People who are not very familiar with the term ‘orthodontics’ or have not heard it before may be caught off guard hearing the word and end up wondering what it can possibly mean. Orthodontics is not such a newword, neither is it a huge one with a complex meaning. It is simply known as teeth straightening and includes every dental practice or treatment that involves the alignment of crooked or misaligned teeth.
Orthodontics, simply known as teeth straightening, helps to align crooked, crowded or misaligned teeth to improve their function and the appearance of the individual. It involves either having braces fitted onto the teeth to gradually straighten them into the desired position or wearing aligners that are clear, thin, flexible plastic mouthguards that are removable. Anyone of any age bracket can use braces for orthodontic treatment, and it is not restricted to only teenagers. Generally, orthodontics is suitable for anyone who wants to improve the appearance or the function of their smile.
An orthodontist is responsible for carrying out orthodontic treatment, and a specialist in the field of dentistry who specialises in straightening teeth. If you wish to have your teeth straightened, you can schedule an appointment with us at Smile Clinic London. Our orthodontists are expertly trained and have undergone dedicated orthodontic training. We offer a wide range of orthodontic treatments from traditional metal braces to Invisalign and even cosmetic teeth straightening.
There are two main types of braces – fixed and removable
Fixed braces are types of braces that are attached to your teeth with brackets and wires. They just sit on your teeth and are one of the most common types of braces because of their predictable and reliable results. Although this type of bracesis mostly used for NHS orthodontics, they can also be fitted privately in adults.There are other options of fixed braces like traditional metal fixed braces, lingual braces and ceramic braces. The ceramic braces are just like the traditional fixed braces, but they are less visible.
As the name implies, they are not fixed braces; instead, they can be removed at any time. Removable braces are clear aligners that look like retainers and work by straightening the teeth over time. They are made from clear, plastic material, and as such, they are almost invisible. This means that people will not be able to tell that you are wearing braces. Removable braces are commonly used when treating the upper teeth only. You can take them out whenever you want to, but you are expected to wear them for a stipulated amount of time for them to work. Examples of clear, removable aligners include Invisalign – it uses a series of customised aligners to gradually straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.
NHS orthodontics usually involves using traditional fixed braces that are attached to the teeth with brackets and wires so that they will stay in place permanently for the duration of the treatment. In the UK, NHS orthodontics is free for children under 18 with a clear clinical need for the treatment. People who clearly need the treatment include people who have severe overcrowding of teeth, overbite or extensive missing teeth where the gap needs to be closed.
Unfortunately, cosmetic orthodontic treatment for more cosmetic problems is not available on the NHS, but they are available in private dental practices and orthodontic centres.
Due to the high demand for NHS orthodontics, there may be a long waiting list of people waiting for treatment. Fortunately, there are other alternatives, such as paying for private treatment.
There are several options of orthodontics treatment to consider if you are thinking of having braces fitted. Your choice options range from the type of braces that is most suited for your dental issue to how they would look on you. Before you pick a brace type, you have to first understand which type would give you the best results and which type would suit your teeth.
Know that you do not have to make these decisions by yourself, as your orthodontist will help you through the options and also help you decide which orthodontic treatment type is best for you.
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The treatment time depends on several factors, including how much work needs to be done and how far your teeth need to be moved.
Some treatments like cosmetic teeth straightening can take as little as six months. On the other hand, NHS orthodontic treatment using braces is likely to carry on for as long as 18 -24 months, depending on how severe or complex your orthodontic problem is. Your orthodontist will advise you on how long your treatment will take and how your teeth will look after treatment has been completed.
The cost of orthodontic treatment in private practice can vary depending on a couple of factors, like how complex the treatment is, your location, the orthodontist you choose and even the type of braces you should have. You would have to schedule an appointment or consultation with your orthodontist of choice for a more accurate quote or estimate.
Find out more when you contact us at Smile Clinic London. Our trained orthodontists will be ready and available to help you with any information you might need. Get in touch with us today through email or direct phone call.
