What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry which deals with the growth & alignment of the face and jaws, development of the occlusion (how the teeth meet) and the prevention and correction of abnormalities of the occlusion.
Who is an orthodontist?
Not every dentist is an orthodontist. Only 6% of dentists are orthodontists. An orthodontic specialist is a dentist formally trained in orthodontics with extensive post-graduate training for at least 2 years. While all general dentists are “orthodontically aware” and can recognize the need for treatment, complicated treatment involving fixed braces is most safely and effectively done by a trained specialist. Dr. Destang has undergone 3 additional years of specialist orthodontic training and belongs to the prestigious 6% of dentists who are truly specialized in this complex field. Many Orthodontic malocclusions are more complex than they seem, and are ideally treated by a specialist.
How do braces work?
The parts of the braces called brackets are glued onto the teeth. Within the brackets is a wire. The brackets and the wires act as handles to move the teeth around. Each bracket is tailor made for each tooth, and there are different types and strengths of wires. There are also many different attachments made for the brackets and the wires, which can virtually move the teeth in any direction.
This is the reason why braces should be handled only by properly qualified persons (orthodontists), as much knowledge of bio-mechanics is required to achieve the proper movements.
Although the braces may appear tiny, each one is laser cut with a specific prescription, and are extremely detailed and complex.
