Orthodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry concerned with the development and management of irregularities and abnormalities of the teeth, jaws and face. Its aim is to produce a healthy, functional bite, creating greater resistance to disease and improving personal appearance. This contributes to mental and physical well-being.

Orthodontics benefits

There are a few risks linked with orthodontic treatment, which can be avoided by choosing the correct treatment for each patient. In the vast majority of well planned cases, the benefits to the patient outweigh the possible disadvantages.

Who can be treated?

Ideally the orthodontist likes to see patients for an initial assessment between the ages of 7-10yrs. This may seem quite young but there is usually a best time to carry out orthodontic treatment and some problems benefit from early treatment.

Who provides Orthodontics?

An Orthodontist is a dentist who has special qualifications and training in orthodontics and is on the specialist register of the British Dental Association. Other general dental practitioners may limit their practice to orthodontics, and all practitioners may offer orthodontic treatment within their practice.

Braces are of Several Types

Usually modern orthodontics is carried out using fixed appliances which have small metal or ceramic (tooth coloured) brackets attached to the teeth. Some simple straightening of teeth can be achieved with the more traditional removable plates. There is another group of appliances which try to modify the growth of the jaws.

Examples of photographs these appliances can be obtained through your orthodontist dental surgeon or from the British Society of Orthodontics see web site for further information. Another useful site is "Ask Jeeves" and search orthodontics. Although American orientated it does have good explanations regarding orthodontics. There are some teenage chat sites dealing with teenage problems run by teenagers, which include orthodontic problems.

Need for surgery

There are limits to which teeth can be moved within the jaws to improve the appearance or make them bite together correctly. Sometimes operations may be required when the jaw bones do not match and a more severe problem exists you may have heard the terms undershot jaw -lower jaw appears to be further back that normal or protruding jaw - the upper jaw appears to be further forward than normal. In the situations you will be seen by another specialist who will assess your needs and explain the operations required.

The decision as to go ahead with the operation or indeed orthodontic treatment will be the patients as it will be something you choose to have done following an explanation of the risks and benefits

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