 Orthodontics is the speciality of dentistry that deals with straightening and correcting the tooth alignment.
Today children as well as adults are choosing to have orthodontic treatment since age is no longer a factor that governs the feasibility of the treatment. But as you grow older the duration of the treatment is increased since it is easier to shift and align teeth during the growth phase of the jaws.
Orthodontic treatment corrects
• Malocclusion (bite or occlusion is off)
•Tooth malalignment (crooked teeth)
Why treat Malocclusion ?
Orthodontics is not only used to improve your appearance. Malocclusion or malaligned teeth can have long term effects, such as :
• Interference with normal growth and development of the jaws,
• Abnormal swallowing patterns,
• Abnormal facial muscle function,
• Impairment of chewing,
• Speech defects,
• Susceptibility to cavities due to the difficulty of removing plaque from crooked teeth,
• Vulnerability to accidents or fractured teeth (if your front teeth stick out, they may be more easily injured).
How Do Braces Work?
Teeth can slowly be moved and shifted into proper position by applying pressure in certain directions. Bands, wires and elastics are placed on the teeth to move them in the right direction. This takes place slowly and carefully over an extended period of time. Shifting teeth back into a functional position can take months to years, but eventually you'll have a new and improved mouth!
Retainers are often used after the braces, to hold the teeth in their new position until they are stable. It is important to wear the braces or an appliance for however long it takes. If you quit at any point during treatment, the teeth can shift back into their old position..
Types of Braces
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Ceramic Braces |
 These are made of translucent (clear) material. They are most popular with adult patients, due to their cosmetic appeal.
Ceramic braces utilize less noticeable brackets for patients concerned about aesthetic appearances. Ceramic brackets are translucent, so they blend in with your natural tooth color. This means that unlike traditional stainless steel braces, with ceramic braces your smile will not look ’metallic.’ In addition, ceramic brackets are designed so that they won’t stain or discolor over long periods of time. |
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Invisalign Braces |
 These are great for people who do not have severe problems. The treatment trays are computer-fabricated by Align Technologies, the company that makes invisalign braces . The "braces" consist of strong plastic trays that are custom fabricated especially for you, as everybody has a unique jaw structure. But the patients with severe malocclusions, the better option would be to wear traditional metal braces.
Your orthodontist only has some control over your invisalign treatment. It is best to get Invisalign done by a trained orthodontist so, if your orthodontist says that you are not a candidate for invisalign, you should probably believe it! If he or she says that invisalign will work for you, then go for it! The cases are replete with people who have had very successful invisalign treatment and who have been very happy with the results. These braces are indeed invisible; this appeals to adults; no irritation to gums; they do not stain.
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These are the 
Most people want better looking teeth but they also don’t want people to know that they have braces or deal with the unattractiveness of having those things in your mouth for so long. You can give the appearance that you don’t have braces simply by asking for invisible braces.