Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment straightens teeth and corrects bite problems, improving both aesthetics and oral health. Modern orthodontics offers diverse options suitable for patients of all ages, from traditional metal braces to virtually invisible clear aligners.

Types of Orthodontic Treatment

Traditional Metal Braces

The most common and cost-effective option, modern metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever. They consist of metal brackets bonded to teeth, connected by wires that are periodically adjusted to move teeth into proper position.

Advantages: Most effective for complex cases, fastest treatment, most affordable

Cost: £1,500-£3,500

Treatment time: 18-36 months

Ceramic Braces

Work like metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with your natural teeth, making them less noticeable.

Advantages: More aesthetic than metal, effective for complex cases

Cost: £2,000-£5,000

Lingual Braces

Attached to the back of teeth, making them completely invisible from the front. Ideal for those who want effective treatment without visible braces.

Advantages: Completely hidden, suitable for contact sports

Disadvantages: More expensive, initially affect speech, harder to clean

Cost: £5,000-£10,000

Clear Aligners (Invisalign)

Removable, virtually invisible trays that gradually straighten teeth. You wear each set for 1-2 weeks before moving to the next in the series.

Advantages: Nearly invisible, removable for eating and cleaning, no dietary restrictions, comfortable

Limitations: Requires patient compliance, not suitable for severe cases

Cost: £2,000-£5,500

Treatment time: 12-18 months for mild to moderate cases

Conditions Treated

• Crowding: Insufficient space for all teeth
• Spacing: Gaps between teeth
• Overbite: Upper teeth significantly overlap lower teeth
• Underbite: Lower teeth protrude beyond upper teeth
• Crossbite: Upper teeth sit inside lower teeth
• Open bite: Upper and lower teeth don't meet when biting

The Treatment Process

1. Initial Consultation

Comprehensive examination including X-rays, photos, and impressions or digital scans of your teeth.

2. Treatment Planning

Your orthodontist creates a customized plan showing projected tooth movements and treatment duration.

3. Appliance Placement

For braces: brackets and wires are placed. For aligners: you receive your first set of trays.

4. Active Treatment

Regular adjustment appointments every 4-8 weeks to monitor progress and make necessary changes.

5. Retention

After active treatment, retainers maintain your new smile. Most people need to wear retainers indefinitely, though requirements vary.

Living with Braces

Foods to Avoid

• Hard foods (nuts, hard candy, ice)
• Sticky foods (caramel, chewing gum)
• Chewy foods (bagels, tough meats)
• Crunchy foods (popcorn, chips)

Oral Hygiene

Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily using threaders or special orthodontic floss. Consider a water flosser for easier cleaning around brackets.

Managing Discomfort

Mild soreness is normal after adjustments. Manage it with:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Soft foods for a few days
• Orthodontic wax for irritated areas
• Warm salt water rinses

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

• Improved appearance and confidence
• Easier cleaning, reducing decay and gum disease risk
• Better bite function
• Reduced wear on teeth
• Decreased jaw pain and headaches
• Improved speech

Adult Orthodontics

It's never too late for orthodontic treatment. Approximately 25% of orthodontic patients are adults. While treatment may take slightly longer due to denser bone, results are equally successful. Many adults choose clear aligners or ceramic braces for aesthetic reasons.

Straighter teeth aren't just about aesthetics – they're easier to clean, function better, and contribute to better overall oral health. Modern orthodontics makes achieving a beautiful, healthy smile more accessible and comfortable than ever before.