Introduction

Orthodontic treatmentis used to improve the appearance, position and function of crooked or abnormally arranged teeth.

Orthodontic treatmentcan straighten theteeth and move them into a better position.

Healthcare professionals specialising in orthodontics are known as orthodontists. You can find a list of all specialist orthodontists registered in the UK on the General Dental Council (GDC)website.

What does orthodontic treatment involve?

Orthodontics uses devices such as abrace to correct the position of the teeth. Your exact treatment will depend on the problems with your teeth.

In some cases, you may have to wear headgear at night as well as a brace,andyou may alsoneed to have some teeth removed as part ofyour treatment.

The length of treatment will depend on how complicated the problem is, but it's usually between 18 and 24 months.

It's thought around a third of 12-year-olds would benefit from some degree of orthodontic treatment.

Private treatment is widely available but can be expensive, with an average fee of between 2,000 and 6,000.

Your mouth is full of bacteria that combine with small food particles and saliva to form a sticky film known as plaque. which leads to plaque andcauses the enamel to decay.

Many people with appliances find it difficult to keep their teeth clean, so additional brushing is essential during treatment.

To reduce your risk of enamel decay, your orthodontist may recommend using toothpaste with high levels of fluoride or a mouthwash that contains fluoride. You should also try to avoid sugary foods and fizzy drinks.

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Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 10 Jul 2015