When orthodontics is used

Orthodontic treatment ismost commonly used to improve the appearance and function of misaligned or crooked teeth.

Teeth that are straighter and better alignedshouldbe easier to clean, andmay reduce strain on the muscles and joints of the jaw.

The improved appearance of your teeth or jawmight also help boost your self-esteem and self-confidence.

Teeth problems

Some of the most common teeth problems requiring orthodontic treatment include:

• protruding upper front teeth one of the most common reasons for needing orthodontic treatment
• crowding people with narrow jaws often lack enough space for their teeth, resulting in crowding
• impacted teeth the adult teeth may not come through as they grow in the wrong position
• asymmetrical teeth in some people, the centre of their upper and lower teeth don't match, giving their teeth an asymmetrical or crooked appearance
• deep bite the upper teeth cover the lower teeth too much
• reverse bite the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth
• open bite the upper and lower front teeth don't meet when the mouth is closed; an open biteis oftena result of children sucking theirthumb over a long period of time

Other reasons for treatment

Orthodontics can also be used to treat other health problems. For example, orthodonticsis part ofthe treatment for Cleft lip and palate .

It may also help in casesof mild sleep apnoea . An orthodontist can make a dental appliance similar to a gum shield,which can help prevent the airway closing while you sleep.

When can treatment start?

Orthodontic treatment will usually only be started after all of a child's adult teeth have started to come through.

For most children, this will be when they're about 12 or 13 years old. For adults, orthodontic treatmentcan begin at any age, but what can be done is more limited.

Oral hygiene

Orthodontists will not usually begin a course of orthodontic treatment unlessyou have agood standard of oral hygiene. This is because orthodontic treatment can increase the risk of tooth decay .