Orthodontics
What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment can involve the extraction of teeth, wearing of braces (removable or fixed) and very occasionally surgery.
Why might I need orthodontic treatment?
There are 3 main reasons for having orthodontic treatment:
- To improve the appearance of the teeth
- To improve the health of the teeth and gums
- To improve function i.e. to make it easier to eat
What types of braces are there?
There are two types. There are those which can be removed for cleaning, known as removable braces.
The second type of brace is fixed to the teeth and cannot be removed for cleaning.
When will the brace be fitted?
This depends very much on the teeth being present in the mouth and the stage of growth of the face and jaws.
How long will treatment take?
Treatment with braces usually takes between 6-24 months to complete.
If teeth need to be extracted who will do this?
Your own dentist usually does this a few weeks prior to having your braces fitted.
Is it painful?
Having the brace fitted is not painful. However, it is common to have slightly tender teeth for 3 - 5 days after each fitting and adjustment appointment.
How often will I need an appointment?
Once your brace has been fitted you will need frequent and regular appointments with the orthodontist for it to be adjusted.
Will the brace affect what I can eat?
For your orthodontic treatment to work well and in the shortest possible time it is important you take care of your teeth and brace. In order to prevent damage to both, you will need to avoid the following:
- Toffees, boiled sweets, sugared chewing gum, chocolate bars, etc.
- Fizzy drinks including diet drinks, excessive amounts of fruit juice.
- Hard foods which might damage the brace such as crunchy apples, crusty bread, etc. Hard foods can be eaten with care if you cut them up first.
What about toothbrushing?
It is important you brush your teeth well, three times per day and use a fluoride toothpaste. A fluoride mouthrinse should also be used last thing at night, after toothbrushing, to further protect the teeth.
Failure to keep your teeth and brace clean will lead to permanent scarring of your teeth. Having orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance of the teeth will be pointless if such scarring is allowed to occur.
Will I still need to see my regular dentist?
Yes! It will be important you still have check-ups with your regular dentist throughout orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will not be checking your teeth for decay.
Will I still be able to play contact sports?
Yes! but it may be advisable for you to wear a gumshield when doing so. This will also be the case if you enjoy riding a bicycle, roller-skating, roller-blading or skateboarding. Your orthodontist will advise you about this.
What if I play a musical instrument?
If you play a wind instrument, particularly the flute or a brass instrument, then a fixed brace will make it more difficult. You will need to discuss this with your music teacher.
What if my brace breaks during treatment?
You will need to contact your orthodontist for an emergency appointment for the brace to be repaired. Repeated breakages will slow down the treatment and increase the overall treatment time. As a rule, every time the brace is broken 1-2 months is added on to the normal treatment time of 6 - 24 months. If you repeatedly break the brace, treatment may be stopped, leaving your teeth in a worse position than when you started.
What happens at the end of treatment?
Your teeth will try to return to their original positions. In order to prevent this you will be fitted with retaining appliances. These may be worn full time at first and eventually worn part-time.
How successful is orthodontic treatment?
This very much depends on your commitment to the treatment. As a general rule, patients who co-operate well with treatment get good results, whilst those who do not cooperate well, get poor results.
