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Email: hello@sorrisodental.co.uk
Call us on: 01494 412442
Opening Times: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm
Earlybird, evening and Saturday appointments available by prior arrangement
What is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic Treatment involves wearing a brace (fixed or removable) to improve the appearance of teeth.
What would I gain from Orthodontic Treatment?
The benefits of orthodontic treatment are many and include:
- Improving your appearance, your smile;
- Correction of dental crowding and straightening of your teeth;
- Correction of your bite so that the front and back teeth meet together evenly on closing;
- Reducing the likelihood of damage to prominent teeth.
At what age should I have Orthodontic Treatment?
Generally speaking, the best time to have treatment is during childhood. However, over the last few years there has been a huge rise in adults seeking orthodontic treatment to achieve the perfect smile due to the advances in brace techniques and materials used.
If you have crowded or crooked teeth, or are experiencing strain in your jaw because of an incorrect bite, it could be the ideal option.
Who carries out orthodontics?
We believe Orthodontic treatment should ideally be carried out by a specialist called an orthodontist. At Sorriso Dentistry, we have our very own in-house Orthodontist waiting to hear from you.
What does it involve?
First and most important, a consultation appointment- the orthodontist will listen to your treatment needs and carry out a comprehensive examination of your jaw, your teeth and your bite to determine which orthodontic appliance would best suit your teeth
Then, a ‘Records’ appointment- once you have had your initial assessment and you decide to go ahead with treatment, we will arrange an appointment to collate further information and records. This will include X-rays, photographs and impressions of your teeth. These are used to plan your treatment and to then monitor its progress, as we’ll as then comparing against the final results.
Fitting of your brace- this is usually carried out in a single appointment.
Check-up appointments every 6-8 weeks- this is to monitor the progress of treatment and to tighten or adjust the brace as planned.
Finishing treatment- once we are happy with the appearance of your teeth we will remove the brace and provide you with retainers to hold your teeth in the new position.
How is treatment carried out?
Orthodontic Treatment is done by the application of a brace. There are many different types of braces, each used for different dental problems. Treatment will vary from person to person. Our specialist will discuss all the options available to you at your consultation appointment.
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What is a removable brace?
The simplest form of Orthodontic Treatment is using a removable brace (a plate that can be taken out to be cleaned). It has delicate wires and springs attached, which move individual or blocks of teeth using gentle pressure.
What is a fixed brace?
Often, teeth need to be steered more precisely than what is achievable with a removable brace. In these cases, a fixed brace is used. This has brackets, which are applied to the front or the back surfaces of the teeth. A flexible wire joins all the brackets and allows the teeth to be moved, by tightening or releasing the wire every few weeks. As you are unable to remove this brace from your teeth throughout the course of treatment, it is called a fixed appliance.
What are the brackets made of?
Fixed braces are normally made of metal, however most adults opt for the more discreet ceramic brackets.
How long will it take?
This will depend on the severity of the problem and may take anything from a few months to two years. Most people are treated within one to two years.
What happens when the teeth are in the right position?
When treatment is complete, the teeth need to be held in position as they will be prone to movement. This is called the ‘retention’ period, and the appliances that hold the teeth in place are called retainers.
Retainers hold the teeth to their new position so the surrounding gum and bone can settle. The retainers may be removable and/or fixed.
Is Orthodontic work permanent?
After brace treatment it is important to be aware that your teeth could move back towards their original position prior to brace treatment. It is therefore crucial, and always advised, to maintain your retainer life-long.
Only if you don’t look after them properly during treatment. Braces themselves do not cause damage, but poor oral hygiene and too many sugary foods and drinks will cause permanent damage to your teeth. Brackets, wires and braces can trap food, which can cause more plaque in the mouth to build up. Thorough cleaning is imperative.
It is vital to have your teeth checked by your dental team throughout Orthodontic Treatment.You will also need to take extra care of your teeth and mouth by cleaning your teeth vigilantly every day, including between your teeth where it allows. Braces are delicate and you will need to ensure you clean them carefully so that they do not break. The team at Sorriso Dentistry will advise you on the special techniques to use depending on the appliance you are wearing.
No, although after every adjustment, you may experience a little discomfort. This may last up to two days and can be resolved with recommended pain relief. All appliances may feel strange at first, and can cause discomfort to start off with as the teeth become accustomed to the braces.
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