orthodontia

Orthodontia, or orthodontics, is a dental specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. The primary aim is to create a functional bite by aligning teeth and, when needed, guiding jaw growth. Treatment uses controlled dental forces to move teeth through bone remodeling and often improves bite, function, and facial aesthetics.

Common problems addressed include malocclusions such as crowding, spacing, overbites (deep bites), underbites (protrusive jaws), crossbites, and rotated or tilted teeth. These conditions can affect chewing, speech, cleanliness, and long-term oral health. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination, dental impressions or 3D scans, photographs, and radiographs such as panoramic and cephalometric images.

Orthodontic appliances include fixed braces with brackets and wires, removable appliances, and clear aligners. Additional devices like functional appliances or headgear may influence jaw development in growing patients. After active treatment, retainers are used to maintain results and prevent relapse.

Treatment timing varies by patient. Many begin in childhood or adolescence, with interceptive approaches used around age seven to guide growth. Typical active treatment lasts from about 12 to 30 months, followed by a retention period that can extend several months to years. Cooperation and good oral hygiene are important for success.

Outcomes focus on improved occlusion, function, and aesthetics, while acknowledging that results depend on growth, compliance, and ongoing retention. The field has evolved from early attempts at tooth alignment to modern, evidence-based methods; Edward Angle’s classification of malocclusion remains a foundational concept in orthodontia.