Orthodontic Treatments and services

Orthodontics is dental treatment carried out to overcrowding, poorly spaced teeth, cross bites, overbites, is mainly used to treat children and adolescents, but can also be beneficial for adults. Some treatments are classed as cosmetic and patients who have slight over-crowding or crooked teeth can benefit from corrective treatment that can result in a beautiful set of evenly spaced well aligned teeth. Many of our patients tell us of the huge difference that a pleasing appearance has upon their self confidence and even their career and social achievements.

Sometimes treatment is advised when teeth are irregular which can lead to abnormal wear of teeth and can give rise to unnatural stress being exerted on supporting bones and joints. This can lead to a variety of symptoms such as migraine and other musculoskeletal pain. Occasionally more severe misalignment may require surgery. This is called orthognathic treatment and is normally only prescribed in those cases where the upper and lower jaw is significantly different in size. Cases of this nature are rare. Orthodontics is mainly used to treat children and adolescents, but can also be beneficial for adults. Our qualified orthodontists can give you advice and a treatment tailored to your specific needs.

Orthodontics for Adults
The good news for adults is even if you should have received orthodontic treatment as a child and did not, it’s not too late to correct overcrowding or over spacing of the teeth.
Adults may wish to consider orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons:
• Correction of problems for which there was no suitable treatment for in childhood
• Desire to improve smile by reduction of overcrowding
• Desire to improve smile by closing of gaps between teeth
• Facilitate other dental treatment required such as crown, bridge or implant work
• Assist with the treatment of gum disease & prevention of early tooth loss
• New technology means treatment can take place without wires & brackets visible

Orthodontics for Children
Children are usually referred to our practices by their general dentist for an orthodontic assessment. Initial examination and assessment is still available under the terms of the NHS for all patients under the age of 16 years.

Following assessment your orthodontist will be able to advise if treatment is able to be carried out under the terms of the NHS or whether private treatment is recommended.

Our practices are committed to making available an acceptable standard of treatment as permitted under the terms of the NHS. In many cases we recommend private treatment which gives us the scope to provide the superior materials, treatment and quality time and access to achieve the very best possible results.

Frequently asked Questions

• Will I need to attend my normal dental check up appointments during orthodontic treatment?

  Yes – it is important to continue to attend your normal appointments as the orthodontist is treating a specific condition & not your general oral health.

• How will braces affect my brushing & flossing techniques?

  It’s even more important to have a good oral health regime during treatment & we provide an oral hygiene pack & instruction to all private patients.

• Will treatment hurt?

  Some patients do occasionally feel slight discomfort following the fitting of their brace but this usually passes quickly.

• What happens if my brace breaks or needs adjusting?

  We can usually carry out minor adjustments & repairs whilst you wait.

• A friend of mine said orthodontic treatment made her feel much more confident. Do you hear
  this from many of your patients?

  Yes we do. Many patients feel self conscious & embarrassed about their teeth & are delighted once treatment has been completed.

• How long will my treatment take?

  This all depends upon the severity of each case, but your orthodontist will be able to advise you at the time of assessment.