Orthodontics & Invisalign®

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites). These bite problem may result from tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships, or both. The word comes from the Greek words ortho (meaning straight) and odons (meaning tooth).

A number of dental schools and hospitals offer this advanced specialty of Orthodontics to dentists seeking postgraduate education. The courses range from two to three years (with the majority being 3 years) of full-time classes, and clinical work in both the clinical and theoretical aspects of orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment can focus on dental displacement only, or can deal with the control and modification of facial growth. In the latter case, it is better defined as "dentofacial orthopedics".

Orthodontic treatment can be carried out for purely aesthetic reasons . improving the general appearance of patients' teeth and face for cosmetic reasons. However, treatment is often prescribed for practical reasons, providing the patient with a functionally improved bite (occlusion), proper spacing between the teeth for better hygiene, and health of bone and gums. Muscles of the head and neck, posture, airways, snoring, sleep apnea, and the TMJ all need to be evaluated prior to treatment. Additionally, all need to be brought into harmony prior to starting the orthodontic phase. (This is a cause and effect process. If the cause is not removed — such as airway obstruction — then the effect will be short lived or will not provide the best available results).