Orthodontics is the area of dentistry concerned with the growth of the teeth, jaws and face.
The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to make the best of your teeth. This includes allowing you to bite correctly, eat more comfortably, and to care for your teeth and gums more easily. And your smile will benefit, too. Common conditions requiring orthodontic treatment are:
The ideal age to have orthodontic treatment is around 12 or 13, while you're still growing. The opportunity for improvement in an adult is more limited and surgery is more likely to be needed.
Treatment usually lasts from 18 months to 2 years, during which visits to St Martins Dental & Implant Clinic are needed every 4 to 6 weeks.
There are many different types of braces. Some are removable, which you take out at night, to eat a meal, or clean. Some are fixed and stay in all the time. NHS braces are made of metal, but at St Martins Dental & Implant Clinic we offer clear braces for private treatments- which use clear ceramic brackets, so you can hardly see them on your teeth.
Following completion of your course of treatment, you will be required to wear a retainer for a number of hours a day or at night, to ensure your teeth remain in their new position. Your St Martins Dental & Implant Clinic dentist will advise you of how long you need to wear your retainer for on completion of your treatment.
Orthodontics usually works very well, but it's important to look after your teeth while you're wearing braces. Braces can trap food and cause more plaque to build up than usual.
You need to take extra care cleaning your teeth and watch what you eat – for example, by avoiding sugary foods and drinks. You also need to see your dentist regularly while having orthodontic treatment.
Read more about looking after your teeth while wearing braces.
To book an initial consultation and find out more about the options available at St Martins Dental & Implant Clinic in Hereford call us on 01432 265 613.
Orthodontics
Why aren’t my child’s teeth straight?
Crooked teeth, gaps or crowding can be inherited or develop due to habits such as thumb sucking or prolonged dummy use. Early or late loss of baby or adult teeth can also affect how teeth come through.
Orthodontics
What impact can orthodontic treatment have?
Orthodontic treatment can improve how teeth function and look. Many patients also feel more confident once treatment is complete, particularly if they were previously self-conscious about their smile.
Orthodontics
Is orthodontic treatment important for dental health?
Yes. Straighter teeth are often easier to clean, which can reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Improving how the teeth fit together can also help protect them from uneven wear over time.
Orthodontics
Should teeth be straightened for health reasons?
The correction of poor dental positioning also improves oral hygiene, as crowded or crooked teeth are often hard to clean properly. With such an improvement, the risk of gum disease for example – which can result in loss of teeth in extreme cases – is prevented.
Next steps
If you're ready to book a consultation, get in touch today.
Plans and fees
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