Orthodontics

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Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth, to improve the appearance of the teeth and how they work. It can also help to look after the long-term health of the teeth, gums and jaw joints, by spreading the biting pressure over all the teeth.

Many people have crowded or crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatment can straighten the teeth or move them into a better position. This not only improves their appearance but also the way the teeth bite together, which can make them easier to clean.

In some patients the upper front teeth can stick out and look unsightly. Prominent teeth are also more likely to be damaged and may require orthodontic treatment to move them back into line.

In others, the way the upper and lower jaws meet can cause teeth to look unsightly and lead to an incorrect bite. Orthodontic treatment may be able to correct this.

When the teeth donâ€™t meet correctly, this can put strain on the muscles of the jaw, causing jaw and joint problems and in some cases headaches. Orthodontic treatment can help you to bite more evenly and reduce the strain.

Orthodontic treatment is usually carried out in children, but adults can benefit from it too. Age is less important than having the proper number of teeth. In children it may be necessary to wait for enough teeth to come through before starting treatment.

Your dentist may carry out your orthodontic treatment or refer you to a specialist who has extra qualifications. The specialist may be in a practice or in a hospital department, and is called an orthodontist.

The dentist or orthodontist will give you a full dental examination, including looking at your teeth, taking x-rays and making plaster models of your teeth. He or she will then discuss your treatment options with you.