Orthodontics allows to align teeth and possibly also change the shape and position of facial bones (in this case we speak of dentofacial orthopaedics), thereby solving aesthetic and functional problems of the mouth.
These changes can have a beneficial impact on speech, on breathing and obviously on chewing.
The movement of teeth and bones can be obtained with removable appliances or braces. Obviously, removable appliances that are kept in the mouth for fewer hours a day, are less precise in moving teeth and suffer more from lack of patient compliance.
Orthodontics in adults
The methods now available allow us to correct dental malpositions at all ages. Even in adults, when bone growth is over, orthodontic treatment makes it possible to correct aesthetic and functional limitations linked to the position of teeth such as spacing, protruding teeth, inclinations and displacements of teeth due to extractions or premature loss of teeth.
Orthodontic treatment can also be combined with prosthetic and implant therapy in view of a multidisciplinary treatment.