Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry which deals with the development of fixed and removable orthodontic braces.
The imperative of the modern man is a beautiful and healthy look, which is largely determined by a beautiful smile. Therefore a growing number of adult patients want 'beautiful and straight teeth'. The age limit for orthodontic treatment does not exist. Practically there is no difference between the displacement of tooth and the mechanics used to achieve it with adults and children. Orthodontic treatment can be used at any age to correct protruding, drawn (retruded), spaced teeth, or we can close the gaps caused by the extraction of teeth at an early age and thus eliminate the need for bridges or implants.
The most efficient and the most common way of correcting orthodontic anomalies in the world is fixed orthodontic therapy. The basic components of the fixed orthodontic appliance are rings and tubes, braces and arch wire.
The rings and the tubes are placed on the first permanent molars. The braces are glued with a special orthodontic adhesive directly onto the previously prepared tooth surface. They can be metal or aesthetic, according to the patient's preferance. Special preparation of the tooth surface prevents caries spreading beneath the glued braces.
The wire arch passes through the horizontal slots of the braces and goes into the tubes or rings on the molars. During the therapy we change or adapt the wire arches.
The connectors (ligatures) hold the arch wire in the slot of the braces, and can be transparent or in colour, depending on the patient's preferance.
In recent years orthodontists have been facing with different demands from the patients, who desire a less visible and finest orthodontic appliances.