About Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on correcting irregularities in the teeth and jaws. An orthodontist is a dental professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating these irregularities.

Orthodontic appliances, such as aligners or fixed braces, are commonly used to apply gentle pressure to the teeth. This pressure gradually causes the teeth to move, ultimately leading to alignment and straightening.

Orthodontic treatment is considered safe and reliable, providing effective results for patients seeking to improve the appearance and functionality of their smile.

Orthodontic Treatment aims to address issues related to crooked teeth or misaligned jaws. The benefits of orthodontic treatment are multifaceted, encompassing personal, aesthetic, and clinical aspects.

Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment can greatly enhance your self-confidence and overall well-being by improving the appearance of your smile. With straighter teeth, you may feel more comfortable and happier about your appearance.

Clinically, Orthodontic Treatment can also lead to improvements in oral hygiene and overall dental health. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of plaque build-up, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Additionally, correcting misaligned jaws can alleviate issues such as difficulty chewing or speaking, as well as reduce the risk of jaw pain or discomfort.

Indeed, there are several treatment options available in orthodontics, catering to different preferences and needs. These options include:

• Removable Invisible Aligners: These are transparent, custom-made trays that gradually shift teeth into alignment. They are removable for eating and cleaning, providing convenience and discretion during treatment.
• Invisible Lingual Fixed Braces: Lingual braces are fixed onto the back surfaces of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front. They offer effective treatment while maintaining a discreet appearance.
• Ceramic Braces: These braces consist of tooth-coloured or clear brackets and wires, blending in with the natural colour of teeth for a less noticeable appearance compared to metallic braces.
• Standard Metallic Braces: Traditional metal braces consist of metal brackets and wires that are visible on the front surfaces of the teeth. They remain a popular and effective treatment option for correcting various orthodontic issues.

Each treatment option has its advantages and considerations, and your orthodontist can help you choose the best option based on your specific needs and preferences.

Yes, orthodontic treatment can be effective for both adults and children. The available treatment options are the same for both age groups, and the results obtained can be excellent regardless of age. Whether you're an adult or a child seeking orthodontic treatment, the goal remains the same: to achieve a straighter, healthier smile and improved oral function. Your orthodontist will guide you through the treatment process and provide personalized care to help you achieve optimal results.

Typically, a full course of orthodontic treatment lasts about 2 years. However, the actual duration can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of your case, your compliance with oral hygiene and attendance and they type of Treatment you undertake.

It's essential to follow your orthodontist's recommendations closely and attend regular appointments to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments. This helps to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome within the expected timeframe.

No, there are no needles or drills involved in Orthodontic Treatment. The process typically involves cleaning your teeth and then fitting the orthodontic appliance. At most, you may need to keep your mouth open for approximately 45 minutes during this stage.

Once the appliance is fitted, our nursing team will provide detailed instructions on how to clean your teeth and take care of your braces. They will guide you on proper oral hygiene practices and how to maintain the appliance for the duration of your treatment. Your comfort and understanding throughout the process are our priorities, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.

It's common to experience some discomfort for the first 48-72 hours after starting Orthodontic Treatment as your teeth begin to move. This discomfort may also occur following adjustments made during your treatment. Additionally, you may feel some initial discomfort in your lips, cheeks, and tongue as they adjust to the presence of the orthodontic appliance in your mouth.

these discomforts typically subside as your mouth adjusts to the treatment. Most patients find that they adapt fairly quickly to their Orthodontic Treatment and become accustomed to the sensation of the appliance in their mouth. If you experience any persistent discomfort or concerns during your treatment, our team is here to provide support and assistance.

Absolutely! Maintaining excellent oral hygiene throughout your Orthodontic Treatment is crucial for achieving the best possible results and ensuring the health of your teeth and gums. Our clinicians will monitor your oral hygiene at every appointment and provide guidance and instructions on how to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your treatment journey. By following our guidance and incorporating good oral hygiene habits into your daily routine, you can help ensure the success of your orthodontic treatment and maintain a healthy smile.

As part of your Orthodontic Treatment, we will recommend some changes to your diet. One important recommendation is to decrease the intake of sugary foods and drinks throughout the duration of your treatment. This helps maintain oral health and reduces the risk of dental issues.

Additionally, we will advise you to avoid certain foods completely during treatment, particularly those that are hard, crunchy, very sticky, or chewy. These types of foods can damage your orthodontic appliance or cause discomfort. By following these guidelines you can help ensure the success of your treatment and maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

Absolutely! Ensuring your Orthodontic Treatment progresses smoothly and achieves the best possible outcome requires a collaborative effort between you and our team. It's essential to consistently follow our guidance, to maintain the health of your teeth and gums and optimise the effectiveness of your treatment.

Attending all of your scheduled appointments is also crucial for monitoring progress, making any necessary adjustments, and ensuring your treatment stays on track.

By working together closely and following our recommendations diligently, we can help you achieve the desired outcome within the predicted timeframe and ensure a successful orthodontic journey.

It does happen occasionally. It is not unusual. Don’t panic. Read the tips on managing an emergency in the Booklets: Patient Information – Oral Hygiene & Fixed Braces Information. If you still are unable to solve your problem then contact the practice and allow our Reception Team to determine the nature of the problem so that they can arrange an appropriate appointment for you or provide you with the best advice over the phone.

If your appliance has broken THEN it does need to be fixed. In this case when you contact our Reception Team they will either arrange an appointment for you to have it fixed or they will advise you to simply keep your next appointment and it can be fixed then. Please be aware that usually, we do not class a broken appliance as an emergency.

If your appliance is causing you severe pain and discomfort (beyond that which you might feel after your brace has been fitted or an adjustment) then we will ask you to come to the Practice as soon as possible. The purpose for this visit will be to stop or remove the cause of the pain and discomfort. The available time for these appointments is 5 minutes or we may have to ask you to take a seat until we have a Clinician who is available to see you between their scheduled appointments. Therefore, usually, we will not repair a broken appliance at this time and will schedule you another suitable appointment to make a repair or adjustment.

A lost or badly damaged Retainer does require urgent action. We do need to see you again as soon as possible to ensure we can take appropriate measures to provide you with a replacement Retainer. Contact the Practice immediately and we will attempt to find a suitable appointment for you.