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What Is Orthodontics? Dr. Daniel Ma is a certified specialist in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, as the specialty is called, is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is "malocclusion," which means "bad bite." The practice of orthodontics requires professional skill in the design, application and control of corrective appliances (braces) to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and achieve facial balance. Treatment can begin in infancy if orthopedic reshaping of the jaws is needed, such as in some patients with congenital cleft lip and palate deformity. In growing children and adolescents, the exchange of primary teeth for their permanent successors is monitored and, at times, guided. Guidance can be by selected tooth extractions or by placing orthodontic appliances, which are either removable or temporarily attached in the mouth. In some growing children we may observe a poor growth pattern of the jaws which may require treatment in phases. Phase one treatment commonly involves an attempt to correct the poor growth pattern which can result in containing the scope and difficulty of the developing problem. Phase two treatment involves full braces and is usually necessary after Phase one treatment.
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Many
adults who for some reason or another did not have braces in their youth
are now seeking treatment. The development of specialized wires, along
with small metal and clear braces, has led to shortened treatment times
and less patient discomfort. The latest breakthrough technology in adult
orthodontics is Invisalign. Invisalign straightens your teeth using a
series of nearly undetectable custom aligners instead of brackets and
wires. Dr Ma has been trained and certified to treat patients with Invisalign.
For more information contact our office or visit the official Invisalign
website at