Orthodontics

Yuvaan Dentofacial Clinic in Siliguri takes care of oral health and is committed to providing a healthy smile. The expert dentists and modern technologies ensure the optimal care for several dental issues. It prioritises patients’ concerns and treats them with a compassionate and comprehensive approach.

In dental care, orthodontics focuses on aligning the biting issues and straightening teeth. It treats crooked, overlapped, twisted or gapped teeth, misalignment of teeth. They improve the alignment and fix bad bites or malocclusion by fixing how the upper and lower teeth meet. Common orthodontic procedures include traditional braces, clear aligners,  teeth straightening, invisalign and removable retainers.

Who offers orthodontic treatment?

An orthodontist is a specialist who holds profound experience in performing orthodontic procedures. An orthodontist provides these treatments in general, who receives two to three years of additional training after graduating from dental school. They are expert professionals who solely focus on correcting teeth and jaw alignment with advanced training using modern technologies.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

There are many different types of appliances, both fixed and removable, used in orthodontic treatments to move teeth, retain muscles, and affect the growth of the jaws. Orthodontics determine the suitable appliance depending on the concerns.

• Braces: In correcting a variety of dental problems such as crooked or misaligned teeth, overbites or underbites, braces are the most common orthodontic procedure. There are several types of braces, including metal, ceramic and lingual braces. Traditional braces consist of brackets that are adhered to the teeth and wires, which apply pressure to the teeth to move them into the correct position.
• Retainers:  After orthodontic treatment, retainers are used to help maintain the alignment of the teeth. Retainers can be worn for several months or years and are removable or fixed, to help prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original position. There are many different types of retainers, like Hawley retainers, Essix retainers and fixed retainers, which are recommended by dentists depending on the dental condition.
• Clear Aligners: Clear orthodontic aligners are used as a popular alternative to braces.  Instead of using brackets and wires, these systems use custom-made, transparent plastic trays that fit over the teeth and gradually align them to the correct position. Well-known brands include Invisalign and Clear Correct, and these are removable, making them easy to maintain.
• Palate Expanders: Certain orthodontic procedures are recommended during childhood, as a child’s facial bones are still developing, and a palate expander helps broaden a child’s upper jaw. These appliances are attached to the roof of the mouth to gradually widen the jaw for proper alignment, correcting a narrow palate or teeth crowding.
• Surgical Orthodontics: In case of severe orthodontic issues, such as a misaligned jaw that cannot be corrected with traditional orthodontic treatment, surgical orthodontics or jaw surgery is required. Treatment can vary depending upon the severity of the condition, and it can take up to 18-24 months for the treatment.
• Interceptive Orthodontics:  This procedure is performed to correct orthodontic problems in children when they still have a mix of primary and permanent teeth. Interceptive orthodontics includes expanders and space maintainers, which help prevent more severe problems and create more space for permanent teeth to grow properly.

Orthodontist versus Dentist 

• Dentist:  A dentist is a doctor who holds a 4-year undergraduate degree, followed by 4 years of a dental school program and primarily focuses on general dental care. Their role includes diagnosing, treating and managing the overall oral health of the patients, such as gum care, root canals, filling, crowns, veneers, bridges and preventive education. For regular check-ups, individuals are recommended to visit a dentist to address dental issues with early intervention.
• Orthodontist: Orthodontists are doctors who are specialised professionals in advanced dental care and hold an additional 2 to 3 years of special training in orthodontic treatments beyond dentists. Their responsibilities include addressing misalignment of teeth and jaw, poor bites, applying dental braces, clear aligners, retainers, growth and modification devices. They are expert professionals in diagnosing and performing complex dental procedures.