Treatment of Orthodontics

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You may not have enough room for all your permanent teeth and so it may be necessary to take out some permanent teeth to make space. Your dentist will tell you whether this is the case. Sometimes space can be created using other forms of treatment.

Simple treatment may be carried out with a removable brace (a plate that can be taken out to be cleaned). It has delicate wires and springs attached, which move the teeth using gentle pressure.

It is sometimes possible to change the way the jaws grow, using orthodontic appliances. These functional appliances use the power of your jaw muscles and can help with certain types of problem.

Often, teeth need to be guided more accurately than they can be using a removable plate. In this situation, a fixed brace may be used. These have brackets and bands temporarily stuck to the teeth. A flexible wire joins all the brackets and allows the teeth to be moved.

Fixed braces are not always made of metal. Plastic and ceramic can be used, especially for adults. Plastic and ceramic braces may not be available from your NHS dentist.

As well as a brace, it is sometimes necessary to wear headgear. You usually only need to wear it in the evening or at night. Your orthodontist will discuss whether it is necessary.

It is very important to wear it in the way the orthodontist tells you otherwise treatment may not progress correctly.It may be necessary to attach delicate elastic bands to a fixed brace to help move the teeth. Your orthodontist will tell you if you need elastics.

The length of treatment depends on how severe the problem is, and may take anything from a few months to two and a half years. Most people can be treated in one to two years.

When treatment is finished the teeth need to be held in position for a time. This period is called retention, and the appliances that hold the teeth in place are called retainers.

The retainers hold newly straightened teeth in position while the surrounding gum and bone settles. The retainers can be removable or fixed depending on the original problem.

Orthodontic braces usually need adjusting every four to six weeks. Your orthodontist will tell you how often your brace will need adjusting.

Your teeth can be damaged if they are not properly looked after during treatment. Braces will not in themselves cause damage, but poor cleaning and too many sugary drinks and snacks can cause permanent decay. Brackets, wires and braces can trap food and cause more plaque than usual to build up. So the teeth and brace need to be cleaned very thoroughly.

You will only be entitled to treatment under the NHS if your condition is serious. Minor problems may be classed as cosmetic and would therefore be charged privately.