Dental Specialties

The given statement is true. Orthodontic treatment can be classified into three categories: preventive, interceptive, and corrective. Preventive treatment aims to prevent the development of orthodontic problems, such as the use of space maintainers to prevent tooth shifting. Interceptive treatment involves addressing orthodontic issues at an early stage, such as using braces to correct misaligned teeth in children. Corrective treatment is focused on correcting existing orthodontic problems, such as using braces or aligners to straighten teeth in adults or adolescents. Therefore, the statement is correct.

Dr. Edward H. Angle believed that the key to occlusion, or the way the teeth come together, was the 1st molar. This is because the 1st molars are the largest and strongest teeth in the mouth and play a crucial role in determining the proper alignment and function of the rest of the teeth. They provide stability and support to the jaw and help in proper chewing and biting. Therefore, according to Dr. Angle, the 1st molar is the most important tooth in achieving a proper occlusion.

Preventive Orthodontics is the correct answer because it refers to the orthodontic treatment that aims to prevent dental and skeletal problems from occurring in the first place. This type of treatment focuses on early intervention and preventive measures to address issues such as misalignment, overcrowding, and malocclusion before they become more severe. By addressing potential problems at an early stage, preventive orthodontics can help avoid the need for more extensive corrective measures later on.

Interceptive orthodontic treatment refers to the early intervention and correction of developing dental problems in children. This treatment aims to address issues such as overcrowding, misalignment, or bite problems before they worsen and require more extensive treatment later on. It involves the use of appliances or braces to guide the growth and development of the teeth and jaws, ensuring proper alignment and preventing future complications. Therefore, the answer "Interceptive" is correct as it accurately describes the orthodontic treatment that corrects developing problems.

Class I is not called Mesioclusion or Distoclusion. These terms are used to describe specific types of malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth). Neuroclusion refers to the normal alignment of the teeth and jaws, where the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth in a proper bite relationship. Therefore, Class I is also known as Neuroclusion.

Dr. Edward H. Angle is considered the father of orthodontics. He was a prominent American dentist and is credited with developing modern orthodontics as a specialty. Dr. Angle introduced the concept of malocclusion classification and developed various orthodontic techniques and appliances that are still used today. His contributions revolutionized the field of orthodontics and laid the foundation for the modern practice of correcting dental irregularities and improving oral health.

The correct answer is tensile strength. Tensile strength refers to the maximum amount of stress or force that a material, in this case, an arch wire, can withstand before breaking or fracturing. It measures the ability of the material to resist being pulled apart or stretched. In the context of orthodontics, the arch wire is subjected to various forces and tensions, and its tensile strength is crucial for maintaining stability and effectiveness in orthodontic treatment.

The term "working range" refers to the distance that a wire can be deflected before it becomes distorted. This means that the wire can be bent or moved within a certain limit without causing any permanent damage or deformation. It is important to stay within the working range to ensure the wire's functionality and structural integrity.

Resiliency refers to the ability of a wire to return to its original shape or form after being bent or deformed. This property is important in various applications, such as in springs or electrical wiring, where the wire needs to withstand repeated bending or stretching without permanently deforming. Resiliency is a desirable characteristic for wires as it ensures their durability and longevity in use.

A Hawley retainer is the most common type of retainer used in orthodontics. It is a removable appliance made of acrylic and wire that helps maintain the position of teeth after braces are removed. The acrylic portion rests on the roof of the mouth or behind the lower front teeth, while the wire component wraps around the front teeth to provide stability. The Hawley retainer is adjustable and can be customized to fit each patient's unique dental structure. It is widely used due to its effectiveness, affordability, and ease of use.

Separators are placed 3 to 7 days prior to fitting and cementation of the bands. This is done to create space between the teeth, allowing for the proper placement of the bands. By placing the separators a few days before the bands are fitted and cemented, it gives enough time for the teeth to gradually move and create the necessary space. This ensures that the bands can be properly positioned and secured without causing discomfort or damage to the teeth.

Elastics function best when worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week because consistent and continuous wear helps maintain the necessary tension and pressure required for effective treatment. Wearing elastics only part-time or intermittently may result in slower progress or no progress at all. By wearing them consistently, the elastic bands can properly align the teeth and jaw, assisting in correcting the bite and achieving the desired outcome of orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontics considers patients in three dimensions: sagittal, vertical, and transverse. The sagittal dimension refers to the front-to-back relationship of the teeth and jaws. The vertical dimension refers to the up-and-down relationship, including the height of the bite and the position of the teeth in relation to the jaws. The transverse dimension refers to the side-to-side relationship, including the width of the dental arches and the alignment of the teeth within them. These three dimensions are crucial in assessing and treating orthodontic issues to achieve proper alignment and function of the teeth and jaws.