing, nail biting, tongue thrusting) etc. Hence, first orthodontic visit for a child should be ideally before 6 years of age.
Orthodontics not only involves correction of teeth but also in intercepting growth of jaws. Any defects in growth of jaws can be corrected using functional appliance if the problem is diagnosed at an early age. These appliances are used both to move the teeth and to modify the growth of the jaws.