Definition of Orthodontics
Orthodontics is an art and science of dentistry which concerns with the supervision, guidance, and correction of the growing and mature dentofacial structures. It is our duties to diagnose and recognize the possible malformation or malocclusion which required early intervention to facilitate the correction process. The end point of orthodontic therapy is the achievement of physiologic and esthetic harmony among facial, dental, and cranial structures; the correct ideal inter and intra-arch relationship in an individual dentition; and finally ease of maintaining the stability of the occlusion.
What is involved in the orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment can be divided into three stages. They are:
- Diagnostic phase
- Corrective phase
- Retention phase
In diagnostic phase, a comprehensive examination must be obtained concerning health history, periodontal health, occlusion, the health of the temporomandibular joint and the muscles of mastitcation, and finally, oral habits must be identified. The orthodontic record usually consists of panoramic x-ray, cephalometric x-ray, 5 -view photographic records, and orthodontic model. Cephalometric tracing and analysis will then carried out, combining of clinical examination and model analysis, our treatment modalities can be established.
Corrective phase can be broken down to 8 substages. They are:
- Arch expansion
- Intra-arch leveling
- Canine management
- Establish arch form
- Establish inter-arch relationship (Overbite and Overjet Management)
- Establish the root position – torquing of roots
- Detailing
- Occlusal Finishing
These are the protocol of which Dr. Bui follows in his orthodontic therapy. It is not necessary the same or equivalent with other operator. Our method may be different, but the final result should be toward achieving our common goals as outline previously.
Retention phase is the final phase which involved fabrication of retainers, selective occlusal adjustment, and periodic exam and followup. On certain case where complex tooth movement were obtained, fibrotomy may be performed to minimize relapse.
How long usually is the orthodontic treatment?
Upon moving teeth, our bone continued to remodel and achieve statbility up to six months after movement. We do not believe in the concept of “speed brace” nor “straight teeth without brace” due to the fact that there is more to orthodontics then just straightening of the teeth. It is very common that we have to expand the arch width, increase the vertical dimension through erupting posterior teeth as in the case of treating TMJ dysfunction, and controlling and/or guiding the growth of the dentofacial structures. At the end of the orthodontic treatment, we expect to achieve harmony in both function and esthetics concerning our dentofacial structures, to eliminate the malocclusion and achieve the long term stability of the occlusion, and to provide retention and avoiding relapse. Our treatment usually takes two years from start to finish. However, with special circumstance such as arch expansion, exposing and elevating impact teeth, placement of implant for anchorage, etc. will further delay the treatment time. At Cosmetic Dentist of Katy, we believe that it is not how we star but how we finish, and we must finish well.
We offer payment plan with a low monthly payment and if paid in full in the time specified, you will not have to pay any interest. For any question, please do not hesitate to call our office at 281-579-6066.