Teeth alignment

Teeth alignment

Orthodontic treatment is used to improve the appearance, position and function of crooked or abnormally arranged teeth.

Orthodontic treatment can straighten the teeth and move them into a better position.  

  • Functional and Aesthetic orthodontics: Healthcare professionals specialising in orthodontics are known as orthodontists. Where a patient wish to change the way their teeth function, it is advised to see an orthodontist. 
  • Aesthetic orthodontics: Our general dentists can provide teeth alignment treatments which are mainly orientated in achieve better aesthetics and the treatment mainly involve movement of front visible teeth. 

What does orthodontic treatment involve?

Orthodontics uses devices such as a brace or removable appliances to correct the position of the teeth. Your exact treatment will depend on the problems with your teeth.

The length of treatment will depend on how complicated the problem is, but it’s usually between 4 and 24 months. Aesthetic orthodontics takes shorter time, sometimes as short as 3 months, however where function of teeth needs to be changed or in the cases where extraction is needed the treatment can take longer up to 24 months. 

Who needs orthodontic treatment?

Many people have crowded or crooked teeth, or their teeth don’t meet correctly when they bite. These problems can mean the teeth are more likely to become damaged or put a strain on jaw muscles. In some cases person may be happy with the way their teeth function but they are not happy with the way teeth look. In these cases an aesthetic treatment approach may be more suitable. 

Problems with crooked and out-of-place teeth are quite common in the UK. It’s thought around a third of 12-year-olds would benefit from some degree of orthodontic treatment. We also know that may adults do not know that they can have orthodontics treatment as there is a general misconception that orthodontics is for younger people. Nowadays many adults successfully complete orthodontic treatments to achieve better smiles. 

How can I access orthodontic treatment?

It is best to see one of our dentists for a check-up and let them know about your concerns. We have general dentists as well as specialist orthodontist at our practice that can carry out your treatment depending of your preference. 

In the case of children under the age of 18, severe cases can qualify treatment under the NHS and we can send a fast referral for these cases. Our check-up appointments for under 18’s is free of charge and you are welcome to bring your children for an assessment. 

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