Introduction to Orthodontics

Question 1

What is Orthodontics

Answer 1

Speciality of dentistry concerned with;

• the growth and development of teeth, face and jaws
• also involved in the diagnosis, prevention and correction of dental and facial irregularities

Question 2

Explain the relationship between skeletal bases and malocclusion

Answer 2

• the size and shape of the jaws and relationship between them will have a great affect on the individual arches and therefore the malocclusion

Question 3

Where is the maxilla attached to

Answer 3

the anterior cranial base

Question 4

Where does the mandible articulate to

Answer 4

the posterior cranial base

Question 5

How do you determine a patients anterior-posterior skeletal base relationship

Answer 5

• Ensure patients orientation is correct by making sure Frankfurt plane is parallel to the floor
• Look at the relationship between the basal bone of maxilla and curvature below lip (the curvature should be 2-3mm behind the basal bone of maxilla)

Question 6

What is the Frankfurt plane

Answer 6

top of the earhole to the orbital rim

Question 7

What is a Class I skeletal relationship

Answer 7

an anterior-posterior relationship where by the mandible is 2-3mm behind the maxilla

Question 8

What is a Class II skeletal relationship

Answer 8

an anterior-posterior relationship where by the mandible is more than 2-3mm behind the maxilla

Question 9

What is a Class III skeletal relationship

Answer 9

an anterior-posterior relationship where by the mandible is less than (or negative) 2-3mm behind maxilla

Question 10

What are the orthodontic treatment options in a growing patient with skeletal discrepancies

Answer 10

• Functional appliances
• Headgear
• Reverse pull facemark and RME

Question 11

What would a function appliance aim to do

Answer 11

usually to try grow mandible

Question 12

what would a headgear appliance aim to do

Answer 12

• restrict maxillary growth

Question 13

what would a reverse pull facemark and RME try to do

Answer 13

• promote maxillary growth

Question 14

What are the treatment options for an adult patient who has completed growth with skeletal discrepancies

Answer 14

• orthographic surgery (splitting the jaws and moving them relative to one another)

Question 15

Who is in the orthognathic team

Answer 15

• orthodontist
• maxillofacial surgeon
• clinical psychologist
• maxillofacial technician
• speech therapist
• GDP

Question 16

what are the aims of orthodontic treatment

Answer 16

• make teeth stable
• make teeth functional
• give an aesthetic occlusion

Question 17

What are the risks of orthodontic treatment

Answer 17

• decalcification (beginning of caries around the bracket because of poor hygiene)
• relapse (everyone gets it to some degree)
• root resorption (everyone gets a little bit, 1 in 500 get a lot)