What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is derived from two Greek words "orthos" and "odontos". The greek word for correct is "orthos" and for tooth is "odontos". Put together, orthodontic treatment is to have correct teeth.

Orthodontics is a specialty branch of dentistry devoted to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of problems associated with the alignment of the teeth and jaws.

To correct the alignment of teeth, various types of appliances such as braces, plates, functional appliances and headgears may be used. Your orthodontist will discuss various treatment options with you and which appliance is best suited for your malocclusion. Malocclusion means "bad bite" and is the name given for crowded, crooked and protruding teeth.

Qualifications of an Orthodontist

An orthodontist has undertaken a long period of study before being eligible to register as an orthodontist with the state dental board (eg. Dental Board of Queensland). Before becoming an orthodontist, he or she must firstly be a dentist which, in Australia, requires 5 years of full-time education at an accredited University Dental School. To specialise in Orthodontics, a further period of postgraduate education is required which is 3 years in duration at an Australian University. After successfully completing 3 years of study which includes written, clinical and oral examinations, a Master of Dental Science degree (M.D.Sc.) in the field of Orthodontics is awarded. All practicing orthodontists are required, by law, to be registered by their respective State Dental Boards as an Orthodontist. Many orthodontists are also full members of the Australian Society of Orthodontists.

What is the difference between a dentist and specialist orthodontist?

A dentist has to successfully complete 5 years of study at university before being able to apply for registration as a dentist with the Dental Board of Queensland whereas a specialist orthodontist is already a dentist who has successfully undertaken a further 3 years of postgraduate orthodontic study at university before being able to apply for specialist registration as a dental specialist with the Dental Board of Queensland. In fact, orthodontics is what orthodontists do every working day and they are experts in the field of diagnosing and managing malocclusions. Just like a cardiologist works with your doctor to look after a patient’s heart condition, your orthodontist works with your dentist to look after your teeth. You can check if your orthodontist is registered as a specialist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) by entering the name of your orthodontist in the AHPRA website.

Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?

A referral from your dentist is not essential to see an orthodontist. If you have not been to a dentist for a check-up and clean for a long time, it is advisable to see a dentist for a check-up and clean before commencing orthodontic treatment. Your teeth and gums must be reasonably healthy before placing braces on your teeth.

When to see an Orthodontist

Everyone is different and therefore there are no hard and fast rules for when treatment should commence. Most orthodontic problems are apparent by the age of 9 when most of the permanent adult front teeth have erupted. Problems with the back teeth may not be as apparent and your dentist may diagnose an orthodontic problem earlier.

Many orthodontists would like to see a patient for the first time by 8 years of age. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. This does not mean that orthodontic treatment also begins at this age. What it means is that early detection of orthodontic problems enables the orthodontist to plan appropriate treatment options. Some orthodontic problems may be intercepted early by using appliances such as plates and expansion devices while the face and jaw bones are still growing. Early interception may make orthodontic treatment easier to manage at a later age and may also prevent more serious problems from developing. Other orthodontic problems require the adult teeth to have replaced the baby teeth before commencing treatment with braces. Your orthodontist will be able to advise you of your treatment options and the timing for orthodontic treatment. A referral to an orthodontist is not required and you may contact an orthodontist directly to make a consultation appointment as a new patient.

Although treatment is easier in children while the face and jaws are growing, more adults are now successfully having braces. As the adults' bones are no longer growing, mild to moderate orthodontic problems can be treated with braces alone. However severe problems may require a combination of braces and jaw surgery to achieve the best possible outcome.

Why get braces?

There are many reasons for seeking orthodontic treatment. The main objectives of orthodontic treatment are to improve the function, health and appearance of the teeth. Some of the benefits of orthodontic treatment which could be achieved include:
Better oral hygiene:
Crooked teeth may be more difficult to clean for some people. Gum disease and tooth decay could arise from inadequate cleaning.
Improved function of teeth:
Some malocclusions do not permit proper contact between the upper and lower teeth resulting in some foods being more difficult to chew.
Decreased risk of gum damage:
Some malocclusions with deep bites result in the lower front teeth biting onto the gum behind the upper front teeth. In severe cases, the teeth can damage the gums.
Improved appearance and smile:
Orthodontic treatment can improve your smile which can enhance your image and self-confidence. Wouldn't it be nice to have an appealing smile in addition to improving the function and health of your teeth?

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