Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry that exists to correct problems with the positioning of both the teeth and jaw. Orthodontics typically apply to issues such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.

An orthodontist is a dental professional who has studied the field beyond the requirements of general dentistry. An orthodontist diagnoses and treats misaligned teeth and jaws, occlusion and overcrowding, among other things.

When an orthodontist fixes the position of the teeth or jaw, benefits can include:

• A beautiful smile.
• Increased self-confidence.
• Reduced self-consciousness.
• Improved positioning of the teeth.
• Proper tooth function.
• Ability to clean the teeth more easily.
• Better oral health.
• Lower risk of oral injury.
• Easier future dental treatments.

You may need braces if you notice one or more of the following issues:

• Teeth are overlapping or crowding together.
• Upper front teeth are protruding.
• Upper and lower front teeth don’t line up when smiling.
• Upper front teeth cover the lower teeth when biting (overbite).
• Upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth when biting (underbite).
• Difficulty chewing.
• Thumb-sucking that continues after the age of seven.
• Evidence the teeth are not wearing down evenly.
• Excessive spaces between the teeth.
• The lower jaw shifts to the side when biting.

Orthodontic treatment can commence at any age. It is easier to avoid serious complications and orthodontic surgery if problems are detected and treated earlier. Every child should visit an orthodontist by the age of seven but don’t hesitate to bring them in sooner if you, your dentist or your doctor suspect an orthodontic issue.

Orthodontists often refer to treatment as “two-phase.” Phase one relates to any treatment that happens before all the patient’s permanent teeth have erupted.

Phase-one treatment is aimed at making space for permanent teeth or correcting problems like crossbites, underbites, and overbites with conservative devices like expanders or partial braces. It commonly takes place between the ages of six and ten.

Phase-two orthodontic treatment is more comprehensive and occurs after all the permanent teeth have erupted. It is typically only performed after age eleven.

A two-phase treatment plan produces results that are more likely to remain stable throughout the patient’s life. An early start to treatment may yield better results, including a functional, healthy and aesthetically pleasing set of teeth.

Orthodontic treatment deals with issues that can significantly affect dental function. Waiting for permanent teeth to erupt could compromise the long-term stability of treatment. It may also compound the problem, making it more complicated to adjust.

Orthodontic devices straighten teeth, while orthodontic surgery straightens the jaw. The two are used together to properly align the mouth and improve a patient’s ability to speak, chew and breathe correctly. It can also enhance their facial appearance.

We will only consider orthodontic surgery after the jaw is fully grown. Generally, this means that it will only be performed on girls over the age of 16 and boys over 18. Orthodontic devices help to straighten teeth while the jaw is still developing.

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform orthodontic surgery under anaesthetic. Patients can usually go back to work or school two weeks after the procedure. The orthodontist provides follow-up treatments to fine-tune your new smile after the patient has properly healed, typically taking four to eight weeks.

At least a quarter of orthodontic patients are adults. Treatment can be successful at any age and may simply require more follow-up orthodontist visits to ensure the initial results remain stable throughout a patient’s life.

Braces help straighten teeth with brackets and wires. The brackets are bonded directly to the teeth, and the wires are then connected to the brackets. Together, they apply gentle pressure to the teeth and gradually pull them into the proper position.

You may experience soreness and discomfort for a short while after they are fitted due to pressure being exerted on your teeth. You may also feel discomfort in your lips and cheeks until the soft tissues in your mouth adapt to the device.

All associated discomfort often subsides within the first two weeks of having braces fitted, and patients can use pain medication and orthodontic wax to minimise any initial soreness during this time.

The treatment timeline depends on the severity of your condition, your growth rate, and how well you follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Maintaining regular appointments and practising good oral hygiene all help to keep treatment on schedule.

Having braces should not interfere with sporting activities. If you do take part in sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and your mouth’s soft tissues in case of an impact. Mouthguards are comfortable and inexpensive.

Braces shouldn’t interfere with musical endeavours. You will need to give yourself a few weeks to get used to your braces and let your lips and cheeks adjust to their feeling. A brace cover can help with any discomfort you might experience when singing or playing.

Yes. Visits to your dentist are crucial for maintaining your oral health. While an orthodontist will check your treatment progress, they will not perform the same dental checks as a dentist. It is advisable to visit your dentist every six months for a check-up to have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined.

