What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. This includes issues such as crowded teeth, crooked teeth, and misaligned teeth.

Why is orthodontic care important for oral health?

Orthodontic care is essential for maintaining good oral health. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. It also helps in preventing jaw problems and improving overall dental function.

What are the common issues treated with orthodontics?

Orthodontics can address several dental issues, including crowded teeth, crooked teeth, misaligned teeth, and spaced teeth. Orthodontics often aims to provide straighter teeth, often with advanced technology such as removable aligners.

What treatment options are available for orthodontic issues?

There are various treatment options available depending on the specific needs of the patient. These include traditional metal braces, clear aligners (such as Invisalign and other forms of invisible braces treatment), lingual braces (braces placed on the inside surface of the teeth), and ceramic braces.

What are lingual braces?

Lingual braces are a type of orthodontic treatment where the brackets and wires are placed on the inside surface of the teeth, making them less visible from the outside. They are a popular option for those seeking a more discreet form of treatment.

How does orthodontics relate to cosmetic dentistry?

Orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry often overlap. While orthodontics focuses on correcting dental irregularities for functional improvement, cosmetic dentistry aims to enhance the appearance of your teeth and smile. Many patients seek orthodontic care to achieve both functional and aesthetic benefits.

How long does orthodontic treatment typically take?

The duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case. On average, the treatment process can last between 12 to 36 months from initial consultation, with regular visits to the dental practice for adjustments and progress checks.

Can orthodontic treatment improve dental hygiene?

Yes, orthodontic treatment can significantly improve dental hygiene. By aligning the teeth properly, it becomes easier to brush and floss effectively, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

How do braces help with spacing issues?

Braces can correct spacing issues by gradually moving the teeth into the correct position. This can close gaps between teeth and create a more uniform and functional bite.

Does having braces increase the chance of gum disease?

Wearing braces requires careful attention to oral hygiene. Poor dental hygiene can increase the risk of gum disease while wearing braces. However, with proper care and regular dental check-ups, the risk can be minimized.

Consultant Specialist Orthodontist with over 25 years' experience

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Your Options for Invisible Braces in 2019

If you’re looking for a New Years resolution in 2019, make it to invest in better self-care and improving your self-confidence. For those with misaligned teeth, braces can do this for you. With guaranteed effective results, a straighter smile is sure to help you feel better about your appearance.

With so many treatment options available, follow our guide to decide which braces are best for you:

Ceramic Braces
Despite not being entirely invisible, clear braces including Ghost, Chic, Clarity Advance and Ovation C follow the structure of a traditional metal brace, but with clear brackets. This allows for a much more discreet appearance, while still providing effective results for realigned teeth.

Self-Ligating Ceramic Braces
With traditional ceramic braces, the elastic ties used to hold the arch-wire in place must be replaced regularly. With self-ligating ceramic braces, there is no need for any elastic ties as they feature a specialised clip for holding the arch-wire in position.

Not only can this provide a shorter treatment period, but it also reduces friction between the teeth and allows your teeth to move more freely.

Invisalign
Invisalign is one of the latest advancements in teeth straightening treatment. With the convenience of a custom made, removable aligner, it allows you to have more control during your treatment. Removable aligners allow for easier cleaning and the freedom to eat what you like, before simply placing each aligner back into position. Invisalign aligners are made from wafer thin, transparent medical grade plastic, so they are practically invisible to anyone other than you and your orthodontist.

Using 3D digital imaging technology based on initial scans of your teeth, your orthodontist can virtually present your predicted results to you before you even start your treatment.

Removable Braces
Removable braces for children are also available. The earlier dental issues are identified, this reduces the amount of treatment needed. Removable braces are gentle on baby teeth and show results within 6 to 9 months. During contact sports and cleaning they can easily be removed, while effectively treating minor tooth movements and correcting crossbites.

Incognito Lingual Bracket System
As an alternative to Invisalign, lingual bracket systems are fitted behind your teeth to keep them hidden. Incognito lingual systems are custom made for a bespoke fit for each tooth. Designed for maximum comfort and high quality results, no two brackets are the same.

With help of 3D digital Cad Cam Technology, your system will be fully customisable and the accuracy will be incomparable to other lingual systems. This also allows your incognito braces to be made 70% smaller than other choices to reduce their impact on your speech and tongue irritation.

WIN Lingual System
The WIN system is the latest development in made-to-measure lingual orthodontics. The system can be tailored to individual requirement, as we know no set of teeth are the same. This allows your teeth to straighten, for realigned smiles and greater confidence, while no one can see your braces.

The WIN Lingual System is suitable for all ages, adapts perfectly to the shape of your teeth and works just like conventional fixed braces.

Harmony Lingual System
Harmony Lingual Systems are entirely customised to your personal dental requirements and the shape of your teeth. This reduces the time spent making adjustments, for fast and effective results.

These often provide quicker treatment times, shorter check-up appointments and phenomenal results. Proprietary CAD/CAM technology provides accurate treatments for the best results and comfort. The self-ligating braces allow for greater control for your orthodontists during appointments, providing the best possible treatment experience for you.

Book Your Appointment
Mary Lo is a Consultation Orthodontist at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, who also offer private consultations and treatment in Central London. Being a respected consultant, with more than 25 years of dental experience and working with oral and craniofacial surgeons, Mary Lo sees patients from all over the world.

To book your private consultation, please call 020 7129 7878 or alternatively complete our form for enquires.