Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the movement of the teeth within the jaw bones to straighten them and help them to bite more evenly together. Orthodontic treatment is about making the best of your teeth; it’s about improving the harmony of your mouth and jaws.

Fixed braces are the most common and most sophisticated type. They can be made from different materials, most commonly, silver-coloured metal (stainless steel) but also gold and tooth-coloured material so they don’t show as much. They are usually fitted to the outside of the teeth but a more recent development has seen braces that are fitted to the back of or tongue side of the teeth (called lingual braces).

Aligners are another type – they are clear, removable mouthguard-style braces that straighten the teeth gradually. Removable braces are also often used and are made of wire and plastic that can do simple, limited tooth movement. Many different factors need to be taken considered before deciding what type of brace is right for the individual patient.