These are also called ‘traditional’ braces. They have two basic components, the metal bracket that is applied to the teeth and the bendable steel wire that is put through the brackets in order to apply pressure to the teeth and ultimately move them in the bone.  Today’s metal braces are far smaller and less noticeable than they were in the past. New technology has also created wires that move teeth faster and with less pain than in years past. 

They are the least expensive version and are often the fastest way of moving teeth into their ideal locations. Many teenagers also like the ability to choose the color of the rubber bands around each bracket, as this gives each person an opportunity to personalize their braces.

These are a  popular alternative to metal braces. The brackets are made out of a ceramic material and thus has the same color as teeth. Tooth coloured wires may also be used to make it less conspicuous. This virtually invisible system is a popular choice amongst adults. Ceramic braces work in the same way as traditional braces.

Lingual braces  are similar to traditional braces in that they are made out of metal, but they are attached to the inside of the teeth so that they cannot be easily seen from the outside. This type has the obvious advantage of not being visible to other people because they are hidden behind the teeth. However, they are less effective than traditional braces and often take longer to achieve desired tooth alignment. They may also be uncomfortable for the patient as they come into direct contact with the tongue. They also tend to be more difficult to clean.

Self-ligating braces are very similar in appearance to traditional metal braces, but utilize clips rather than elastic bands to hold the wire of the brace in place. As a result, there is less friction on the braces and it is usually easier for the individual to keep the braces and teeth clean.

Invisalign is the most distinct type of braces because they do not involve brackets and wires but instead utilize a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth and r. These aligners are easy to remove and replace with the next one in the series every two weeks throughout the treatment period.

This type of braces is preferable for many patients because they are almost invisible and allow greater freedom in eating and drinking. However, they are considerably more expensive and can only be used to correct minor to moderate dental problems in teenagers and adults.

A cone beam CT examination requires no special preparation. Prior to the examination, the patient may be asked to remove metal objects, such as jewelry, eyeglasses, hairpins and hearing aids. Although removable dental work may need to be removed, it is advisable to bring these along, as the dentist may need to examine them.

Women should always inform their dentist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. 

CBCT can give a clear picture about the quality of bone in which the implant is to be placed, the placement in relation to the surrounding structures and in cases where bone reconstruction may be required.

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CBCT is able to show a larger number of fracture lines and fractures when compared with conventional images, depicting precisely the position and orientation of displaced fragments in a reasonably short time interval.

These could be tooth and socket fractures, fractures of the orbit, fractures of the jaws or any other structure of the face and oral cavity.

While planning orthognathic surgeries, to evaluate the amount of airspace, to evaluate clefts in the palate, for analysis of facial structures, teeth and jaws, to place braces, to assess facial growth, age or disturbances in the eruption of teeth.

To evaluate the presence of superimposed or extra root canals, the presence of infection or pathologies around the tooth root.

  CBCT allows for highly accurate analysis of bone loss as well as bone healing after periodontal treatment or regenerative therapy. 

CBCT was established as a non-invasive method to estimate the age of a person based on the pulp–tooth ratio.

This branch deals with diseases of oral and surrounding structures, oral manifestation of systemic diseases and oral and dental treatment of medically compromised patients. Emphasis is laid patient’s history, clinical examination, diagnosis, investigations, radiographic examination and medical management of lesions related to oral cavity. This specialty also deals with various basic and advanced imaging techniques such as Intra-oral periapical radiographs, OPGs, CBCT, Cephalograms etc.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is that branch of dentistry that deals with diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of human jaws, oral cavity and associated structures. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons deal with a variety of cases such as complex extractions, impactions, space infections, management of facial trauma, surgical corrections of clefts, correction of pathologies such as cysts and tumors and reconstructive surgeries. 

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This branch has two aspects. Conservative dentistry deals with the treatment of caries (cavities), malformed, discoloured, nonesthetic, or minimally fractured teeth and endodontics deals with treatment of pulpal (tooth nerve) and periapical diseases and dental pain management. This specialty pertains to saving infected teeth and maintaining their strength and integrity inside the mouth. Endodontists are specialized in performing complex restorations (fillings), root canal treatments, bleaching (tooth whitening), managing trauma to teeth, various aesthetic procedures, tooth surgeries, etc.

It is a specialty that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of malpositioned or mal-aligned teeth and jaws. It is concerned with facial growth and the development of the teeth and how they should correctly occlude for proper function. It deals with diagnosing, intercepting and correcting malocclusion. Orthodontists use conventional braces or advances such as ceramic braces, invisalign or lingual braces as well as certain appliances to make crooked teeth and jaws straight for a perfect smile.

It is the specialty that studies supporting structures of teeth,  that is the gums and bone as well as diseases and conditions that affect them. They look into various diseases of the mouth such as gum inflammation and bleeding, recession and bone defects of the tooth socket. Periodontists deal with treatments such as scaling, root planning, placement of implants, gum surgeries, treatment of bony defects, LASER treatments, etc. 

Pedodontics or pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on treatment of infants, children, and young adults. Their aim is to manage anxious children through behavior management and instill a positive dental attitude in them. Pedodontists deal with most of the dental issues in children including extractions, root canals, maintaining space in the mouth for the permanent teeth, tooth surgeries, minor orthodontic correction, management of early childhood caries and full mouth rehabilitation. They are also adept at treating children under conscious sedation.

It deals with the prevention of oral disease and promotion of oral health. This specialization deals with studying the cause and distribution of a disease in the population and how to control it. Outreach programmes, community camps are school camps are frequently held to screen for dental problems and intercept them early. Health talks are organized and the harmful effects of tobacco are emphasized on and tobacco cessation is prioritized.  

Oral pathology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of pathology that deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions (the mouth and jaw areas). It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations. It is the backbone that allows for better diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases by the other speacialties.

Clear Aligners: The invention of clear aligners eliminates any embarrassment that adult patients may feel if they need braces to straighten their smile. Clear aligners can move crooked teeth and close gaps without using metal brackets or wires. Consult with your dentist to see if clear aligners can align your smile.

Practice Management Software: Computerized programs that keep track of patients allow dentists to be more organized. Practice management software streamlines the administrative processes in a practice, which enables dentists to spend more time focusing on their patients’ needs.