Pre clinical Orthodontics
PDS 433
Introduction to orthodontics
Dr. ABDUL RAHMAN AHMED KHAN
DEPT OF PREVENTIVE DENTAL SCIENCES
• Contents:
• History of orthodontics
• Aims and scopes of Orthodontic treatment
• Branches/Services of Orthodontics
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is that branch of dentistry concerned with
prevention, interception and correction of malocclusion
and other abnormalities of the dento-facial region.
• The word orthodontic is derived form the Greek
words orthos meaning correct and odontos
meaning teeth
• History of Orthodontics:
• Orthodontics is considered the oldest speciality of
dentistry.
• Pierre Fauchard a French dentist is considered the
founder of modern dentistry.
• As early as 1723, he developed what is probably the
first orthodontic appliance called a Bandelette, that
was designed to expand the dental arch.
• Edward H. Angle (1855-1930) is considered the ‘Father
of Modern Orthodontics’ for his numerous
contributions to this speciality .
• Through his leadership, orthodontics was separated
from other branches of dentistry to establish itself as a
speciality.
• AIMS OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
• The aims and objectives of orthodontic therapy
have been summarised by Jackson as the
Jackson’s triad. The three main objectives of
orthodontic treatment are :
• Functional efficiency
• Structural balance
• Esthetic harmony
• Functional efficiency
• Many malocclusions affect normal functioning of the
stomatognathic system. The orthodontic treatment
should thus aim at improving the functioning of the oro-
facial apparatus.
• Structural balance
• The oro-facial region consists of the dento-alveolar
system, the skeletal tissue and the soft tissue including
musculature. Stable orthodontic treatment is best
achieved by maintaining a balance between these three
tissue systems
• Esthetic harmony
• By far the most common reason for seeking orthodontic
care is to improve the appearance of the teeth and
face. Many malocclusions are associated with unsightly
appearance of teeth and can thus affect the individual’s
self image, well being and success in society.
• Thus the orthodontic treatment should aim at
improving the esthetics of the individual.
• Scopes of orthodontic treatment:
• Alteration in tooth position: Orthodontic treatment is made
possible by the fact that teeth can be moved through the
bone to ideal locations by applying appropriate force on
them.
• Alteration in skeletal pattern: Malocclusion may be
associated with skeletal disharmony involving the jaw bones
(i.e. maxilla and mandible).
• It is within the scope of an orthodontist to apply appropriate
orthopaedic forces that are capable of restraining,
promoting or redirecting skeletal growth so as to normalise
the skeletal system.
• The orthodontist can bring about changes in all the three
planes of space i.e. sagittal, transverse and vertical.
• Alteration in soft tissue pattern: The soft tissues that
develop the dentition are greatly influenced by the
placement of the dentition. It is possible to bring about
favourable changes in the soft tissue pattern by
orthodontic treatment.
• BRANCHES/SERVICES OFFERED BY THE
ORTHODONTIST
• The services offered by an orthodontist can be
broadly classified as :
• Preventive orthodontics
• Interceptive orthodontics
• Corrective orthodontics
• Surgical orthodontics
Preventive Orthodontics: Preventive orthodontics
includes procedures undertaken prior to the
onset of a malocclusion in anticipation of a
developing malocclusion. Eg: Advising a space
maintainer to prevent unwanted tooth
movement.
• Interceptive orthodontics: Interceptive
orthodontics includes procedures that are
undertaken at an early stage of a malocclusion
to eliminate or reduce the severity of the same.
Eg: Advising a Tongue crib to intercept Tongue
thrust habit.
• Corrective orthodontics: Orthodontic procedures
undertaken to correct a fully established malocclusion.
• Eg: Fixed orthodontic appliance therapy.
• Surgical orthodontics: They are surgical procedures
that are undertaken in conjunction with or as an
adjunct to orthodontic treatment.
• Eg: Orthognathic surgeries.
• Pre clinical orthodontics course:
qTheory
qPractical
Assessment task* Week Due Percentage of Total Assessment Score
Midyear exam – Theory Week 15 20
Mid-Year exam - Practical Week 14 20
Quiz Week 7 and 11 5
Professionalism During the course 5
Weekly Assessment During the course 10
Final Theory Exam End of semester 20
Final Practical Exam Week 14 20
• Examination pattern
• MCQ
• Short essays
• Long essays
• Text books:
• An introduction to orthodontics: 5th Edition-
Simon J. Littlewood and Laura Mitchell.
• Contemporary orthodontics: 4th edition- William
R. Proffit,
• Journals on orthodontics e.g. American
orthodontics, Angle orthodontics etc.
