Orthodontics in Kidbrooke

The treatment time will vary depending on the patient. Mild problems may take a few months to treat while the complicated cases can take almost two years. Usually, orthodontic treatment requires somewhere between 6 and 18 months, on average. However, adults who want to make cosmetic improvements to their front teeth can achieve this within a short time.

Your orthodontist will provide an accurate idea of how long the treatment will take when you visit him for the initial consultation.

People who have crooked or crowded teeth need to have this treatment to move the teeth into a better, straighter position. Orthodontics treatment may help to improve the teeth’s appearance and the way they bite together as well as enabling easy teeth cleaning.

Some people have upper front teeth that look unattractive. These ‘prominent’ teeth are also at risk of being damaged. Orthodontics treatment can shift them back into alignment. The way upper and lower jaws meet together can make the teeth appear unattractive and give an incorrect bite. Orthodontic treatment can help in correcting these problems.

If the teeth do not meet properly, this may cause a strain on the jaw muscles, causing joint and jaw problems and headache. It may help achieve an even bite.

The right time is during childhood, however adults can also undergo orthodontic treatment. Age is not so much of an important factor as having the right number of teeth. Children may have to wait until their teeth mature before starting treatment.

Your specialist orthodontist in Kidbrooke may perform orthodontic treatment or send you to a specialist with additional qualifications in this area.

The dentist will conduct a full examination of your teeth and mouth by taking dental X-rays and creating plaster models of your teeth. The treatment can begin once enough permanent teeth have developed (in children).

You might have sufficient space for all your permanent teeth. If not extraction of some permanent teeth to create sufficient space may be needed.

Orthodontics treatment may be done with the use of different kinds of appliances, called braces.

Most people wear braces to get their teeth straightened and improve their smile. However, there are various benefits associated with it. You may find it difficult to brush crooked teeth so straightening them makes it easy to reach all the surfaces of your teeth and provide proper cleaning, and optimize gum health.

• Clear fixed braces – These are ceramic traditional braces that blend together with the colour of your teeth. They are almost invisible and work in the same way as metal braces that help with teeth straightening.
• Damon braces – These are similar to fixed braces but move the teeth quickly. They are much more comfortable than traditional braces however, they have been designed in a way that will work faster.
• Lingual braces – Lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth. It is a straightforward method that requires only two trips to the orthodontist to fit the braces.
• Invisalign braces – Invisalign replace the wires and brackets that are involved with traditional braces. With the help of 3D technology, these aligners will fit properly to the teeth of the individual, and are removable. The braces can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. However, you should wear them for the remaining 20-22 hours to ensure your teeth are straightened properly.

A removable brace is a plate that can be taken out for proper cleaning. It consists of delicate springs and wires attached that move the teeth with a gentle pressure.

Often, the teeth need to be guided with a fixed brace. This has bands and brackets that may be stuck onto the teeth, temporarily. A flexible wire will join all brackets and allow the teeth to shift properly. As you cannot remove the appliance on your own, it is known as a fixed appliance.

Your dentist may perform short-term treatment and can suggest a combined treatment plan with orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth first, and finishing off with cosmetic improvements such as tooth whitening and recontouring with tooth-coloured composite bonding or dental veneers. Appliances that can be used for short-term treatment consist of removable braces, Invisalign aligners or sectional tooth coloured braces.

• Improved aesthetics – The braces can be made from tooth-coloured and clear components so that they can straighten your smile without being self-conscious
• Extreme comfort – These braces use the latest friction-free technology to increase impact and lessen pain.
• Fewer dental appointments – Since the treatment works quickly, you will not need several appointments as you would have done for other treatments.
• Quick treatment time – The time needed for the treatment on average, is 6 months
• Affordable in price – The simplicity of the treatment makes it a cost-effective option for everyone.
• Amazing results – Short-term braces focus on the visible teeth when you smile. This means that you can have a sparkling new smile within a short time.

Unlike other forms of orthodontic treatment,special treatment, special attention must be paid to oral hygiene. This will help to prevent tooth decay that may take place due to food getting trapped in between the brackets or under aligners. You should brush your teeth after each meal and floss daily for improved dental health. Your dentist will give detailed information and answer all specific concerns that you might have related to this treatment.

Sometimes it might be possible to change how your jaws grow with a functional brace.

Fixed braces are not always made of metal. Ceramic and plastic may be used for adults.

Some people may have to wear headgear. You will usually need to wear this appliance in the evening or at night only. If you do not wear it as suggested by the orthodontist, your front teeth may protrude at the end of the treatment.

These are clear plastic “aligners” or molds that are used for teeth straightening. Different sets of slightly different and specially molded aligners are prepared for the patient. Each set will be worn for at least two weeks before you may replace them with the next one. Since they are made of clear plastic, these are almost invisible which means no one will know that you are undergoing straightening treatment.

You need to wear the clear braces for at least 20-22 hours in a day to attain optimum results. However, they can be removed easily for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. All adult teeth need to be present before undergoing this treatment.

Delicate elastic bands are sometimes attached to fixed braces to help move your teeth. Your orthodontists in Kidbrooke will tell you if you need to use these elastics.

The treatment time will depend on the severity of the problem. This could be from a few months to almost two and a half years. Most people can be treated within one to two years.

Once the treatment is over, your teeth will need to be retained in the right position. This is known as the “retention” period, and the appliances that hold your teeth in place are called retainers.

The retainers will hold the newly straightened teeth in position while your jawbone and surrounding gums settle down. The retainers can either be fixed or removed types.

All the appliances may be a little uncomfortable at the initial stage. If the problem does not go away, then the orthodontist may perform some adjustments. Your teeth may be uncomfortable immediately after the braces are adjusted, but this will settle.

Orthodontic braces are usually adjusted every 4 to 6 weeks. At our practice, your orthodontists will tell you how often your braces will need to be adjusted in.

The success depends on the skills of the orthodontist and commitment of the patient. Make sure you follow the instructions of the orthodontist and keep the appointments you fix with him.

The success of the treatment does always depend on the commitment of the patient, adult or children. In the case of orthodontic treatment for children, it is extremely important that the patient remains as enthusiastic as the parent.

Your teeth may be damaged if you do not take proper care during the treatment. The braces won’t cause damage but poor cleaning and eating sugary foods and drinks can lead to permanent damage to the teeth. Braces, wires and brackets may trap food and cause plaque so you should clean your teeth and appliance properly.

After the retention, it is quite normal for minor tooth movements to occur and no. absolute guarantee can be provided for your teeth.

The first thing is to see your dental team and seek advice. Your dentist will tell if you require further treatment and make the necessary arrangements.

It is extremely important to check your teeth properly during orthodontics treatment and take extra care of your teeth and mouth:

• Clean teeth carefully in between the gaps properly, daily. Since braces are delicate, make sure you clean them properly so that they don’t break. Your dental team will show you special techniques to use, based on the kind of appliance you are wearing.
• Cut down on the intake of sugary foods and drinks. Avoid taking snacks and drinks that have added sugars in them. Say no to hard and sticky foods that may cause damage to the brace.
• Brush teeth twice a day and use a mouthwash for proper cleaning. Your dentist may suggest using toothpaste containing fluoride, a fluoride gel or a mouth rinse.