Malocclusion is not a disease, but abnormal alignment of the teeth and the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. The prevalence of malocclusion varies,^[1][2] but using orthodontic treatment indices,^[3][4] which categorize malocclusions in terms of severity, it can be said that nearly 30% of the population present with malocclusions severe enough to benefit from orthodontic treatment.^[5]

Orthodontic treatment can focus on dental displacement only, or deal with the control and modification of facial growth. In the latter case it is better defined as “dentofacial orthopedics”. In severe malocclusions, management often requires a combination of Orthodontics and Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery).^[6][7] This often requires additional training, in addition to the formal 3 year specialty training. For instance, in the USA, orthodontists get at least another year of training in a form of fellowship, the so called ‘Craniofacial Orthodontics’, to receive additional training in the orthodontic management of Craniofacial anomalies

Bleaching methods use carbamide peroxide which reacts with water to form hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide has about a third of the strength of hydrogen peroxide. This means that a 15% solution of carbamide peroxide is the rough equivalent of a 5% solution of hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide oxidizing agent penetrates the porosities in the rod-like crystal structure of enamel and breaks down stain deposits in the dentin. Power bleaching uses light to accelerate the process of bleaching in a dental office. Another bleaching agent is 6-phthalimido peroxy hexanoic acid.

Tooth bleaching is not a modern invention. Ancient Romans, for example, used urine and goat milk in an attempt to make and keep their teeth whiter

Another benefit of the laser filling procedure is its biocompatibilty, and the way it protects and preserves the oral immune system and ultimately the body’s immune system. Cosmetically, laser dental fillings do not discolor or shrink over time, and restore teeth to their original appearance and beauty, while preserving the structural engineering and functionality of the tooth.

Why do I need a LASER – Scaling / Cleaning?

Excessive deposition of tartar over a period of time leads to mobility of teeth and unhealthy gums. External stains on the teeth which cannot be removed by simple brushing can be removed by scaling and polishing.

External stains on the teeth are caused by smoking, tobacco, tea & coffee intake etc. Sometimes even if a person does not have these habits still stains are observed. That is because of few chromogenic bacteria present in the saliva which causes these stains.

Myths about Scaling of teeth

Teeth becomes weaker.

• Mobility of teeth post scaling is a myth as teeth can only get better and healthier after scaling. Presence of tartar holds the shaky teeth intact psychologically, but actually it is causing a negative impact on the natural attachment of gums and teeth.

Gaps are increased than before.

• In some cases there are gaps between teeth which gets covered by tooth colored tartar. On removal of this tartar the patient feels the gap has occurred due to cleaning of teeth which is wrong.

Sensitivity appeared which was not there prior to the scaling procedure.

• As the tartar is removed the concealed part of the teeth is exposed to the oral environment thereby causing mild to moderate sensitivity to the teeth which is transient. This sensitivity vanishes in a day or two. Most of the patients do not even experience this sensitivity.

Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.

A dentist or an orthodontist may opt to pull a tooth for many reasons. The tooth may be so hopelessly damaged from tooth decay that it cannot be saved even with root canal therapy. It may be causing crowding or malocclusion (bad bite) which may prevent a new tooth from breaking through. Or, the tooth may be loose as a result of gum disease or even from an accident.

In a simple tooth extraction a dentist takes hold of the tooth with forceps and rocks it back and forth to loosen it from the bone. Removal of the overlying gum might be necessary if a tooth is not quite through the gum. After a tooth extraction, a blood clot forms where a tooth had once been. It is important not to dislodge the blood clot because it aids in healing. Disturbing the clot can result in a dry socket — a painful condition that may or may not heal by itself. Some swelling and light bleeding may occur over the next 24 hours.

First, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth to be filled. Next, a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser will be used to remove the decayed area. The choice of instrument depends on the individual dentist’s comfort level, training, and investment in the particular piece of equipment as well as location and extent of the decay.

Next, your dentist will probe or test the area to determine if all the decay has been removed. Once the decay has been removed, the dentist will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. If the decay is near the root, your dentist may first put in a liner made of glass ionomer, composite resin, or other material to protect the nerve. Generally, after the filling is in, your dentist will finish and polish it.