Orthodontics is the branch of dental science dealing with detection and correction of mal-aligned teeth and developing malalignment of teeth and jawbones using orthodontic appliances.

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical
term for these problems is "malocclusion," which means "bad bite." The practice of orthodontics requires professional skill in the design, application
and control of corrective appliances (braces) to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and achieve facial balance.

Fixed Orthodontics

Fixed Orthodontics is a system of dental treatment whereby braces are fixed onto teeth in order to move them to the desired position. Here, it is performed by senior orthodontists who are specialists in the field.

Duration of the treatment - is highly variable – it depends on the age of the individual undergoing treatment, the nature of the corrective tooth movements involved and a host of other factors. Generally a time period of one year to a year and a half will be sufficient. However patients requiring complex tooth movements and those who are comparatively older, tend to require more time for completion of treatment than others.

Commencement of treatment and frequency of following visits – Treatment can be commenced only after complete scaling (cleaning), fillings and extractions (if they are required). Other treatment procedures such as periodontal surgery etc. may also be required prior to commencement of orthodontic treatment. The first orthodontic appointment will be a long one as sufficient time period is required for fixing the braces.

After completion of fixation of braces, the subsequent visits are generally short – for about half an hour. However, much more time may be required in the event of breakage or damage to the braces. Generally a time gap of approximately one month is given between appointments, unless otherwise required.

Instructions to be followed by patients during treatment –
The appliance is likely to cause certain amount of discomfort during the initial phase. This can manifest as ulcers in the mouth, difficulty in chewing and talking. Once the patient gets used to the appliance, these problems will gradually subside. In the event of ulceration in the mouth caused by the appliance, the drugs, mouthwash and ointment prescribed by the doctor are to be taken. Warm saline may be used for rinsing the mouth twice or thrice a day. Place a clean cotton bolus over the area of the appliance which appears sharp and tends to hurt.

If the appliance gets damaged, kindly report to the clinic so that appropriate measures are taken. Please do not try to tamper with the appliance or try to repair the same yourself. If you are wearing elastics (rubber bands), kindly wear them in the manner you have been asked to. In case you miss an appointment, please discontinue using the elastics so that further tooth movement is prevented. In case any portion of the appliance gets dislodged and comes out, please retain them with you and hand it over to the doctor during your next visit.

Maintenance of meticulous oral hygiene is a must during the phase of treatment. If this is not done, food debris is likely to accumulate in the appliance spaces. This will further lead to tooth decay and gum diseases. Hence, lack of proper brushing twice a day will eventually lead to loss of the teeth which we are attempting to reposition.

Do not have hard or sticky food stuffs during the treatment period. If used, they can cause damage of the appliance, cause accumulation of the food debris on tooth and appliance surfaces and the spaces. Avoid chewing using the front teeth. Avoid aerated drinks as they tend to dislodge the bands and brackets by dissolving the bonding/cementing medium.

Try to avoid all activities which tend to apply pressure on the appliance thereby damaging it. These include boxing, wrestling etc.

Completion of treatment - After completion of fixed appliance treatment, you will be given a removable retention-appliance. This is meant for maintaining the position of the repositioned teeth. This appliance has to be ideally worn for a period of total one and a half years – the first 6 months day and night, the next 6 months night alone and the last 6 months on alternate nights. The appliance need not be worn during food intake. Discontinuation of the retention appliance can cause relapse – ie., return of the teeth to the original position, just as it was prior to treatment.

Do not hesitate to make clarifications with the doctor(s) if you have any.

Please contact us one week prior to your scheduled appointment to confirm the same.

Kindly keep appointments. If you miss an appointment, your treatment period will certainly get prolonged. If, due to unavoidable circumstances you should change the appointment date, kindly inform us at the earliest.