Orthodontic Treatment FAQ'S

 

Q What is orthodontics?
A. Orthodontics is the treatment used for straightening or moving teeth to improve the way they look or to improve their function.

Q At what age is it best to have braces to straighten teeth?
 A. Your dentist will advise you on when it is best to start orthodontic treatment. It is best carried out in children but it can be done for adults. In adults the treatment time may take longer.

Q What types of braces can I have to straighten my teeth?
A. Your dentist will examine your teeth and take x-rays and make models. This will help him to decide which type of brace is most suitable for you. There are fixed and removable braces.
The fixed braces are where there are small brackets stuck on to the teeth and wires are inserted into them to straighten the teeth. You cannot remove this type of brace.
Removable brace is made of plastic with wires that hold the brace in place in your mouth. This brace can be removed but this is only so that you can clean it. There is also a functional appliance available. This is also a removable brace but it is not designed to move the teeth. A functional brace uses the muscles of the jaw and the growth of the jaw to improve the way the teeth meet.

Q Can you get fixed braces that you cannot see?
 A. Usually the brackets for fixed braces are made of metal but you can get plastic or ceramic brackets that are white and not so visible. These types of brackets are not available on the NHS and are only used in private practises. The wire however will still be visible. Your dentist will be able to advise you further.

Q Does it hurt when you have a brace?
 A. There is no pain when you have a brace fitted however, all braces do feel uncomfortable at first until you get used to them. When the brace starts to work and the teeth start to move then there may be a little discomfort but not severe pain.

Q How long will I have to keep my brace in?
 A. Your dentist will advise you on the length of the treatment usually most people have the brace for 12 to 18 months for the active treatment to move the teeth into the correct position. After that the teeth need to be held in that position for a few months with a brace. These are called retainers. Sometimes a dentist will use a fixed retainer, which is cemented to the inside of your teeth to keep them in that position.

Q Can orthodontic treatment harm my teeth?
 A. The braces or appliances will not damage the teeth in any way. The forces applied to the teeth are very gentle and although may cause a little discomfort they do not damage the teeth .The damage that can occur is if the brace is not looked after. It is very important to keep the brace and the teeth very clean, if this is not done then a lot of decay can be caused especially around the brackets.

Q. My teeth are overcrowded and also protrude quite a lot at the front and they really affect my profile. When I was growing up dentists did not use braces to correct these problems. I am 34 years old, and I really want to have something done to improve my appearance. Is it too late? How do I find out about what is possible and where do I obtain the best advice from?
 A. No it is not too late to have treatment to correct the overcrowding. You need to see an orthodontist who will take all the necessary records and advise you of the treatment options. Orthodontics does work for adults, however, the treatment time can be considerably longer than if the treatment is carried out at an earlier stage.

Should you require any further dental information or advice on Orthodontic Treatment, please contact The Dentist@ Dentecom.