Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the growth of the teeth, jaws and face and is in high demand. Why? Well, a beautiful smile is the best possible asset. However, there is more to it than that. It’s also about improving the balance between your teeth and jaws so that you can eat more comfortably and look after your teeth and gums more easily.

Orthodontic treatment is provided at the Practice, both for patients of this Practice and for patients referred in from other local Dental Practices. Orthodontic treatment is provided privately for adults over 18 and on the NHS or privately for children under 18. Because of the high demand for orthodontic treatment there is a waiting list for NHS patients referred in from other Practices. Whilst the NHS will fund some orthodontic treatment for children, patients with only mild irregularity who wish treatment for mainly cosmetic reasons may have to pay privately for this treatment. However, all children are entitled to a free NHS assessment.

Some of the problems that we can help with:

• Protruding upper front teeth
• Crowding
• Spacing
• Deep bite
• Reverse bite (when the lower teeth bite in front of the upper teeth)
• Impacted (buried) teeth
• Sports shields and night bite guards

BENEFITS

Well aligned teeth can reduce dental trauma to prominent teeth, can reduce dental decay and can improve facial appearance. Orthodontics can allow accommodation of impacted teeth and preparation for advanced dental treatment such as bridges or dental implants.

ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

Each patient is different and an examination is carried out which is likely to include x-rays, impressions (moulds of the teeth) and possibly photographs. As treatment may take up to 2 years it is important that you are happy with the recommended treatment, and that you understand the proposed treatment. Sometimes it is necessary to suggest that teeth are removed to relieve crowding or allow impacted teeth to erupt. Braces are nearly always suggested and these can be:

Fixed Appliances – the most common type of braces, often referred to as “train tracks” in the school playground! Brackets are glued onto each tooth and are connected by a wire. Elastic bands are usually used to hold the wire in place, and these can be coloured to decorate the appliance. The brackets can be made from metal or can be tooth coloured ceramic. On the NHS only metal brackets are available.

Removable Braces – occasionally used to correct a simple problem. This clips over the back teeth and has one or more springs attached. The braces need to be worn at all times except contact sport or when cleaning.

Functional Appliances – these are a type of removable appliance worn to alter the position of the teeth and jaws and can be used to correct protruding upper teeth. An upper and a lower appliance are used together.

Retainers – retainers are worn at the end of active treatment to hold the teeth straight. The most common type of retainers are clear plastic retainers which cover the teeth and are worn in bed.

We are also delighted to be able to offer “Invisalign” invisible braces for the treatment of less severe problems.

The Invisalign System at Bamford Dental Practice

Smile Confidently with Invisalign – the clear alternative to braces. Invisalign is the world leader in Aligner braces and so far over 1.4 million people have been treated with Invisalign Dr Nick Hall and Dr Maria McNally are accredited Invisalign providers.

CLEAR, REMOVABLE & COMFORTABLE

Invisalign can help treat a variety of orthodontic concerns including crowding, spacing and crooked teeth but because it is clear, removable and comfortable it does not impact on your daily life the way conventional fixed braces do.

You can eat and drink what you like and because the aligners are removed for toothbrushing there is no impact on your oral health during treatment.

If you choose to have Invisalign we will map out a treatment plan with your goals in mind and send this to Align Technology. You’ll then be able to see a 3D representation of your teeth before, during and after treatment so that you can see the expected changes over the course of your treatment.

Once the treatment plan is agreed a series of aligners are custom made for you, gradually moving your teeth into the desired position. You wear each aligner for 2 weeks before moving on to the next in the series.

Treatment with Invisalign typically takes around twelve to eighteen months.