Basic Guide to Orthodontic Dental Nursing

Fiona Grist

• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Year: 2019
• Print ISBN: 9781119573692
• eBook ISBN: 9781119573746
• Edition: 2
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Dentistry

An updated second edition of the essential reference for any dental nurse undertaking the NEBDN qualification in Orthodontic Dental Nursing

The revised second edition of Basic Guide to Orthodontic Dental Nursing is a comprehensive guide that offers an introduction for students seeking to develop their knowledge and understanding of this core area of clinical practice.

Written in a clear and accessible format, it covers key subjects such as tooth eruption patterns, removable and fixed appliances, de-bonding and retention. It also contains information on care prior to treatment including the requirements for a first appointment and a helpful guide on maintaining motivation particularly for young patients and their parents.

• Presents essential information on orthodontic dental nursing
• Is written for trainee dental nurses undertaking the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN) qualification in Orthodontic Dental Nursing
• Covers key topics such as tooth eruption patterns, removable and fixed appliances, de-bonding and retention
• Includes colour illustrations and updated photographs throughout

Designed to reflect sections of the syllabus of the NEBDN Certificate in Orthodontic Dental Nursing, the second edition of Basic Guide to Orthodontic Dental Nursing is an invaluable resource for all dental nurses with an interest in orthodontics.

Chapter 1
Definition of orthodontics and factors influencing orthodontic treatment

Orthodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry. The name comes from two Greek words:

• orthos, meaning straight or proper
• odons, meaning teeth.

So the meaning is clear – ‘straight teeth’.

Orthodontics is the study of the variations that occur in the development and growth of the structures of the face, jaws and teeth and of how they affect the occlusion of the teeth. Ideally there should be the same number of permanent teeth in each arch.

Any deviation from the norm that affects teeth alignment and the bite relationship is called a malocclusion. Most malocclusions are genetic – they are inherited (e.g. missing teeth or a protruding mandible). Other malocclusions can be caused by the patient, for example digit sucking, or by external factors such as trauma.

Orthodontic treatment can correct a malocclusion by restoring the teeth to their normal position and occlusal relationship (with surgical help if needed) so that:

• the bite is fully functioning and the patient can bite and chew properly
• oral hygiene is made easier, so helping to prevent caries and gingivitis
• the malocclusion does not cause other damage, often to soft tissues
• the patient looks better and has better self‐esteem.

Orthodontic treatment in conjunction with orthognathic (maxillofacial) surgery can correct an underlying jaw discrepancy or facial asymmetry. Orthodontic planning is done in conjunction with the surgeons using clinical and radiographic assessment, with a cephalometric tracing (Figure 1.1) often analysed using a computer software program.

So orthodontists set out to:

• straighten teeth
• improve the bite
• improve the function
• improve oral hygiene (making teeth easier to clean)
• improve self‐esteem of the patient.

Figure 1.1 Cephalometric tracing.

Source: Reproduced by kind permission of Alan Hall.

CLASSIFICATION OF OCCLUSION

When assessing occlusion there are two aspects to classification:

• incisor relationship
• buccal segment occlusion, left and right.

Both are recorded on a patient's orthodontic assessment form.

Incisor classification

• classes have Roman numerals, e.g. I, II, III.
• divisions do not, e.g. Class II/1 or Class II/2.

The incisor classification (Figure 1.2):

• relates to the bite of the tip of the lower central incisors onto the back of the upper central incisors
• it is divided into three horizontal sections and where the lower incisor occludes will determine the classification.

Class I

• the incisal edge of the lower incisors bite on or below the cingulum plateau of the upper incisors.

  

  Figure 1.2 Incisor classificati...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Table of Contents
• Foreword to Second Edition
• How to use this book
• Acknowledgements
• Chapter 1: Definition of orthodontics and factors influencing orthodontic treatment
• Chapter 2: The first appointment
• Chapter 3: Occlusal indices
• Chapter 4: Motivation
• Chapter 5: Leaflets
• Chapter 6: Oral hygiene
• Chapter 7: Removable appliances
• Chapter 8: Transpalatal arches, lingual arches and quad helix
• Chapter 9: Rapid maxillary expansion
• Chapter 10: Headgear
• Chapter 11: Functional appliances
• Chapter 12: Temporary anchorage devices and magnets
• Chapter 13: Fixed appliances: what they do and what is used
• Chapter 14: Fixed appliances: direct bonding
• Chapter 15: Fixed appliances: indirect bonding and lingual orthodontics
• Chapter 16: Ectopic canines
• Chapter 17: Debonding
• Chapter 18: Retention and retainers
• Chapter 19: Aligners
• Chapter 20: Multi‐disciplinary orthodontics
• Chapter 21: Adult orthodontics
• Chapter 22: Mandibular advancement devices
• Chapter 23: Study models and digital storage of records
• Chapter 24: Descriptions and photographs of the most commonly used instruments and auxiliaries
• Chapter 25: Certificate in Orthodontic Nursing, extended duties and ongoing training
• Chapter 26: Orthodontic therapists
• Chapter 27: The Orthodontic National Group for Dental Nurses and Therapists
• Useful contacts
• Glossary
• Index
• End User License Agreement