A dentist is concerned with your overall oral health. They carry out routine cleaning and dental health examinations and perform treatments like fillings, sealants and root canals. A dentist makes sure your mouth, teeth, and gums are healthy.

An orthodontist is a specialist who makes sure your teeth and jaw are properly aligned and administers any treatment required to fix abnormalities.

A dentist and orthodontist must possess the correct qualifications for their separate fields and be registered with the relevant associations, such as the General Dental Council, in the case of orthodontists.

There are two main reasons to consider orthodontic treatment. The first is to improve your dental aesthetics and enhance your smile. The second is to improve your overall dental function and allow you to use your jaw and teeth properly.

Your smile is a big part of your identity. It can affect how you feel about yourself and how other people perceive you. Orthodontic devices can help you achieve a straighter, more beautiful smile. Straight teeth can also improve overall oral health because they are easier to keep clean and healthy.

Poor bites, which occur when your upper and lower jaws do not meet properly, can cause a range of problems. Your chewing function won’t be as effective as it should be. Ineffective chewing can lead to stomach problems.

A poorly functioning bite also strains your jaw muscles, affecting their opening and closing mechanisms. This has a knock-on effect on your jaw muscles, neck and back. It can even result in chronic headaches.

If misalignment causes your front teeth to protrude, you’re at a higher risk of trauma to these teeth while playing sports or if you are involved in an accident.

You may not feel as if your bite is enough of a problem to see an orthodontist, but a visit is highly recommended to prevent long-term complications.

The NHS provides free orthodontic care under certain conditions for children under 18. The case of each child patient is rated on a system called Index for Orthodontic Treatment Need or IOTN. Your child will typically need an IOTN of 4 or 5 to qualify, but in some cases, an IOTN of 3 is accepted.

All other cases will require private treatment. Contact us for more information about special rates and payment plans for young patients.

The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on the type and severity of the problem, the treatment required and the estimated treatment period. It is impossible to determine a general cost, but treatment costs can range from £3,000 up to £11,500.

Alma Smiles provides patients with a treatment plan and costs during their initial assessment. We also offer interest-free financing options to make your orthodontic journey as affordable as possible.

Your treatment timeline is dependent on several factors. Mild orthodontic issues will generally take between 6 and 12 months to correct. Moderate cases usually take 12 to 18 months, and severe cases 18 to 24 months. Treatment lasting longer than 24 months is generally only necessary under special circumstances.

We recommend following a diet of soft foods for the first two weeks, during which the teeth are still tender from the fitting process. Soft foods will exert less pressure on your teeth, minimising any discomfort.

After the first two weeks, patients must be careful with how and what they eat so they don’t damage the braces. Hard foods can harm the braces, and sticky foods can loosen them from the teeth. Foods that push on the braces when you bite, like raw carrots and apples, must be cut into small pieces before being eaten.

If you have a removable device, it must be removed before eating.

Braces that are on the outside surface of the teeth will not affect your speech. Only devices covering the inside surface of your teeth could affect how you speak, but this will only last for a couple of weeks until the tongue adapts to the appliance.

No. Many modern, discreet orthodontic devices are barely visible to others. Invisalign® is an excellent example of a popular treatment method used by teenagers.

We offer several popular alternatives to wire braces.
The Invisalign® system is a clear plastic aligner that fits over your teeth to pull them into the right position.

Damon® braces follow the same principle as traditional braces but are made from clear materials.

Lingual braces are fitted to the inside surface of your teeth, providing the same straightening effect without being visible.

It is critical you clean your teeth after every meal if you wear braces. Remnants of food can become stuck around the brackets, causing tooth decay, white marks, staining, bad breath, and gum problems if the device is not kept clean.

Keeping a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste on hand is advisable so you can clean your braces each time you eat. Once fitted, you will be taught how to brush and floss your teeth with braces.

A removable device is not kept in the mouth while you eat. This means your teeth will have direct contact with food, and remnants may become lodged between the teeth. Clean your teeth thoroughly before replacing your appliance.

If you experience any abnormal pain or discomfort when wearing an orthodontic appliance or notice any damage to your device, contact the practice immediately to avoid any injury to the mouth’s soft tissues.