This is a field of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dento-facial irregularities. The practice of orthodontics requires professional skill in design, application and control of a host of corrective appliances (braces) to bring the teeth, lips and jaw into proper alignment and relationship.

If your teeth are irregular, don't bite right and you feel conscious about it, an orthodontist can help. Such problems are called malocclusion. Orthodontists are dentists who are specially trained to straighten teeth (orthodontics) and intercept certain types of developing malocclusion in a growing child by modifying bone growth in the jaws (dentofacial orthopedics).

WHAT CAUSES MALOCCLUSION?

			Malocclusions occur when the jaws and teeth do not meet right.   • Skeletal malocclusion occurs when one jaw does not line up with the other, or when the jaw is too big or too small for the teeth.   • Dental malocclusion occurs when the teeth are out of line ,crowded, turned or spread out. This can happen with or without a jaw problem.
			Malocclusion may be inherited or acquired.   • Inherited malocclusion, a child may inherit jaw from one parent and teeth from the other parent. This may lead to crowding, spacing or extra or missing teeth.   • Acquired malocclusion, such condition may be due to poor dental care leading to early loss of deciduous (milk) teeth, traumatic injuries, habits such as thumb sucking and chronic airway obstruction such as enlarged adenoids.   • Other types of malocclusion may be congential in nature such as cleft lip and palate deformity and other syndromes.

These irregularities, if not treated, may lead to more problems as follows:

• Tooth decay and tooth loss as misaligned teeth are difficult to clean and maintain;   • Gum diseases;   • Abnormal wear of tooth surfaces;   • Excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissues;   • Misalignment of the jaw joints, resulting in chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck;   • Lower self esteem as the facial appearance is affected

			A child should have his/her teeth checked at about age seven, when the permanent teeth start to grow. Although adolescents (11 to 15 years of age) are most responsive to orthodontics treatment, this early examination will alert the dentists to any potential problems. Orthodontics treatment is also suitable for adults and about 25% of patients today are adults. In general, treatment with braces will take approximately one to three years depending on a few factors such as the growth of the patient's face and mouth, co-operation of the patient and the severity of the problems.
For children, the best time to start depends on the type of malocclusion. Sometimes treatment is done in 2 phases: Phase 1 If the child's jaws are not aligned right or too small, the orthodontist may start treatment while the jaws are growing. This is called growth modification and is usually carried out between ages 7 to 12 and takes about 1 year. Subsequently, the orthodontist will review the child 6-monthly or yearly to monitor the development of the permanent teeth. Phase 2 If the child's adult or permanent teeth are not properly aligned when they erupt (usually between ages 11 to 13), they will need to be straightened and this is called Phase 2. Most children who have undergone Phase 1 treatment also need Phase 2.

During the first visit, the orthodontist examines your teeth and jaws and advises you whether you need treatment and what treatment will involve. You are under no obligation to proceed if you think you need more time to decide.

If you decide to proceed with treatment, the orthodontist will carry out further analysis of your condition by means of X-rays, dental models (study models) and sometimes photographs before making a treatment plan. Informed consent is necessary prior to treatment so that you are fully aware of what treatment will involve.

Braces can be divided into removable or fixed type.

Removable appliances are usually used for growth modification (phase 1) and mild irregularities.

Fixed appliances :

	•	Metal Braces
		The most efficient type of braces. Instead of winking metal, colours may be added to make your braces more attractive and they can be changed upon monthly adjustment visits.
	•	Plastic or Ceramic Braces
		Made with translucent brackets, these tooth-coloured braces will not attract as much attention as metal braces.
	•	Lingual Braces
		Also know as invisible braces, the lingual brackets are attached to inner surface of the teeth, rendering them invisible from the outside.

The position of our teeth continues to change throughout life. This is a long term process that can lead to changes in the bite or in the alignment of the teeth.

In addition, teeth have the tendency to return toward their original position after orthodontic treatment. This is called relapse. Therefore, retainers are provided to minimize this and ensure stability of the treatment outcome.

The orthodontist will provide you with instructions on care and use of the retainers.