Dental Orthodontics:

– this is a specialised branch of dentistry that deals with moving or realigning teeth to improve appearance. This usually involves the wearing of an appliance or “brace” which gently applies pressure to the teeth to move them to the correct position. Orthodontics is often performed in the teenage years as the mouth and jaw develops but more adults are choosing this option to realign their teeth – however the process can take longer for an adult.

The initial phase of the orthodontics process involves a detailed examination of the mouth to assess the repositioning needed and any other associated medical factors. Following this, a decision will be made as to which of the many types of brace material and configuration to use. Some braces are removable and some fixed in place for a period of months – the cosmetic dentist will assess which is the best form to use for the treatment to be carried out.

More recently, new “invisible” braces have been developed e.g. “Invisalign” which perform the same job as more traditional braces but are less invasive and more comfortable to wear.

The results of orthodontics are usually permanent but the process can be quite expensive due to the multiple consultations and reviews with the cosmetic dentist. Additionally, patience is required as the process can be lengthy!

Some recent dental survey findings:

- 74% of people believe they have unsightly teeth

- 68% of people are embarrassed about their smile in photographs

- 45% of people make judgements about others by the look of their smile

- 70% of people think an attractive smile helps romantically

The techniques detailed above can create the perfect “smilemakeover” and go a long way to addressing these concerns. No longer is the art of dentistry confined to fillings and extractions!