Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth, to improve their appearance and how they work. It can also help to look after the long-term health of the teeth, gums and jaw joints, by spreading the biting pressure over all the teeth.
Do you have crowded or crooked teeth? Do your front teeth stick out or look unsightly? Did you know that prominent teeth can easily be damaged? Did you also know that the way the upper and lower jaws meet can also cause teeth to look unsightly and lead to an incorrect bite?
Orthodontic treatment can provide an excellent, long-term solution to all these problems. It can straighten the teeth or move them into a better position - not only improving their appearance but also the way the teeth bite together, which can make them easier to clean.
Orthodontic technology has improved dramatically over time. There is such a large variety of braces available for straightening and realignment of your teeth and many new braces on that market that provide a quicker and some feel more comfortable alternative to traditional fixed style orthodontic braces.
Orthodontic treatment is usually carried out in children, but adults can benefit from it too. The treatment usually involves wearing a brace or a retainer over a long period. Braces are usually constructed of wire which will have tiny springs attached to a metal plate / plastic moulding. When the brace is worn by the patient it applies a gentle force to the teeth that overtime will encourage them to change a different position. It ideally done when the teeth are still growing which is why this is a popular treatment among children. However, it is still possible to get a good result as an adult but you should be aware that it may take longer to achieve the desired look.