Treatments

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a unique branch of dentistry specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of dental and dentofacial problems. You may hear your orthodontist referring to the term ‘malocclusion’. This term describes crooked teeth, an incorrect bite or a mixture of the two. These problems are treated using appliances known as ‘braces’.

What type of braces are most commonly used?

Fixed braces (‘train-tracks’) These are attached to your teeth using a special glue. They are made up of metal or ceramic blocks or ‘brackets’ which are positioned carefully onto the surface of each tooth. It may be necessary to encircle the back teeth with stainless steel ‘bands’. A wire is placed through the brackets and bands and it is this wire which may be changed by your orthodontist during your appointments. Together these components apply forces to the teeth. These forces are gentle and cause the teeth to
move. They do not damage the teeth.

Gold plated		Stainless steel		Ceramic /clear

Removable braces (plates) Although removable for the purpose of cleaning, these braces should be worn 24 hours a day, unless you are instructed otherwise. Your orthodontist will give you the exact instructions, so you need to listen carefully. Removable braces move teeth using delicate wires called ‘springs’. These can be damaged easily, so you need to take care of your brace!
Retainers These are worn at the end of treatment. They usually take the form of a ‘plate’ or a plastic rim, which may resemble a thin, clear gum shield. They are very important because they retain the new position of your teeth after treatment. If you do not wear them exactly as your orthodontist advises, your teeth may move back to their original position.

Who provides specialist orthodontic treatment?

Teeth, and occasionally faces, undergo a planned change as a result of orthodontic treatment. It is of great importance that treatment is carried out very carefully and to the highest standard. Specialist orthodontists tend to treat orthodontic patients exclusively. The majority work in specialist practice. Others work as consultants in the hospital setting, providing specialist opinions and handling the more complex surgical cases. A further group of specialists are the university teachers who have an indispensable role in education and research, in addition to treating patients. The remainder work in the community where patients with disabilities are treated or in general practice. Together these specialists form an essential team, dealing with a huge array of orthodontic problems.

If you require orthodontic treatment, a list of specialists is available from the General Dental Council, 37 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8DQ. Tel: 020 7887 3800 Fax: 020 7487 2643. Email: information@gdc-uk.org Website: www.gdc-uk.org

If you would like further information you can also contact the British Orthodontic Society, 291 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8QF. Tel: 020 7837 2193 Fax: 020 7837 2193 Email: awrightbos@msn.com Website: www.bos.org.uk

At what age should you see an orthodontist?

Orthodontic problems are occasionally treated early, at 8 to 10 years. This is known as ‘early intervention’ and is generally restricted to sorting out simple problems. Most treatment is, however, carried out in the early teens. By this age, almost all the permanent adult teeth are present and your orthodontist can assess the problem fully. If you are too young for treatment at your first appointment it is normal for you to be asked to return for another assessment when you are a little older.

Can adults be treated?

Adult orthodontic treatment is becoming increasingly popular. Many problems can be treated very successfully. The basic process involved in tooth movement is the same in adults and children. Some adult problems are complex and require very careful planning. Since the bones of the face are no longer growing, certain treatments cannot be carried out with braces alone. In these cases a combined approach of surgery and orthodontics will enable both tooth and facial changes to be accomplished very successfully. Your orthodontist will provide you with detailed information about this sort of treatment if required.

Have you got an orthodontic problem?

Everyone would like a beautiful, healthy smile. As a general rule, your own dentist will spot potential problems and refer you to an orthodontist. However, when you know what to look for you can identify orthodontic problems easily. Here are a few markers: