The British Orthodontic Society reports that one in three children will require orthodontic treatment for problems including protrusion of teeth, severe mal-alignment and crooked or crowded teeth. Most of these problems are best treated in adolescence while growth is still happening and the scope for change is greater. Deferring treatment can present problems later in life.
Most children we see begin their orthodontic treatment around the age of 12 or 13, once all their permanent teeth have come through. In a few instances, orthodontic treatment is better started early and your dentist may want to refer you to us earlier than this age group.
Here at Teeth-in-line, we believe it is important to ensure that patients have been given all the information they need, in a way they can use, so that they can make informed decisions. This includes communicating clearly without using jargon and explaining all the available options including risks and benefits for you. We have a dedicated Treatment Co-ordinator to help facilitate this for you.
Types of Braces
Removable Braces
A removable brace is a custom made by an orthodontic technician to fit your mouth exactly. The orthodontist will design your brace in order to achieve the desired tooth movement.
Functional Braces
There are many different types of functional braces. The one we use most often is called a twin block. The brace is removable with an upper and a lower block that fit together like twins! It is specially made by a technician to fit your mouth. The twin-block is designed to hold the lower jaw forward. This moves the lower jaw forward a little and also pulls the upper teeth back, helping to correct your bite and produce the best possible facial appearance. It is one of the fastest and most effective methods to correct receding jaws, goofy teeth or excess overjet. Both parts must be worn together in the correct position or the brace will not work.
Fixed Appliances
Fixed braces are not removable and should only be removed by your orthodontist. Brackets are cemented onto each individual tooth which are then connected to each other using a thin metal wire, called an archwire. The wire is held in place with small elastic rings. Elastic rings come in a variety of colours to customise your brace. The wires are adjusted at regular intervals to straighten the teeth and correct the bite. As the brace cannot be removed, it acts full-time, and so it is very effective. Fixed braces are very good at achieving fine detail, and making the smile look really perfect!
Book an Appointment
To book an appointment at Teeth-in-line Orthodontics at either our Milton Keynes or Newport Pagnell practice, give us a call or fill out the form on our Appointment page.
