Dr Akshay Gupta
In a bustling and upcoming, one of the Smart cities of our diversified Nation, where technology and magic of ethnicity intertwine Maya a young girl had a Nightmare that a mysterious malady has struck her city. Children are growing up with crooked teeth, misaligned jaws, and even gaps, panic spreads throughout as citizens fear they’ve been cursed.
Maya woke up to realize that she was a fresh dental graduate in a vibrant city, where there are several diversified speciality dental centres called as “Orthodontic”. A place where Orthodontic health isn’t just a concern, but also taught as a way of life. In these orthodontic speciality offices, people from all walks of lives seek consultations for all sorts of fascinating orthodontic devices, from traditional braces to enchanted aligners that adjust teeth and jaws gradually with a wave of a wand.
Maya got ready to report for her first day to assist in an Orthodontic office. There she witnesses the profound impact that specialized orthodontic care has on patients’ lives. From correcting misaligned bites to alleviating jaw pain, Maya learns that orthodontic treatment done by specialists isn’t just about straightening teeth; it’s about improving overall health and quality of life, through her interactions with patients, Maya discovers stories of transformation and healing. She meets a young boy named Alex, whose crooked teeth have caused him to struggle with self-confidence and difficulty chewing. With the expert care of a specialist orthodontist, Alex’s smile is gradually transformed, and he blossoms into a confident, happy young man. Maya also encounters patients with more complex orthodontic issues, such as TMJ disorders and sleep apnoea. Maya learns that specialized orthodontic treatment can address these issues and improve patients’ overall health outcomes.
Maya’s journey in orthodontic office, teaches her that the reason of nightmare was ignorance of parents and patients, which make them report to non-orthodontic specialists for treatment of their crooked teeth. She also realised that orthodontic intervention at an early stage done by Orthodontists can avoid nightmares of many parents and patients, as early intervention and education can help to alleviate orthodontic concerns to a great extent.
Above narrative of Mayas journey gives us a reason to dedicate a day to awareness of Orthodontic speciality to common masses. World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO) has proclaimed May 15th, as World Orthodontic Health Day (WOHD), a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of orthodontic health and its impact on overall well-being. This day serves as a platform to educate individuals about the significance of orthodontic treatment in achieving healthy, functional, and beautiful smiles. Theme for 2024 is “Changing lives one smile at a time”
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting irregularities in the teeth and jaws. These irregularities, such as misaligned teeth, overcrowding, overbites, underbites, and crossbites, not only affect the aesthetics of a smile but can also lead to various oral health issues if left untreated. WOHD aims to highlight the role of orthodontic treatment in enhancing oral health and improving quality of life. One of the primary goals of WOHD is to promote early detection and intervention of orthodontic problems. By encouraging parents to bring their children for orthodontic assessments at an early age
Indian Orthodontic Society recommends Orthodontic consultation for children not later than 7 years of age. With early diagnosis, orthodontists can identify any developing issues and initiate appropriate treatment measures. Early intervention not only facilitates simpler and more effective treatment but also prevents the progression of orthodontic problems into adulthood.
Moreover, WOHD emphasizes the importance of orthodontic treatment beyond cosmetic benefits. While achieving a straighter smile is a significant outcome of orthodontic therapy, it also plays a crucial role in enhancing oral function and overall health. Properly aligned teeth and jaws contribute to better chewing, biting, and speech, reducing the risk of dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and temporo mandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Furthermore, orthodontic treatment can have a positive impact on an individual’s self-esteem and confidence. A beautiful smile not only enhances one’s appearance but also boosts self-confidence and social interactions. By addressing dental imperfections and improving facial aesthetics, orthodontic treatment can significantly enhance an individual’s quality of life, allowing them to smile freely and confidently.
In addition to raising awareness, WOHD also serves as an opportunity for orthodontic professionals to engage with their communities and provide educational resources. Orthodontists worldwide organize various events, seminars, and free screenings to educate the public about orthodontic health and the benefits of treatment. These initiatives aim to empower individuals to take proactive steps towards achieving and maintaining optimal orthodontic health.
As we celebrate World Orthodontic Health Day, let us recognize the importance of orthodontic treatment in creating healthy, functional, and beautiful smiles. By prioritizing orthodontic health and seeking timely intervention from an Orthodontic specialist, individuals can enjoy a lifetime confident smiles and improved overall well-being of orthodontic care .
(The author is Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Indira Gandhi Government Dental College Jammu)
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