Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that specialises in the alignment of the teeth and jaws and can be used for both children and adults.

At Salcombe Dental Practice, we are committed to providing you with a total and comprehensive dental experience. We will advise you and your children if and when orthodontic treatment is necessary and the appropriate steps that are suitable for you. We will then liaise with our chosen orthodontist to make sure your continuing treatment is having the effect needed to create the optimal results.

Appliances are used in the treatment of this condition to realign the teeth, lips and jaws using corrective techniques, such as braces. Realigning the bite will help ongoing dental health and in extreme cases, bring the facial and jaw structure back into balance.

AT WHAT AGE SHOULD ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT BEGIN?

Both children and adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment as healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. It is recommended that in a child, orthodontic monitoring is started at around 7 years old to create maximum impact and detect any problems as early as possible. Some orthodontic problems can be fixed much easier if they are detected early enough as waiting for all permanent teeth or for facial growth may make it more difficult to fix a problem.

It is always best to discuss your child’s orthodontic needs on a regular basis with your dentist and to make any feeling known if you notice a problem.As an adult, any time is suitable for orthodontic treatment however it may take a little longer for your teeth to move due to the permanent teeth being well established. Orthodontic treatment can be used to make a smile more aesthetically pleasing and can even the spaces between teeth, straightening crooked teeth.

WHAT CAUSES ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS?

Acquired during your life, inherited problems include crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra or missing teeth, and a wide variety of other irregularities of the jaws, teeth and face.

Acquired bad bites can be caused by trauma (accidents), thumb, finger or dummy sucking, airway obstruction by tonsils and adenoids, dental disease or premature loss of primary (baby) or permanent teeth. Whether inherited or acquired, many of these problems affect not only alignment of the teeth but also facial development and appearance as well.

WHAT CAN ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT HELP WITH?

There are many reasons that your dentist would recommend orthodontic treatment.

WHY IS ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT SO IMPORTANT?

There are many reasons that straightening your teeth is important, in both adults and children.

Straightening your children’s teeth allows them the best start in life. Having a straight, healthy smile means they are more likely to have a good facial structure, have less tooth decay and have a good chewing motion and jaw function. Irregular teeth in both adults and children can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and eventually tooth loss. It can also cause abnormal wear on tooth surfaces, offering an inefficient chewing function. This misalignment can lead to pain in jaw joints and possibly head and neck pains.

HOW LONG DOES ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT LAST?

Treatment time can range from one to three years, depending on your own or your children’s current dental health. Early treatment of your children’s orthodontic requirements may mean that, depending on the severity of the problem, it could only last a few months.

WHAT IS ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

Orthodontic needs are addressed through the use of different appliances that are attached to your teeth in such a way that they can move your teeth into the correct position. Headgear, expanders and braces are just some of the appliances available to assist movement.

There are also braces available that are hidden behind the teeth and clear braces that cannot be seen yet still achieve fantastic results.