What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment uses techniques (braces) to move teeth in to a well aligned position that enhances both the function and aesthetics of the mouth.
Orthodontics has been very common in children for decades and now is rapidly becoming very popular in adults as well.
Adult orthodontics allows us to move displaced teeth into well aligned harmonious smiles without any adjustment to the underlying enamel and dentine. Modern techniques including, tooth coloured braces, braces attached to the backs of the teeth and transparent removable trays have all helped to make it easy for adults to wear braces without having to resort to a "metal smile" for the duration of the procedure.
Typical treatment times are from 1 to 2 years with life time retainers fitted after this. In cases of severe crowding it may be necessary to remove teeth further back in the mouth to make room for the displaced front teeth.
Advantages
- Minimal or non invasive to teeth
- Permanent result achievable with life time retainers
- Excellent aesthetics achievable
Disadvantages
- Lengthy treatments
- Higher costs due to multiple visits
- Discomfort during treatment
- Possible need for extraction of teeth in severe crowding cases
Combining the techniques of orthodontics and simple whitening can transform a severely crowded dentition into a beautiful smile with no preparation.
Download a PDF of this page by clicking here.
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - download it for free by clicking here)