Orthodontics

Irregular teeth not only spoil the smile but also have a dramatic effect on facial appearance. Specialist orthodontic treatment can rectify these irregularities improving the smile and facial profile.

Crooked teeth are harder to keep clean and can result in decay, gum disease and tooth loss. Other problems associated with uneven teeth are: excessive wear of tooth surface and stress on the jaw joints causing headaches, facial and neck pain.

Specialist treatment to align the teeth can prevent these problems from developing, which if left untreated will eventually require expensive dental treatment. It is,therefore, beneficial to consider treatment sooner rather than later.

All the latest orthodontic techniques are available at HCDE and our specialists will be able to advise you on the treatment option best suited to your requirements.

Invisalign

Treatment consists of a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that are changed every two weeks for the next set of aligners. Each aligner is individually manufactured for your teeth, and your teeth only. As you replace each aligner, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened. 

Lingual braces
These are the perfect choice if you want to change your smile without everyone knowing.  Working similarly to traditional fixed braces, but fitted behind the teeth, lingual braces are totally invisible when you smile.

What Is An Orthodontist

An Orthodontist is a dentist who is specialised to deal with the correction of croocket teeth and abnormalities in their position called malocclusions.  Orthodontic treatment offers the opportunity not only to have straight teeth but also to benefit from the self confidence an attractive smile brings.

Modern braches are sophisticated computer designed appliances which are used to gently guide the teeth into the desired position. Once orthodontic treatment commences it will be necessary attend appointments at regular intervals for adjustment of the appliance and monitoring of treatment progress.

Adult Orthodontics

You're never too old for braces and therefore it's never too late to achieve the smile you have always wanted. Adults are now able to receive orthodontic treatment which may not have been available to them as children. Technological advances in orthodontics have made braces more discreet and easier to wear. Adults can benefit from "tooth coloured" aesthetic brackets and invisible appliances which make the appliances virtually unnoticeable.

Braces for children

For children, we usually wait until patients are 11-12 years old but earlier intervention may be beneficial if an orthodontic problem is detected. Sometimes, there may be orthodontic problems hidden behind seemingly acceptable smiles and while treatment may not be started until years later, early examination will allow the orthodontist to detect and evaluate these problems in order to plan treatment for the   appropriate time.

Some early warning signs that may indicate your child should see an orthodontist:

• Crowded or misplaced teeth
• Protrusion 
• Deep bite (overbite)
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Thumb and finger sucking
• Speech difficulty
• Difficulty in chewing or biting
• Grinding or clenching of teeth
• Jaws that shift or make sounds
• Missing teeth
• Signs of enamel wear

Treatment Options

We use the very latest orthodontic techniques, equipment and technology to give you the smile you desire, in modern and comfortable surroundings. Treatment may involve the extraction of teeth but only when necessary.

Fixed braces are available in tooth coloured ceramic or metal. They consist of small brackets which are fitted to your teeth and very thin metal wires that gently push your teeth into their new, beautifully aligned positions.

Before treating a malocclusion a number investigations are necessary which can include, making tooth model casts, photographs and special X-rays to determine the presence and position of the teeth. The resulting information is used by the Orthodontist to form the ideal treatment plan which suits finances and personal preferences.  Our Orthodontist will discuss the available treatment options to allow an informed decision to made regarding the most suitable treatment.

The cost of treatment is dependent on your individual orthodontic needs, including the number and type of appliance required and estimated treatment time. Fees include follow-up appointments during the retention phase which follows the end of active treatment.

If you would like to know more about what orthodontic treatment involves please contact the practice, we will be pleased to answer your questions.