Orthodontics

Orthodontics involves straightening people’s teeth to an ideal standard and where this is not possible, to give patients all the compromise treatment options available to them, so they can make an informed decision regarding their end result. Orthodontists work very closely with all other specialists in dentistry and the referring dentists so that your end result is one for life. As specialists, we spend a great deal of time planning our cases with all relevant records so that the correct appliance is chosen and the end result maintained appropriately. Although orthodontic treatment can take some time, the end result is of a natural looking straight smile which is inevitably the best smile anyone can have.

Can anybody be treated?

Yes, and at any age too. However, orthodontics is most successful when carried out in children whose teeth and bones are still actively growing.

What will happen at the first appointment?

The first appointment will take approximately 30 minutes. A brace will not be fitted at this session. At this stage we will use the time to assess your problems, discuss the treatment plan that will be necessary and the optimum time to start treatment. We will also take into account your own concerns, your dental development and your oral hygiene. Patients who are not ready to start treatment will be reviewed at a later date. For those who are ready to start immediately, we will make an appointment to take dental records which includes dental study models, photographs and possibly some x-rays.

How do you carry out orthodontic treatment?

Treatment involves wearing a brace (appliance) that is specially made for you. These can be of modern design such as the low friction system braces or the ultimate in cosmetic braces, with near invisible aligners called Invisalign braces. Depending on the type, the appliance can move your teeth into position; guide the way your jaw grows, or even widen your jaw to make room for crowded teeth. Occasionally, it might be necessary to extract some teeth if your mouth is very crowded.

Will it make my teeth sore?

Quite possibly, but do not be discouraged. A few hours after fitting your brace your teeth may well feel tender and sore. This discomfort may last for three to four days and a mild analgesic, such as paracetamol, may be necessary.

How long will treatment take?

This depends on your age and your bite problem. Most people need to wear their brace for about two years, but you can make a difference by looking after and wearing your braces properly. Broken braces and missed appointments will slow your treatment down. What you need to remember is that this is a team effort and the success and speed of your treatment depends on the partnership between you, the dental nurses and your orthodontist.

How often will I need to visit the orthodontist?

Generally your brace will need adjusting every 6 to 8 weeks.

Orthodontic Treatments Available

There are two types of cosmetic braces, fixed and removable. Different combinations of braces may be used to treat individual cases. Removable braces are used for simple treatment, and work by exerting gentle pressure. Fixed braces give more precise guidance and have brackets and bands temporarily attached to the teeth.

Fixed Braces

Fixed braces are our most common form of treatment and is available on the NHS. They are popular with teenagers and are usually metal although clear and tooth coloured ceramic versions are available for private patients. They can even be brightened up with different colours to match your favourite football team!

Removable Braces

Simple treatments may be carried out using a removable appliance. These have delicate wires and springs attached which move the teeth by gentle pressure. Removable braces may also be required after having a fixed brace removed.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are fixed appliances bonded to the inner side of the teeth. Correct tooth positioning can be achieved without the braces being seen. They are almost completely invisible! They are suitable for adults and children (provided the periodontal tissues are fundamentally intact).

Dr Darugar uses Incognito brackets – the most frequently used lingual appliance in the world. You can find out much more about them from the Incognito website.

Invisalign Braces

Invisalign is a revolutionary system for orthodontic treatment. It consists of clear, see-through aligners or “clear braces”. The clear aligners are specially fabricated to fit your teeth using the latest in computerised technology and 3-D modelling. You will be given a new aligner approximately every two weeks.

You can remove them to brush your teeth. They are virtually un-noticeable when you are wearing them and are often referred to by many patients as “Invisible Braces”.