Orthodontics is a specialist area of dentistry. It is concerned with the development of the teeth and jaws and the correction of problems that occur with the tooth and jaw positions.

A specialist in Orthodontics has completed at least three years of postgraduate study in Orthodontics after graduating as a dentist and obtained further training from the Royal College of Surgeons.

His or her name will appear on the Specialist list of the General Dental Council.

A consultant in orthodontics is a specialist in orthodontics who has completed at least an extra 2 to 3 years of orthodontic training, in addition to their speciality training. This additional training enables them to develop the skills needed to treat the most complex orthodontic problems as well as enhancing their understanding of the orthodontic treatment overall. 

Occasionally early treatment may begin at around 7-8 years of age for problems involving the positions of the jaws. Ideally 9-10 a child should see an orthodontist around 9 to 10 years to check on the development of the permanent teeth and sometime at this time orthodontics is started. The most common time to start orthodontic treatment is around 11 to 14 years of age when most of the permanent teeth have come into the mouth.

There is no age limit for orthodontics – it can be done at any time of life. You can never be too old to have treatment. If you have a complex problem we can work with your dentist and other dental specialists to achieve the perfect smile.

As well as enabling you to have ‘The Perfect Smile’ Orthodontic treatment can also improve the function and health of your teeth and, in some cases, improve also the health of associated structures such as jaws and joints.

This depends on the problem to be treated. It can vary from a few months to 2 years. Many of our simpler orthodontic cases can complete the treatment in between 3 to 9 months.

Fixed braces attached to the teeth can be placed on the front or the backs of the teeth. They can be made of steel, ceramic (tooth coloured) and gold. Functional appliances used in children to correct positions of the jaws are made of acrylic.

Yes, braces placed on the backs of the teeth (i.e. lingual braces) are totally invisible. Clear braces (aligners) are only slightly visible.

A type of brace used in children and adolescents to correct positions of the jaws while the child is growing.

Braces are placed on the backs/ inner surface of the teeth and are therefore totally invisible.

Treatment with clear plastic aligners instead of fixed braces.

These ‘Invisalign’ braces are barely visible.

Surgery on the jaws to correct the position of the jaws and improve the way in which the upper and lower teeth fit together.

After braces are removed the teeth must be kept straight while the bone and gums adapt to the new tooth position. Retainers can be removable or fixed (i.e. stuck to the backs of the teeth).