Orthodontics is a specialist branch of dentistry concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of dental irregularities such as crooked, crowded, protruding teeth and poor jaw alignment. Its aim is to produce a healthy, functional bite, and improving personal appearance. Orthodontic treatment may also be carried out in partnership with your dentist to correct the position of teeth before provision of dental restorations such as implants or crowns and bridges.

With the improved appearance of modern cosmetic braces, an increasing number of adults are choosing orthodontic treatment. Cosmetic appliances which are less conspicuous are available and include clear (tooth coloured) fixed appliances, “invisible” removable aligners, or completely “invisible” or “hidden” (lingual) appliances. Recent innovations have led to the development of low friction braces called self-ligating braces. These braces are available privately for both adults and children.

Why Have I Been Referred To See An Orthodontist?

Dr. El Alam may have discussed with you the benefits of having healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This can result in tooth decay, worsen gum disease and lead to tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints. These can lead to chronic headaches and face or neck pain.

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. More and more adult patients are taking up orthodontic treatment in this day and age and there are many options to enable braces to be much more discrete than before.

Treatment by an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional care required for treating dental problems arising as a result of orthodontic problems

Treatment Duration

Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient’s mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. Timings may also vary depending on the patient’s compliance with treatment, particularly with wearing prescribed rubber bands, removable appliances or maintaining a sensible diet that does not cause numerous breakages to the brace.