Difference Between Orthodontics and Orthopedics

Orthodontics vs Orthopedics

Orthodontics refers to a specific field of dentistry that revolved around the treatment and study of improper bites (malocclusions), tooth irregularity and occlusion or disproportionate jaw improved bite. On the other hand orthopedics is the study of the human musculoskeletal system. It tries to trace inventive ways in which problems of the musculoskeletal system can be diagnosed and successfully treated. It is a particular field of medicine which focuses on muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves in the body. Originally it was the branch that studied and treated disabled children but has thereon grown into a full fledged medical field treating both adults and children.

Some of the common Orthodontic treatments are,

• Comprehensive treatment: Used for the treatment of malocclusions
• Interceptive Treatment: The process involve extraction of teeth in a planned way using simple appliances
• Treatment with Braces: Involves the use of various kinds of braces for resetting teeth posture using full braces, lingual braces, part braces, invisible braces, fashion braces, self ligating braces, etc.
• Treatment with other Orthodontic Appliances: Treatment with other appliances include, fixed appliance, removable appliance, rapid expander, quad felix, pendulum, elastics, hanks appliance, etc.

On the other hand, some of the common orthopedic treatments are,

• Arthroscopy: This is a procedure whereby cameras and other special equipments are used in order to navigate inside a particular joint in order to trace and treat injuries.
• Joint Replacement: This is performed by placing prosthesis in a damaged joint or arthritic joint.
• Osteotomy: This refers to a particular process that helps in the correction of deformities in bones through cutting and reinstating.
• Soft Tissue Repair: This is the process of mending worn out tendons or ligaments.
• Internal fixation: This helps in treating broken bones by setting them in proper position using plates, screws and pins.
• Fusion: Using this process bones are welded together by the use of rods or bone grafts.

Orthodontics treats specific conditions like crowding of teeth or anteroposterior discrepancies, etc. On the other hand Orthopedics treats back, leg and foot pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sports injuries, osteoporosis and other conditions where the musculoskeletal system is hurt.

Summary:
1. Orthodontics is a specific field of dentistry treating improper bites, tooth irregularity and occlusion. Orthopedics is the study of the human musculoskeletal system.
2. Orthodontics treats crowding of teeth or anteroposterior discrepancies, whereas Orthopedics treats back, leg and foot pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.

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