The typical treatment for incorrectly positioned teeth (malocclusion) takes about 1 to 3 years to complete, with braces changed slightly every 4 to 10 weeks by specialists called orthodontists.[10] Orthodontists are university-trained dental professionals in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and facial disorders. They offer a wide range of treatment options to straighten crooked teeth, fix bad bites and align jaws properly.[11] There are multiple ways to adjust malocclusion. In the case of growing patients, there are more options for treating skeletal discrepancies, either by promoting or restricting growth with functional devices, orthotic headgear, or a reversible face mask. Most orthodontic work begins during the early permanent teeth stage before skeletal development is complete. If skeletal growth is complete, jaw surgery may be an option. Sometimes teeth are extracted to assist in orthodontic treatment (teeth are extracted in about half of all cases, most often premolars).[12]
Orthodontic treatment can include the use of fixed or removable appliances. The majority of orthodontic treatment is delivered with appliances that are held in place, [13] eg with braces that are affixed to the teeth with adhesives. Fixed appliances can have more mechanical control over the teeth and a greater treatment outcome with fixed appliances.
Fixed appliances are used, for example, to rotate teeth that do not fit the arch shape of other teeth, to move several teeth to different places, to change the angle of teeth, or to change the position of the root of a tooth. It is not preferred if the patient has poor oral hygiene (as this can lead to decalcification, tooth decay and other problems), if the patient is not enthusiastic (treatment lasts for several months and oral hygiene is required), or if the malocclusion is mild.
