5-5 ORTHODONTICS Flashcards
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the growth, development, and correction of malocclusion
What is malocclusion?
Malocclusion refers to the misalignment of the upper and lower teeth, which can cause issues with biting, chewing, speech, and appearance.
What are the Types of Orthodontic Treatments?
Extractions (with or without appliance therapy)
Removable appliances
Fixed appliances (braces)
Functional appliances
Surgery to expose unerupted teeth
Frenectomy (removal of frenum)
Orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery
What are Fixed Orthodontic Appliances?
Fixed orthodontic appliances (braces) include:
Brackets bonded to the teeth
Archwires connected by elastic bands
What are Removable Orthodontic Appliances?
Removable appliances consist of an acrylic plate with wires or screws. They are used for minor tooth movements and are removed for eating and cleaning.
What are Functional Appliances?
Functional appliances are used to correct jaw alignment issues, such as Class II (overbite) or Class III (underbite), by using the muscles around the oral cavity to reposition the jaw.
What is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a procedure to correct severe jaw misalignments by repositioning the upper or lower jaw to improve function and appearance.
What is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is the removal of a frenum (tissue connecting the lips or tongue to the gums) to correct issues like diastema (gaps between teeth).
What is Diastema?
Diastema is a natural gap or space between two teeth, usually between the upper central incisors.
What is the Class I Occlusion?
Class I occlusion is the ideal bite where the upper first molar’s mesio-buccal cusp aligns with the buccal groove of the lower first molar, and there is a normal overjet (2-4mm) and overbite.
What is Class II Occlusion?
In Class II occlusion, the upper jaw is positioned forward of the lower jaw, and the upper teeth protrude. It is classified into:
Class II Division 1: Proclined upper incisors (increased overjet)
Class II Division 2: Retroclined upper incisors (decreased overjet)
What is Class III Occlusion?
In Class III occlusion, the lower jaw is larger and positioned forward, causing the lower teeth to overlap the upper teeth, often with a reverse overjet.
What is Overjet?
Overjet is the horizontal distance between the upper and lower incisors when the teeth are in occlusion.
What is Overbite?
Overbite is the vertical overlap of the upper incisors over the lower incisors.
What is a Cephalometric Tracing?
A cephalometric tracing is a radiographic method to assess the relationship of teeth and jaws using standard points on the face and skull, often used in orthodontic diagnosis.
What are the common reasons for orthodontic treatment?
Improving appearance and psychological well-being
Improving mastication (chewing)
Improving speech
Preventing trauma to prominent teeth
Solving crowding and preventing dental disease
What are Retainers?
Retainers are used after orthodontic treatment to hold teeth in their new position while the bone and tissues settle. They are typically worn full-time initially and at night after treatment.
What is the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN)?
The IOTN is a scoring system used to assess the severity of malocclusion and determine the need for orthodontic treatment.
What is an Orthopantomograph (OPT)?
An OPT is a panoramic X-ray used to examine the overall alignment of teeth, identify unerupted teeth, and detect issues like supernumerary teeth.
What is the Role of the Dentist in Orthodontics?
the dentist assesses the malocclusion, performs necessary diagnostic tests (like X-rays), and refers patients to an orthodontist for more specialized care when needed.
What are the Challenges in Adult Orthodontics?
Adults may experience more difficulty in treatment due to bone maturity, which makes tooth movement slower and may require more invasive options such as surgery for severe malocclusions.
What are the Main Types of Tooth Movement in Fixed Appliances?
Tooth tipping: Tilting the tooth in one direction.
Tooth rotation: Turning the tooth around its long axis.
Bodily movement: Moving the tooth in all directions (most effective with rectangular wires).
What is the Role of a Functional Appliance?
A functional appliance is used to correct jaw discrepancies (especially Class II and Class III malocclusions) by using the muscles around the oral cavity to reposition the jaw, typically worn during growth spurts in children.
What is the Role of a Twin-Block Appliance?
A twin-block appliance is a functional removable device used to correct Class II malocclusions by encouraging the lower jaw to grow forward and the upper jaw to move back, improving jaw alignment.
