Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that is concerned
with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites),
which may be a result of tooth irregularity, disproportionate
jaw relationships, or both.
Orthodontic treatment can focus on dental displacement only,
or can deal with the control and modification of facial growth.
In the latter case it is better defined as "dentofacial
orthopedics". Orthodontic treatment can be carried out
for purely aesthetic reasons - improving the general appearance
of patients' teeth and face for cosmetic reasons- but treatment
is often prescribed for practical reasons, providing the patient
with a functionally improved bite (occlusion).
A special field in dentistry which involves diagnosis, prevention,
and treatment of bite abnormalities or facial irregularities
Diagnosis and treatment planning
In diagnosis and treatment planning, the orthodontist must
(1) recognize the various characteristics of malocclusion
and dentofacial deformity; (2) define the nature of the problem,
including the etiology if possible; and (3) design a treatment
strategy based on the specific needs and desires of the individual.
(4) present the treatment strategy to the patient in such
a way that the patient fully understands the ramifications
of his/her decision.
Occlusion and Malocclusion
A major goal of comprehensive orthodontic treatment is improving
the patient's bite, or occlusion. "Occlusion of the teeth
means the meeting together of upper and lower teeth."
[J.W. Osborn, Dental Anatomy and Embryology, p.299, Blackwell
Scientific Publications,1981, Vol. 1, Book 2.]
Malocclusion is the term used to describe states in which
the bite departs from the normal and this may occur in any
one or more of three planes of space. The best known classification
system for describing malocclusion is that of E.H. Angle,
but his terminology is limited to one plane of space (the
anterior-posterior dimension). In Angle's classification,
an occlusion is normal if and only if the molars are in "Class
I" positions.
Malocclusion is not a disease, but it might be associated
with various dysfunctions of the head and neck, known as Cranio-Mandibular
Dysfunctions, or CMD. Dysfunction of an organ or organ system
is defined as disease. Some dentists, therefore, believe that
orthodontists can prevent or treat certain diseases of the
head and neck by means of treating specific occlusal dysfunctions.
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