Orthodontic treatment is generally best carried out in children, but adults can have orthodontic treatment - and more and more are doing. Age is less important than having the proper number of teeth. In children it may be necessary to wait for enough teeth to come through before starting treatment.
Treatment will not usually commence until the child is about 12 or 13 years old; when the adult teeth have come through and developed fully. In some cases treatment may start a couple of years later if teeth problems had not become noticeable beforehand. Children with a cleft lip and palate may require orthodontic treatment before their adult teeth have developed completely.
Treatment will not usually commence until the child is about 12 or 13 years old; when the adult teeth have come through and developed fully. In some cases treatment may start a couple of years later if teeth problems had not become noticeable beforehand. Children with a cleft lip and palate may require orthodontic treatment before their adult teeth have developed completely.
How does orthodontic treatment work?
Many different types of appliances, both fixed and removable, are used to help move teeth, retrain muscles and affect the growth of the jaws. These appliances work by placing gentle pressure on the teeth and jaws. The severity of your problem will determine which orthodontic approach is likely to be the most effective.
The length of treatment depends on how severe the problem is, and may take anything from a few months to two-and-a-half years. Most people can be treated in one to two years.
The length of treatment depends on how severe the problem is, and may take anything from a few months to two-and-a-half years. Most people can be treated in one to two years.
Metal bracesA fixed brace is an orthodontic appliance which cannot be removed from the mouth by the patient. Amongst teenagers, fixed braces are commonly known as “train tracks” and they are one of the most effective ways of straightening teeth. They can be used in combination with removable or functional braces and while a fair number of patients benefit from more than one type of brace, most will have fixed braces.
The component of fixed braces which has the greatest variability is the bracket, which comes in various sizes, shapes and colors. |
Aesthetic bracesMany patients do not want metal braces fixed to their teeth. 'Train-tracks' are very obvious, even from a distance, and there is an increasing demand for less conspicuous braces. Patients seen under private contract can choose aesthetic braces. These are clear or tooth-colored brackets which are usually made from porcelain. A tooth colored wire is still used to straighten the teeth but this is only really obvious on closer inspection, but occasional we may recommend a metal wire to aid or speed up treatment.
Aesthetic braces are usually fitted on the front teeth and side teeth only. |
Frequently asked questions about orthodontics
How long do we have to wear the braces? Which ones are the best to get? What is the cost? We have collected the most frequently asked questions and answers about dental braces.
Click here and have a read!
Click here and have a read!