Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontics, the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the growth of the teeth, jaws and face.

Orthodontic treatment is a specialised form of dentistry, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities. In simple terms, orthodontic treatment is not just about straightening teeth - it is also about aligning jaws, preserving the health of the gums and jaw joints, and correcting the harmony, balance and aesthetics of your smile and facial profile.

The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to make the best of your natural teeth. Orthodontic treatment also includes treating and guiding various aspects of dental and facial growth.

What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

A general dental practitioner, or dentist, is trained primarily in the diagnosis and treatment of dental disease. Some general dental practitioners who have undertaken short training courses in orthodontics in addition to their undergraduate dental degree will sometimes provide some limited aspects of orthodontic treatment, most typically with use of clear aligner systems or removable braces.

A specialist orthodontist by comparison is a qualified dentist who has completed at least three years of additional full time comprehensive training and a higher level post-graduate degree (usually at masters or doctorate level) solely in orthodontics, in addition to their dental training. Following completion of their post-graduate training a specialist orthodontist will have passed an in-depth specialist exit examination with one the Royal Colleges of the United Kingdom allowing them to register with the General Dental Council of the United Kingdom as a specialist in orthodontics.

A specialist orthodontist is best placed to advise on and treat a whole range of dental and skeletal problems. Orthodontists are experienced with a numerous different brace and aligner systems, allowing for the most appropriate and effective choices to be made for your treatment, rather than being restricted to just one brace system.

What is the difference between a Specialist orthodontist and a consultant orthodontist?

A consultant orthodontist is a senior clinician a rank above specialist level who has undertaken at least two to three further years of full time training (in addition to the three years full time training required to train to specialist level) to be able to treat even the most complex of orthodontic or dento-facial orthopaedic problems. Consultant orthodontists are clinicians at the lead of the orthodontic specialty who are responsible for training specialist orthodontists. A consultant specialist is the highest grade of clinician in the United Kingdom health system.

Why have Orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment improves your bite, allowing your teeth to function better which protects the health of teeth in the long term. It can also make it easier for you to keep them clean, which can improve your overall dental health. Having an attractive smile not only changes the way people see you — it enhances your own self confidence also. Beyond the cosmetic advantages of straight teeth, there are important medical benefits as well. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems including allowing you to bite correctly, eat more comfortably and care for your teeth and gums effectively.

What problems can be corrected with Orthodontic treatment?

Common reasons for orthodontic treatment include:

Crowded “Wonky” teeth

Upper teeth sticking out

Lower jaw sticking out

Deep bite

Open bite and inability to bite food with front teeth

Gaps and spacing between the teeth

Missing teeth

Narrow smile

Treatment prior to implants, bridges, veneers or cosmetic dentistry

Treatment to realign teeth following gum disease

What causes orthodontic problems?

Most orthodontic problems are usually inherited via individual genetics, such as crowding, spacing, extra or missing teeth, underbites, protrusion, periodontal disease and jaw growth issues. However, some malocclusions can be created by things such as finger or thumb sucking, accidents, early or late loss of baby teeth, chronic mouth breathing, premature birth or other causes.

When should a child have an orthodontic evaluation?

The British Orthodontic Society and American Association of Orthodontists recommend that all children have an initial orthodontic assessment no later than the age of 7. This is when most adult permanent molars (as well as some front teeth) begin to erupt, and also when issues with growth and development of the jaws become more apparent. Even though most people think of pre-teens and teens when they think of orthodontics, there are good reasons your child should get an orthodontic evaluation much sooner.

Can adults benefit from orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is becoming more popular for adults: today, one of every four orthodontic patients is over the age of 18. Today’s latest technologies offer smaller, less visible and more comfortable orthodontic appliances, from ceramic braces to clear aligners and even invisible lingual braces on the inside of the teeth, adults are finding treatment more appealing.

Why is orthodontic treatment important?

Orthodontic treatment is important for several reasons. Misalignment of the teeth and jaws can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty chewing and or speaking, and excessive stress on supporting bone and gum tissues. Without treatment, many of these issues will lead to more-extensive dental treatment later in life. Facial aesthetics and the positions of the lips can also be improved with orthodontic treatment. Crooked and crowded teeth are aesthetically unpleasing but more importantly they are hard to clean and maintain. Orthodontics is more than just straightening teeth; it can provide the foundation for proper tooth, jaw and lip support.

How long will orthodontic treatment take?

The duration of orthodontic treatment ultimately depends on the severity of the dental issues, such as bite and crowding, as well as compliance and goals of treatment. Typically orthodontic treatment ranges from 1 to 2 years, which is determined through a thorough diagnosis and formation of treatment plan following a full consultation with Dr. O’ Connor.

What should I eat while I have braces?

Establishing a good diet is important for the overall health of your teeth during orthodontic treatment. This will include avoiding sticky, hard, chewy foods such as candy and nuts as well as damaging drinks such as fizzy drinks and juices. You can still enjoy plenty of delicious meals and snacks however.

How can I keep my braces clean?

It is very important to keep your teeth and gingiva (gums) clean during orthodontic treatment to avoid staining. Bacteria (dental plaque) often sticks to our teeth (especially by the gum line and between the teeth). Adding brackets to your teeth creates more surfaces that the bacteria can hang on to. This is why it is so important to brush your teeth regularly and as often as possible, especially in the morning and at night and after eating. We recommend products such as a water flosser and fluoride containing toothpaste which are helpful aids in your care for your braces.

Does orthodontic treatment hurt?

In general, not really! Having you brace fitted is generally painless. Usually most patients feel some discomfort for a couple of days afterwards once your teeth, gums and mouth get used to the new braces and as the brace is adjusted - like new shoes! Over-the-counter pain medication can be used to improve any discomfort, but are usually not necessary.