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Orthodontics is that
branch of dentistry which specializes in the diagnosis, prevention
and treatment of problems in the alignment of the teeth and jaws. It may be
loosely defined as science of moving teeth, straightening irregular, crowed
or improperly placed teeth. Dentists who are specially qualified in this
area of expertise are referred to as Orthodontists.
At the Department of Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on providing the
best and latest care to our patients. The department is staffed by 3
specialist orthodontists supported by chairside assistants &
technicians. The goal of the Department of Orthodontics is to provide
orthodontic care that is specific and appropriate to the needs of each
patient.
Patients are treated using contemporary and advanced techniques
similar to a private office, but with all the resources of Christian
Dental College & Health Sciences Center close at hand.
Orthodontic treatment can be done by many sorts appliances, which most
people know as 'braces'. Braces use steady, gentle pressure over time to
move teeth into their proper positions. Simple treatment may be carried
out with a removable appliance (a plate that can be taken out to be
cleaned.)
This clinic offers orthodontic evaluation and treatment of children in
the permanent, mixed (deciduous and permanent) dentition, or even
deciduous dentition stage. Normally, orthodontic treatment is started at
around 11-14 year of age. Some types of orthodontic problems can and
should be treated at an early age and these can be recognized at the age
of 8-9 years or earlier. In some cases early treatment can intercept
further development of malocclusion or even solye the whole
problem in order to differentiate between malocclusions which should be
treated early or at later age, an orthodontic examination in indicated
at the age of 8 years.
In case of adults requiring less visibility of the appliances, we have
ceramic braces which are aesthetically better and less conspicuous.
When difficult adult cases require the care of several different
disciplines, such as those conditions pursuant to multiple loss or
drifting of teeth, due to decay or gum disease, adjunctive orthodontics
is offered within an interdisciplinary over all treatment plan, in
conjunction with other specialties, including periodontics, oral
rehabilitation, endodontics and oral surgery.
To correct serious malformations of skeletal jaw structures, Orthognathic surgery procedures are carried out with cooperation between
orthodontic and maxillofacial surgery departments.
Comprehensive treatment of patients with facial clefts is carried
out within the framework of an inter-departmental team which includes,
in addition to orthodontics : plastic surgery, oral surgery, pediatric
dentistry, oral rehabilitation, ENT and speech therapy. Active
orthodontic treatment is provided at the appropriate stages in the
patient's growth and development and may extend from shortly after birth
until
early adulthood. |