Frequently Asked Questions, Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

In practical terms, it is the straightening of teeth with the use of removable or fixed appliances or ‘braces’. The fixed appliances are either the conventional “train track” braces or lingual braces (braces on the inside of the teeth). Invisalign is an example of a clear braces solution which is removeable from your mouth during treatment.

Orthodontic treatment is not merely for improving the look or aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment can help achieve dental, facial and skeletal harmony. Malocclusions (bad bites) may occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth and feel about your smile.

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

In practical terms, it is the straightening of teeth with the use of removable or fixed appliances or ‘braces’. The fixed appliances are either the conventional “train track” braces or lingual braces (braces on the inside of the teeth). Invisalign is an example of a clear braces solution which is removeable from your mouth during treatment.

Orthodontic treatment is not merely for improving the look or aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment can help achieve dental, facial and skeletal harmony. Malocclusions (bad bites) may occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth and feel about your smile.

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

In practical terms, it is the straightening of teeth with the use of removable or fixed appliances or ‘braces’. The fixed appliances are either the conventional “train track” braces or lingual braces (braces on the inside of the teeth). Invisalign is an example of a clear braces solution which is removeable from your mouth during treatment.

Orthodontic treatment is not merely for improving the look or aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment can help achieve dental, facial and skeletal harmony. Malocclusions (bad bites) may occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth and feel about your smile.

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

In practical terms, it is the straightening of teeth with the use of removable or fixed appliances or ‘braces’. The fixed appliances are either the conventional “train track” braces or lingual braces (braces on the inside of the teeth). Invisalign is an example of a clear braces solution which is removeable from your mouth during treatment.

Orthodontic treatment is not merely for improving the look or aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment can help achieve dental, facial and skeletal harmony. Malocclusions (bad bites) may occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth and feel about your smile.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed an advanced postgraduate education programme following dental university training to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic (like Invisalign®), they may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth.The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects them are the main components. When the archwire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape.

As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions. By placing a constant, gentle force braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position.

Now is a great time for your orthodontic treatment! You can choose brackets that are clear or metal or you may be a candidate for Invisalign®. You can also choose the color of the ties for your brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort.How long does orthodontic treatment take?Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. It’s best for the orthodontist to see children by age eight or nine. By then, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the bite of the back teeth. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of eruption incisors (or the front four teeth on top and bottom) can indicate overbite, open bite, crowding, crossbites, protrusion, or gummy smiles. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but a thorough examination can determine the most advantageous time to begin treatment. However, if you have missed the recommended age, don’t worry. It is never too late to start on the way to your new smile!

This appointment is designed to meet you and understand your needs and concerns. Following an initial consultation, it will be possible to discuss whether orthodontics is the best course of treatment for you. If this is the correct treatment, then an appointment can be arranged to have the necessary records taken to be able to fully analyse your case and then carry out an in-depth study of your orthodontic needs. A written quotation and outline of your proposed treatment will be sent to you within a few days of attending an initial consultation.

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the archwires you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.During the first few days after your braces are placed, you may possibly have a little discomfort. We recommend that you take some over the counter pain relief medication such as  Paracetamol while you adjust to your new braces.

Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This can result in tooth decay, worsen gum disease and lead to tooth loss. Improper oral health can lead to many other medical diseases as well. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to brush and floss. This allows people to maintain oral health much more easily.

Other orthodontic problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints. These can lead to chronic headaches and face or neck pain. Treatment by an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional care required to treat dental problems arising as a result of orthodontic problems.

Self image and self esteem are closely related to a person’s smile. Studies have shown that individuals feel better about themselves with the completion of orthodontic treatment and have a higher self esteem and self confidence which will benefit you for the rest of your life. Having a beautiful, confident smile will be a lifelong benefit for you or your child.

No two orthodontic problems are the same and the cost of orthodontic treatment will depend on the severity of the problem and the treatment required. We will provide an exact written estimate of cost when you meet us and also we provide an outline cost of treatment on our orthodontic pages.

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.

It is quite common to believe that braces are only suitable for children and adolescents. People tend to think “It’s too late for me anyway”, but they are often mistaken. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

Teeth are still movable in the adult population because the biological process allowing tooth movement is the same as in children. There are a few differences in adult and children’s orthodontic treatment, mainly the lack of growth in adults inhibiting some of the corrections possible in children.

Retainers are the best means of maintaining your smile once we’ve helped you tocraft it!

Following orthodontic treatment it is necessary to wear retainers. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. They are worn full time day and night for the first 3 months then night time only for an extended period of time. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.

You can also have the option of bonded retainers which is a piece of wire adhered on to the inner surface of the front teeth . This usually relieves the need to wear removable retainers but you have to take care not to break them. The longer you wear your retainers, the better. Remember your teeth move throughout life regardless of having orthodontic treatment or not.

We are expertsin the selectionand fitting of all kinds of retainer,and with various options available to suit your lifestyle-fixed,unfixed,plastic,wire,whole mouth and half mouth-your retainer needn’t be a nuisance.

Come and see us. Call us at Pembroke Orthodontics on 0818 211 211 and make an appointment for a consultation. You will not regret it. This can be a very positive life changing step.