Orthodontics is a great option for helping you achieve your perfect smile and giving you that confidence boost you didn’t know you needed! However, like any dental treatment there are a few things you should know before starting your orthodontic journey. In this blog I will guide through the information you may not already know.

What is orthodontics?

The simplest of questions are often overlooked and very important to know. The principle of  any orthodontic treatment is the movement of teeth within the jaw bones to straighten them and help them bite more evenly together. Many people don’t realise it’s not only how your teeth look, but orthodontics can also help improve function; eating, chewing.

Who can carry out my orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatments can be carried out by any GDC registered dentist who is competent in this area of dentistry. At Thackeray Dental Care you are in luck as our principle dentist, Simon Thackery, has many years of experience treating orthodontic cases from fixed braces to Aligner cases. So, you are in good hands!

What kind of braces are out there?

There are many forms of orthodontic braces out there for you to choose from. It may be the case that your teeth are not suitable for all of them, this could be related to lifestyle, complexity of the treatment, or just your personal preference.

The three main orthodontic braces we offer at Thackeray Dental Care is;

• Fixed braces in either metal or ceramic – this is the most common form of orthodontic treatment and sometimes known as “train tracks”. Here we give you the option of metal (traditional braces) or ceramic brackets which are more discreet.
• Smile align – this is a clear aligner (looks similar to a clear gum shield). By changing the aligners weekly you can move your teeth in a more discreet way. This is for minimal alignment and is not suitable for everyone.
• Invisalign – this is another aligner system and uses advanced technology to offer more variety in how it achieves your desired smile. This again, will move your teeth with aligners and may include attachments (tooth coloured brackets) to guide your teeth into alignment.

How long will my orthodontic treatment take?

Orthodontic treatment timescales can vary from 9-12 months or 2-3 years, depending on your individual case and complexities.

What happens at the end of my treatment?

At the end of any orthodontic treatment your braces will be removed and you will be advised to wear retainers. Retainers are a retention appliance (looks exactly the same as an aligner or clear gum shield). This will keep your teeth in the lovely and straight position you have worked so hard to achieve. If you don’t wear your retainer as instructed there is a high risk of your teeth moving back to how they were before. This will be advised at your consultation with us.