Orthodontics

Dental and Oral Healthcare Training

What is Orthodontics?
The term orthodontics can be broken into
2 greek words, "orthos" meaning straight
and "dontics" meaning teeth.

Orthodontics is a dental specialty that

focuses on aligning one's bite, treating
dental malocclusions such as crowding,
underbite, and scissor bite, and
addressing facial irregularities.
Treatments would include braces,
aligners and retainers (Mandal, 2013).
 Procedures in
Orthodontics
A Braces D Retainers

B Elastics E Palate Expanders

C Clear Aligners F Mouthguard

 Braces
Braces gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions
using brackets, bands, and wires.
They apply constant, gentle pressure over time to straighten
teeth and correct jaw alignment.
Orthodontic elastics (small rubber bands) can be used to apply
additional force, especially for bite correction.
Braces can correct a wide range of dental issues, including:
Crooked, gapped, or rotated teeth
B Crowding
Overbites and underbites
Jaw misalignment
 Types of Braces
Traditional Metal
A
Braces

Metal brackets and wires; reliable for complex

cases.

B Lingual Braces

Hidden behind teeth; discreet but may affect

B speech.
 Types of Braces
Self-Ligating
C
Braces

No rubber ties; less friction, faster adjustments.

Clear Ceramic
D
Braces

Tooth-colored; more aesthetic, but slower

B movement.
Traditional Braces Self-Ligating Braces

Lingual Braces Clear Ceramic Braces

B
 Orthodontic Elastics
Small rubber bands that correct bite and jaw
position.
Provide additional force that braces or
aligners alone cannot achieve
Help move individual teeth or groups of
teeth with greater precision.
Correct issues with bite alignment (e.g.,
overbite, underbite, crossbite).
B Must be worn consistently and changed
daily.
Key to finishing orthodontic treatment
effectively.
 Clear Aligners
Alternative to braces due to:
Flexibility in treatment
Shorter treatment time
Less noticeable, clear design
Comfortable and discreet, this item is
designed for consistent wear.
Best for individuals needing to correct
teeth alignment for mild to moderate
misalignment or without severe bite
issues.
B
Designed to make small, controlled
adjustments.
Powered by 3D printing and AI for
precision.
 Retainers
After completing orthodontic treatment
(braces or clear aligners), you’ll need to
Clear wear a retainer to keep your teeth in
retainers are their new positions.
subtle but A retainer is a custom-made oral
less durable. appliance that prevents your teeth from
drifting or shifting back.
Wearing a retainer helps maintain the
B
results of your treatment and ensures
long-term alignment.
Often needing lifelong use
 Types of Retainers
Removable
A
Retainers

It can be taken out for eating and cleaning.

Fixed (Permanent)
B
Retainers

A thin wire that is linked to the back of the teeth,

B typically the lower front teeth.
 Palate Expanders
An oral device used to widen a narrow
upper jaw
Fixes and improves crossbites, crowding,
breathing and facial symmetry
This device gradually increases the width
of the upper dental arch by applying
gentle pressure on the palate.
Orthodontists often recommend starting
B during childhood because a child’s facial
bones are still developing, making them
easier to move and manipulate, while
adults may need surgical support
 Mouthguard
Flexible dental appliances are made from
soft, cushioning materials that fit, cover,
and protect the teeth.
Protects:
Sports injuries
Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
Physical impacts or accidents
Often described as a "crash helmet for
your teeth."
B
Custom-fit options offer better comfort
and safety.
Also used for sleep apnea and jaw
disorders.
Specialized Procedures
in Orthodontics
Orthognathic Accelerated
A B
Surgery Orthodontics
 Orthognathic Surgery
Surgical jaw correction for severe bite or facial issues.
Enhances function and appearance.
Requires long recovery and post-op braces.
Common examples include Le Fort I osteotomy (for the upper
jaw), Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (for the lower jaw), and
genioplasty (for the chin). Additionally, bimaxillary osteotomy
combines upper and lower jaw corrections, while TMJ surgery
B addresses jaw joint disorders.
 Orthognathic Surgery

B
 Accelerated Orthodontics
Speeds up tooth movement using surgical, mechanical, or
biological methods.
Includes corticotomy, micro-osteoperforation, and vibration
devices.
Ideal for adults seeking shorter treatment time.
May reduce discomfort and improve compliance.
B
Not suitable for all cases; long-term effects still studied.
 Accelerated Orthodontics

B
References:
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n%20your%20teeth.
Thank
You