Orthodontics

What is orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatments are either orthopaedic or orthodontic. Orthopaedic or interceptive orthodontic treatment works on developing the jaws to correct their growth pattern during the pubertal growth spurt. Special appliances are worn to develop the growth of the jaws so that healthy growth of the orofacial structures is allowed and the result will be a reduced need for later orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment focuses on straightening the teeth to achieve a straighter smile. The aim of orthodontic treatment is to improve the appearance, position and function of crooked, crowded, or abnormally arranged teeth. It simply means to straighten the teeth.

This is achieved using two types of systems; one is removable and one is fixed to your teeth. The removable option consist of tight, clear aligners that you wear in sequence to gradually move the teeth to the desired position. Although discreet, this system can be slow, especially if you forget to wear them. The second, fixed system involves small metal or ‘tooth-coloured’ ceramic brackets that are stuck onto your teeth and are connected via a wire that gently move teeth into the desired positions. It is a minimally invasive procedure and is often the preferred option to veneers or crowns, to improve the appearance or position of anterior teeth. There are some risks associated to the roots of teeth that are moved in such a way by the orthodontic appliance, however, this can be addressed and assessed fully during your orthodontic consultation appointment.

Whatever your treatment needs, we would be delighted to welcome you and advise you of the best treatment option for you, whether that be orthopaedic, orthodontic, or a specialist referral.

At The Cherrytree Dental Care, we provide a range of orthodontic treatment options. From braces in a matter of weeks to more complex, longer orthodontic treatments. Alternatively, we provide clear aligners for very discreet movement of braces, such as Invisalign!

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What does orthodontic treatment involve?

Orthodontics uses devices such as a brace to correct the position of the teeth. Your exact treatment will depend on the problems with your teeth. Each case is individual and is best discussed with one of our qualified dentists.
Treatment time depends on the severity of each case and can take from just a few weeks. If the problem is more complicated, treatment may take longer. The majority of adolescent cases will take an average of 12-24 months. If the brace is worn well, you are likely to achieve good results, within the predicted time frame that will be discussed at your assessment appointment.

Who needs orthodontic treatment?

You may need orthodontic treatment if your teeth or jaw do not develop in a normal way. This can cause poor aesthetics, discomfort, and make it hard to maintain good oral hygiene.

In some cases, abnormal development of the teeth and jaw can affect the shape of the face, which could result in lack of self-confidence.

Problems with crooked and out-of-place teeth are quite common in the UK. It is now a lot more acceptable to have braces at any age, with huge benefits! Straighter teeth are not only easier to keep clean and healthy but they also give you more confidence when you smile!

More frequently, adults are now choosing to improve their smiles and manage spaces created by missing teeth through a combination of adult orthodontic treatments combined with cosmetic or restorative work. Cosmetic treatments can include straightening of the teeth followed by whitening and adding tooth coloured filling material (cosmetic bonding) to the tooth edges to achieve a more flawless appearance. At The Cherrytree Dental Care this is our 3-step smile treatment!

Often, orthodontics can be combined with the placement of implants, to initially straighten the teeth and create enough space to place successful, long-lasting implants, to restore the full function of teeth as well as improve the overall appearance and boost your confidence.

We are very happy to discuss your individual treatment needs, whether you wish to enquire for simple orthodontic brace treatments or combination treatments to include implants, cosmetic work, etc. We also take referrals from other clinics for orthodontic cases, as well as many other treatments (see our referrals page).

How can I access orthodontic treatment?

In most cases, you can contact us directly or ask your dentist to refer you to our clinic using the online referral form. We provide private fixed and removable orthodontic braces as well as clear braces. If you are under the age of 18 and are likely to qualify for NHS orthodontic treatment, we can advise you of this option and you may have to decide whether to have treatment privately or on the NHS. However, due to high demand there can be a long waiting list for NHS orthodontic treatment.

If you or your child does not qualify for free NHS treatment, or you don’t want to wait for treatment to start, you may choose to have private treatment at The Cherrytree Dental Care. Please refer to our Fee Guide in the Treatments section for an up to date guide to our fees.

Important information

All patients who are interested in having an elective treatment such as orthodontics will have a consultation to discuss fully the risks involved. We also ask all our patients to commit to the recommendations and strict advice listed below, in order to maintain optimal oral health throughout your treatment. It is your responsibility to ensure you have had a recent check-up and your dentist has cleared you for elective orthodontic treatment. We also ask that you do not undertake the orthodontic treatment is you are unwilling to follow the listed advise below:

• • You must have had a recent check-up at your general dentist (within the last 6 months) and ideally a clean with your hygienist service.

• • You understand that treatment may be refused if you are not orally healthy and cannot be commenced until you are free of any dental disease.

• • You commit to the use of an electric toothbrush for adequate plaque removal and cleaning of the tooth surfaces and gum pockets to prevent any decay on the teeth and gum disease (periodontal ) disease from occurring.

• • You are careful and considerate of your diet to prevent breakages which can lead to unnecessary delays in the treatment time and potentially increased costs.

• • You commit to regular, routine check-ups with your general dentist at the recommended recall period by them (usually every 6 months) to ensure you remain orally healthy throughout your treatment.

• • You commit to attending at the recommended time interval as specified by our dentist carrying out the orthodontic treatment and commit to rebooking any missed or cancelled appointments within a reasonable time from the cancelled/missed appointment (usually no more than 3 weeks later). Failure to do so may lead to potentially increased treatment costs as well as increased risk of oral damage due to the extended, unsupervised period of the orthodontic appliance.

• You commit to wearing the retainers and ensuring you attend appointment requiring the fitting of retainers in order to prevent treatment relapse.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly reception team for more advice.