We all understand the importance of a beautiful and healthy smile and while some people seem to be naturally blessed with a dazzling set of pearly-whites, the truth is that most of us need a little help – whether it’s teeth whitening or teeth straightening or a combination of several dental procedures.
Orthodontic treatments refer to improvements to the function, appearance and position of teeth. It’s about more than just enhancing appearance, they improve oral health and functionality. It’s not just about aesthetics, but also preventing more serious dental issues. In this guide we take a brief look at the types of orthodontic treatments available, what is involved, referrals and common questions and concerns. If you do have any specific concerns about your own teeth, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our reception team at Cotteswold House Dental Care in Gloucester to arrange a consultation with your dentist.
1. What Are Orthodontic Treatments?
Orthodontic treatments focus on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. The goal is to improve bite function, oral health, and overall appearance.
Types of Issues Treated:
- Crowded Teeth: Teeth that are too close together, causing difficulty in cleaning.
- Overbite/Underbite: Misalignment of the upper and lower jaw.
- Crossbite/Open Bite: Improper alignment of the teeth when biting.
- Spacing Issues: Gaps between teeth due to missing teeth or too much space in the mouth.
2. Who Needs Orthodontic Treatments?
- Children: Early intervention (7-10 years old) may be recommended for children as their jaws and teeth are still developing.
- Teens: Adolescence is a common time for braces or other orthodontic treatments as most permanent teeth have come in.
- Adults: More adults are now seeking orthodontic treatments to correct misalignments or improve their smile later in life. Options like clear aligners make this process less noticeable and therefore more appealing, as well as more people with flexible working arrangements that helps with regular check ups and taking them out of the office spotlight.
3. Common Orthodontic Treatments
Braces
- Traditional Metal Braces: The most common type, using metal brackets and wires to move teeth into position.
- Ceramic Braces: Similar to metal braces but with tooth-colored brackets, making them less noticeable.
- Lingual Braces: Attached to the back of the teeth, offering a more discreet option but with some challenges in cleaning and comfort.
Clear Aligners (e.g. Invisalign)
- Overview: A series of clear, custom-made aligners that are removable and nearly invisible.
- Advantages: Flexibility in terms of eating and brushing since the aligners can be removed.
- Limitations: Requires discipline to wear them for the recommended 20-22 hours a day.
Retainers
- Aftercare: Retainers are used after braces or aligner treatments to maintain the teeth’s new positions.
- Types: Fixed and removable options are available, depending on the patient’s needs.
Other Orthodontic Tools
- Palatal Expanders: Used in children to widen the upper jaw.
- Headgear: Used in more severe cases of jaw misalignment.
4. Benefits of Orthodontic Treatments
- Aesthetic Benefits: Enhances the smile, leading to improved confidence.
- Oral Health: Corrects misalignments that make cleaning difficult, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and enamel wear.
- Improved Functionality: Better chewing, speaking, and reduced strain on the jaw.
5. Addressing Common Concerns
Pain and Discomfort
- Discuss the mild discomfort that may occur initially, but how it fades as the mouth adjusts.
Treatment Length
- Treatment length varies from patient to patient, but most last between 18 months to 2 years.
Cost
- Costs vary according to the type and length of treatment required. You will be advised of the cost prior to starting treatment and details on our interest-free financing options.
6. Orthodontic referrals
We have expert providers in clear aligners/Invisalign here at Cotteswold House Dental Care in Gloucester, but if your dentist identifies that a different type of orthodontic work is required, you will be given a referral to an orthodontist. An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws using the best techniques and equipment for your individual teeth. This ensures you will receive the most appropriate orthodontic treatment while continuing to receive your general dental care with our practice.
Cotteswold House Dental Care is a family-owned dental practice in Gloucester that offers a relaxing and friendly atmosphere that gives you complete peace of mind whilst protecting your smile at every stage of life. Our in-house services include general dentistry, children’s dentistry, dental implants, dentures and bridges, professional tooth whitening and composite bonding, advanced treatments such as root canals and oral surgery, Invisalign, and many more. We welcome referrals from other practices as well as self-referrals, and offer direct access to various services.