Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a specialist branch of dentistry which involves the straightening and alignment of teeth. It usually involves wearing a brace or a retainer over a long period of time. The braces are made from wires and springs attached to tiny metal plates or a plastic mould. The brace applies gentle forces to the teeth and encourages them to adopt a different alignment. The best orthodontic results are achieved with children when their teeth are still growing, many adults have orthodontic treatment but the process takes much longer.

The orthodontist will assess the teeth that need to be aligned and create either a fixed or removable brace, which can be adjusted during the course of the treatment to achieve the desired effect. The fixed braces as their name implies are permanent fixtures and are removed at the end of the treatment period, whereas removable braces can be taken off for eating and cleaning but are generally worn at all other times.

Some cosmetic dentists offer invisalign which uses a series of clear virtually invisible aligners that are custom-moulded to your teeth and help reposition them gradually over time. The advantages of invisalign are that the aligners can be removed to eat and clean and it is not obvious to others that you are having treatment or wearing braces. The aligners are also changed every two weeks. An alternative to invisalign which is used to achieve quicker orthodontic movements is the Inman Aligner.

As orthodontic technology has improves overtime there are a wide variety of braces available for straightening and moving teeth. Friction free braces such as the Damon braces system provide a faster and more comfortable alternative to conventional fixed orthodontic braces.