Orthodontics

What is Orthodontics?

An orthodontist is a qualified dentist who specialises in the modification, analysis and anticipation of dental and facial abnormality, which is usually as a result of:

  • Crowded teeth
  • A disordered or misaligned jaw joints
  • Crooked teeth
  • Missing teeth
  • An Overbite/Underbite
  • Teeth out of place
  • Additional teeth

Using braces usually solves the problems listed.

What are Braces?

Traditional braces are made up of a combination of wires, springs and tiny metal plates.

The purpose of braces is to move the teeth, slowly and gently allowing them to move into a new position.

Benefits of orthotic treatment:

By having braces or any other orthodontic treatment it will help:

  • Advances speech- teeth that are out of place can sometimes make it hard to pronounce words and therefore restricting your speech.
  • Averts early back teeth erosion- If a person has a bad bite they are more likely excessively use their back teeth as they cannot bite properly, causing the teeth to wear out much faster.
  • Enhance digestion- As your bite will improve, you will begin to chew more as it will no longer be a hassle, therefore increases your nutritional deficiencies.

At which age is it recommended visiting an orthodontic?

It is encouraged for all children aged between 8 & 9 to be examined as any dental problems that are picked up during this time can be rectified by a simple orthodontic treatment. This can also prevent any greater problems from happening in the future.

You will find that most children in secondary schools have braces fitted, this is because between the ages of 11-16 a persons adult teeth are usually fully developed and their facial structure is adjusting, therefore it is considered to be the best time to get braces fitted.

Never the less, there is no actual time limit to be a suitable candidate for an orthodontic treatment. More and more adults are getting braces these days, although they would not typically go for the traditional braces but instead chose a more discreet choice such as Invisalign, 6-month braces, or clear coloured braces as they go undetected.

So what is next?

Arrange an appointment with your dentist who will refer you to an orthodontist if your teeth require an orthodontic treatment. The orthodontist will then examine your teeth and will offer you the most suitable option out of the following:

Traditional braces Traditional braces are still the most popular amongst teenager; these braces are adjusted during the course of the treatment to achieve the best result.

These braces are not removed until the treatment is complete, in contrast to removable ones that are removed during meals and to be cleaned.

The purpose of braces is to improve the physical look of your smile and mouth area as well as increase your confidence.

Six-Month Smiles

Six-month Smile uses teeth coloured wires, springs and plates so that they are very discreet. The treatment should last 6-months but the treatment could last from as little as 4 months or as long as 9months in total as each person’s structure is different from one another. The time period is much shorter than traditional braces as traditional braces can take up to 3 years to achieve identical results.

Invisalign®

This type of treatment uses a series of practically invisible aligners custom-moulded to your teeth to help move your teeth over time; this treatment is offered at almost all cosmetic orthodontists.

Invisalign®are a removable treatment and this is done during meals and when cleaning them. The objective of Invisalign®is getting braces treatment while they go undetectable by other people.

Inman Aligners

Inman Aligners are an alternative to Invisalign® treatment. Inman aligners are required for movements of the front teeth only.

Inman Aligners are also removable appliance. A person can get the final desired look in about six - eight weeks.

Inman Aligners are no suitable for all orthodontic conditions, so it is important to get your teeth examined to find out if this treatment is suitable for your teeth’s condition.

Damon Braces

Damon braces are more advanced than traditional braces, however the appearance does look very similar to metal braces.

Damon braces treatment is 4-6 months faster than traditional braces therefore making Damon braces a preferred option, as it is more comfortable and could be considered as a quick fix.