Braces (Orthodontia)

  Orthodontics is a form of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Technically speaking, these problems are classified as "malocclusion," meaning "bad bite." Dr. Ashok Patel is skilled in the design, application and control of corrective appliances, such as braces, to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and to achieve facial balance. Most people associate orthodontics with the application of braces to correct crooked teeth in children. Dr. Ashok Patel, however, treats a wide variety of conditions in people of all ages - from overbites to underbites. Malocclusions are usually inherited or acquired. Acquired malocclusions can be caused by accidents, sucking of the thumb, finger or pacifiers, tonsils and adenoids that obstruct the airway, and disease or premature loss of primary or permanent teeth. Inherited malocclusions that determine how well your teeth fit together are largely determined by such attributes as tooth and jaw size. For example, people can inherit large teeth and small dental arches, or the reverse. A "poor bite" is often caused by teeth that have too much or too little room in the jaw. Other common causes of crooked teeth are factors that move the teeth out of place, including oral habits and early tooth loss, which leads to tooth shifting.