Orthodontics
Nearly one million people started orthodontic treatment in the UK last year. So what is Orthodontics, and what are the benefits?
![Northwest-0121[500x400]](https://northwestortho.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Northwest-0121500x400-oduhxrnfv16xc1yty0rwbuer2w7d51crqx0jik8nfk.jpg "Northwest-0121[500×400]")
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialist branch of dentistry which is concerned with the growth and development of the teeth, face and jaws.
Specialist orthodontists routinely use a variety of treatment methods to correct problems such as:
- Crowded and rotated teeth
- Gaps in the teeth
- Impacted teeth
- Overprominent teeth
- Deep overbites
Straight well aligned teeth can help create a beautiful natural smile and this can have a very positive effect on the self confidence of many patients.
What are the benefits?
Orthodontics can dramatically improve both the appearance of a person’s smile and the way the teeth fit together. A beautiful smile can have long-term benefits by improving self-confidence in this ever more self-aware society.
Correctly aligned teeth can have significant health benefits by making the teeth easier to clean and improving the way they function while eating. Orthodontic treatment is now easier and more accessible than it has ever been and that is why nearly one million people started orthodontic treatment in the UK last year.
Book an Appointment
![Northwest-0126[edit 500x400]](https://northwestortho.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Northwest-0126edit-500x400-oduiagh04ika2jj9ui8kzn4rs5nr1xqbhq2ir1fbfk.jpg "Northwest-0126[edit 500×400]")
Orthodontic Treatments
Please click on a topic below for more information
At Northwest orthodontics every orthodontic patient starts their treatment by having a full consultation with one of our specialist orthodontists.
On this visit they will examine your teeth and may take photographs, x-rays or moulds of the teeth. The orthodontist will use this information to plan the best treatment for you and they will discuss this treatment plan with you on that visit.
Your treatment plan will include details of the type of appliances you will need and if any teeth will have to be removed. Once the treatment plan has been agreed the orthodontist will organise appointments for you to have the treatment started.
Removable appliances can be removed from the mouth by the patient. They are made from a plastic plate, which can have metal wires and springs attached to it.
Removable appliances are used for simple tooth movements and are commonly fitted to the upper teeth. We often fit them to carry out specific tooth movement before progressing on to fixed appliances.
Functional appliances are commonly used to correct bites where the top teeth significantly protrude ahead of the bottom teeth. They can only be used in growing patients and work by holding they lower jaw in a forward position.
At Northwest orthodontics we routinely use a ‘Twin Block’ functional appliance, which is made of two removable plates that fit over the top and bottom teeth.
Functional appliances should be worn full time and only removed for eating, cleaning your teeth or playing contact sports.
Fixed appliances are commonly called ‘train tracks’ are fitted to most of our patients. They are made of brackets glued to the lip surface of the teeth and connected together by a thin wire.
Usually the wire is held onto the bracket by an elastic loop, which can come in different colours. Some brackets do not need an elastic loop as they have a special attachment to hold the wire in place and these are called self- ligating brackets.
The standard brackets are made from metal but clear cosmetic brackets are also available for private patients.
Lingual fixed appliances are fixed to the tongue side of the teeth and are custom made for each patient. They are an invisible type of orthodontic treatment and are only available as a private treatment.
At Northwest Orthodontics we use the Incognito™ lingual appliance system.
These are a used by orthodontists to treat mild to moderate problems. They consist of a series of custom-made clear aligners (like thin gum shields), which are replaced every 2 weeks until the treatment is complete.
At Northwest Orthodontics we use the Invisalign™ aligner system.
Once your orthodontic treatment is complete you will be given retainers to keep your teeth straight.
Retainers can be glued to the back of the teeth (permanent) or be placed over your teeth every night. The night-time retainers look like a thin clear gum shield.
It is very important to wear your retainers as directed by the orthodontist as you teeth can move if you do not wear them properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on a question below for more information. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch
At Northwest orthodontics every orthodontic patient starts their treatment by having a full consultation with one of our specialist orthodontists.
On this visit they will examine your teeth and may take photographs, x-rays or moulds of the teeth. The orthodontist will use this information to plan the best treatment for you and they will discuss this treatment plan with you on that visit.
Your treatment plan will include details of the type of appliances you will need and if any teeth will have to be removed. Once the treatment plan has been agreed the orthodontist will organise appointments for you to have the treatment started.
Removable appliances can be removed from the mouth by the patient. They are made from a plastic plate, which can have metal wires and springs attached to it.
Removable appliances are used for simple tooth movements and are commonly fitted to the upper teeth. We often fit them to carry out specific tooth movement before progressing on to fixed appliances.
Functional appliances are commonly used to correct bites where the top teeth significantly protrude ahead of the bottom teeth. They can only be used in growing patients and work by holding they lower jaw in a forward position.
At Northwest orthodontics we routinely use a ‘Twin Block’ functional appliance, which is made of two removable plates that fit over the top and bottom teeth.
Functional appliances should be worn full time and only removed for eating, cleaning your teeth or playing contact sports.
Fixed appliances are commonly called ‘train tracks’ are fitted to most of our patients. They are made of brackets glued to the lip surface of the teeth and connected together by a thin wire.
Usually the wire is held onto the bracket by an elastic loop, which can come in different colours. Some brackets do not need an elastic loop as they have a special attachment to hold the wire in place and these are called self- ligating brackets.
The standard brackets are made from metal but clear cosmetic brackets are also available for private patients.
Lingual fixed appliances are fixed to the tongue side of the teeth and are custom made for each patient. They are an invisible type of orthodontic treatment and are only available as a private treatment.
At Northwest Orthodontics we use the Incognito™ lingual appliance system.
These are a used by orthodontists to treat mild to moderate problems. They consist of a series of custom-made clear aligners (like thin gum shields), which are replaced every 2 weeks until the treatment is complete.
At Northwest Orthodontics we use the Invisalign™ aligner system.
Once your orthodontic treatment is complete you will be given retainers to keep your teeth straight.
Retainers can be glued to the back of the teeth (permanent) or be placed over your teeth every night. The night-time retainers look like a thin clear gum shield.
It is very important to wear your retainers as directed by the orthodontist as you teeth can move if you do not wear them properly.
Once your orthodontic treatment is complete you will be given retainers to keep your teeth straight.
Retainers can be glued to the back of the teeth (permanent) or be placed over your teeth every night. The night-time retainers look like a thin clear gum shield.
It is very important to wear your retainers as directed by the orthodontist as you teeth can move if you do not wear them properly.
Once your orthodontic treatment is complete you will be given retainers to keep your teeth straight.
Retainers can be glued to the back of the teeth (permanent) or be placed over your teeth every night. The night-time retainers look like a thin clear gum shield.
It is very important to wear your retainers as directed by the orthodontist as you teeth can move if you do not wear them properly.
Once your orthodontic treatment is complete you will be given retainers to keep your teeth straight.
Retainers can be glued to the back of the teeth (permanent) or be placed over your teeth every night. The night-time retainers look like a thin clear gum shield.
It is very important to wear your retainers as directed by the orthodontist as you teeth can move if you do not wear them properly.
Once your orthodontic treatment is complete you will be given retainers to keep your teeth straight.
Retainers can be glued to the back of the teeth (permanent) or be placed over your teeth every night. The night-time retainers look like a thin clear gum shield.
It is very important to wear your retainers as directed by the orthodontist as you teeth can move if you do not wear them properly.
