What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics, a specialised branch of dentistry, addresses the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth, including protruding teeth, and jaws. Derived from Greek words meaning “straight” and “tooth,” its primary goal is proper teeth alignment. Treatment usually begins around age 12 when most adult teeth have emerged, but adults can also benefit.
People pursue orthodontic treatment for numerous reasons, such as improving bite alignment and enhancing dental aesthetics. Misaligned teeth can impact appearance, oral health, and functionality. Orthodontists specialise in assessing these issues to recommend the best treatment plan for a healthy, harmonious smile.
Types of orthodontic appliances
Orthodontic appliances vary to meet specific dental needs and patient preferences, with choices influenced by the type and severity of the dental condition, visibility, comfort, and dental braces treatment duration.
The main categories of orthodontic appliances include fixed appliances, removable appliances, and functional appliances, each serving unique purposes in the orthodontic journey.
Fixed appliances
Fixed appliances, commonly known as traditional metal braces, effectively address many orthodontic issues. They use stainless steel bands, brackets, and wires to apply continuous, gentle pressure, moving teeth into proper positions. While visible, advancements offer more aesthetic options like clear ceramic braces and tooth-coloured ligatures.
Besides aligning teeth, fixed appliances can modify muscle function to correct jaw positioning. Despite their visibility, they are popular for effectively treating various dental issues, from crowded teeth to severe bite misalignments.
Removable appliances
Removable orthodontic devices, like Invisalign, provide a convenient alternative to fixed braces. These clear aligners gradually align teeth without the visibility of traditional braces, making them appealing to many. A key benefit is their removability for eating and cleaning, enhancing oral hygiene and comfort.
Invisalign aligners, custom-made trays worn for at least 22 hours a day, offer flexibility. They allow patients to maintain their regular dental hygiene routine, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Functional appliances
Functional appliances correct bite issues and align the lower jaw. They can be fixed or removable, offering versatility based on treatment goals.
Functional appliances enhance jaw growth, improve the bite, and promote proper dental alignment during growth. By applying consistent force, these devices guide the jaw into a favourable position, contributing to a balanced, functional bite.
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More about pricingBefore treatment
A perfect smile begins with an initial consultation, where the orthodontist assesses teeth positioning and discusses potential treatment options. Patients should prepare by gathering relevant dental records, including X-rays and treatment history, and familiarising themselves with the process.
During the consultation, the orthodontist evaluates dental health and recommends the most suitable treatment plan. This initial assessment is crucial for determining the best approach to address specific dental issues and sets the stage for a successful orthodontic journey.
During treatment
After the initial consultation, the orthodontist crafts a detailed treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs, outlining steps to achieve desired alignment and addressing issues like dental crowding or bite problems. Digital planning tools enhance treatment predictability, especially with clear aligners.
The treatment plan may involve braces, additional appliances, or even teeth extractions if necessary. Orthodontic treatment duration can vary from 6 to 30 months, depending on case complexity. This personalised approach ensures each patient receives the most effective and efficient treatment.
Collection of orthodontic appliances
This is when your orthodontist will provide you with the orthodontic appliances, depending on your specific dental needs and preferences.
Follow-Up appointments
Regular follow-up appointments are vital to monitor orthodontic treatment progress and adjust appliances as needed. These visits let the orthodontist assess teeth alignment and ensure the treatment is on track.
Patients should follow care instructions after each appointment to ensure treatment effectiveness. These visits also offer an opportunity to address any concerns, ensuring a smooth and successful orthodontic journey.
Oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment
Good oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment to prevent dental issues and ensure a healthy, straight smile. Brushing after every meal removes food particles and plaque from braces, and using a soft, round-bristle toothbrush helps clean around brackets and wires effectively.
Daily flossing is also important, and tools like interdental brushes or water flossers can ease cleaning between teeth. Additionally, swishing with an antimicrobial mouthwash reduces bacteria and enhances oral hygiene.
Patients with removable appliances should clean them after meals to maintain both the device and oral health. Self-ligating brackets, being easier to maintain, can simplify this routine.
After treatment
Post-treatment care is crucial to maintaining results after orthodontic treatment. Regular check-ups ensure retainers fit correctly and teeth remain in their desired positions, preventing relapse.
Wearing retainers
Wearing retainers is crucial post-treatment to prevent teeth from shifting back. Consistent use, especially during the first six months, minimises the natural tendency of teeth to relapse with age.
Retainers should be worn as prescribed by the orthodontist to maintain teeth alignment. This practice ensures that you need to wear the hard work and investment in treatment result in a long-lasting, perfect smile.
Long-term maintenance
Long-term maintenance involves regular dental check-ups to detect potential issues early and ensure overall oral health. Good oral hygiene practices, like brushing twice daily, flossing, and using mouthwash, help prevent tooth decay and maintain gum health.
Regular dental cleanings are essential to remove plaque and tartar, contributing to the longevity of orthodontic results and overall dental well-being. Proper care ensures your smile remains healthy and beautiful for years.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Initial consultation
During the initial consultation, the orthodontist assesses teeth positioning and discusses potential treatment options.
Treatment plan
After the initial consultation, the orthodontist crafts a detailed treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs, outlining steps to achieve desired alignment. This is when your orthodontist will provide you with the orthodontic appliances, depending on your specific dental needs and preferences.
Regular check-ups
Regular follow-up appointments are vital to monitor orthodontic treatment progress and adjust appliances as needed.
Long term management
Long-term maintenance involves regular dental check-ups to detect potential issues early and ensure overall oral health. Orthodontic treatment duration can vary from 6 to 30 months, depending on case complexity.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment
We exist to take the stress out of private healthcare.
Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.
Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.
Whether you pay in advance, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.
Pay in Advance
Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.
We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where your stand, every step of the way.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.
Pay monthly
Paying for your treatment at OSD Healthcare doesn’t need to mean settling the full cost in one go.
Many of our treatments have a pay monthly option that allows you to spread the cost of your treatment over 12 months with no credit checks required.
A minimum spend of £300 does apply. We’ll take your first payment upfront and then arrange a direct debit for your monthly payments thereafter. It’s that simple.
Pay using PMI
We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.
Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.
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FAQs
Orthodontics is a dental specialty dedicated to diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misalignments of teeth and jaws, ensuring improved oral health and aesthetic outcomes.
Orthodontic treatment generally commences around age 12, once most permanent teeth have erupted; however, it can be initiated at any age for adults.
Clear aligners are custom-made trays that gradually align teeth while being nearly invisible, providing an alternative to traditional braces.
Follow-up appointments are essential during orthodontic treatment as they allow for necessary adjustments to braces or appliances, ensuring the treatment remains on track. Regular check-ups facilitate optimal progress and help in addressing any issues promptly.
Wearing retainers is essential to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions after orthodontic treatment. Neglecting retainers can result in the loss of treatment benefits.