Orthodontie

Orthodontie, or orthodontics, is a dental specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing, intercepting, and correcting misalignment of teeth and jaws. The goal is to improve function, health, and appearance by aligning teeth and guiding jaw development in children.

Common problems include crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. If untreated, malocclusions can affect chewing, speech, wear, temporomandibular joint function, and oral hygiene.

Treatments use fixed and removable appliances. Braces (metal or ceramic) use brackets bonded to teeth and archwires to apply controlled forces. Removable options include clear aligners and retainers. Other devices such as palatal expanders and temporary anchorage devices expand the jaw or stabilize movement. In adults with skeletal discrepancies, treatment may involve orthognathic surgery or restorative planning in collaboration with other specialists. Multidisciplinary care is common.

The process begins with a diagnostic workup: clinical exam, photographs, radiographs, and digital scans to plan movement and bite correction. Active treatment lasts roughly 12 to 36 months and is followed by a retention phase to maintain results.

Orthodontists are dentists who complete specialized training beyond dental school. Risks are generally small but may include discomfort, soft tissue irritation, enamel demineralization with poor hygiene, root resorption, or relapse if retainers are not worn. Good hygiene, regular follow-up, and timely management support success.

Historically, orthodontics developed from early appliances to fixed braces in the 20th century, with innovations such as clear aligners shaping modern practice.