Orthodontics Essex

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a dental discipline which diagnoses, prevents and corrects dental issues which can result from the following:

Crooked or misaligned teeth

Over and under bite

Jaw joint conditions

Jaw misalignment

Missing or additional teeth

Poor bite or mal-occlusion

Treatments to resolve such issues usually includes braces of some sort to help move the teeth into a better position which not only improves the teeth’s appearance but can provide added benefits such as: better balance and alignment of the bite, overcrowding and improved oral health and function.

Are You Considering Orthodontic Treatment?

Most adults think that they have missed their chance to have straight teeth and that it is something only achievable in your teens. This is just not true, and more adults than ever are taking advantage of the new and improved dental techniques and affordable teeth straightening treatments that are available. Teeth can be straightened at almost any age as long as the patient is a suitable candidate.

At Sharrow Dental our qualified Essex orthodontists are experts in everything to do with the alignment of the jaw and teeth. At your initial consultation they will be able to talk you through the range of treatments available and help you decide which is most suitable for you, to help achieve your smile goals.

Essex Orthodontics Treatment Options

Thanks to dental advancements there are now more treatment options than ever to help patients achieve straight teeth. Some methods can take longer to achieve the desired results, some are more expensive and others more invasive. It might be that your preferred method isn’t suitable for you, but whatever you decide our orthodontists are on hand to help guide you through your treatment from start to finish.

FIXED BRACES

Traditional fixed braces are the most common and sophisticated type of orthodontic treatment and typically involve a combination of brackets and wires that are fixed to the outside surfaces of the teeth which are progressively tightened to move and improve the alignment of the teeth.

The wires are then progressively tightened at each appointment to move and improve the alignment of the teeth. During treatment, elastic bands or headgear may be required at some point to correct your bite.

Fixed brace treatments can take anywhere from 6 – 30 months which is dependent upon the individual patient and the severity of their dental alignment issues. The brace is fixed to the teeth for the duration of the treatment, so it is very important to brush your teeth well as they are more susceptible to decay throughout this time.

Some of the benefits of choosing fixed braces include;

Helping to correct jaw position and the more complex orthodontic cases

Suitable for patients with dental complications such as veneers, implants, bridges and crowns

Excellent control of the teeth so you can be confident they are moving

New innovative fixed brace options include those that can be fixed to the back or tongue side of the teeth (lingual braces)

Patients should finish their orthodontic treatment with healthy teeth and gums, however some patients do encounter problems. Your orthodontist will be able to talk you through and fully explain the common risks of treatment and about those that are most likely to affect you.

Orthodontists in Essex

At Sharrow Dental we provide a wide range of Orthodontic services in Essex to help patients regain their confidence in their smile. If you are searching for an experienced Orthodontist in Chelmsford, please contact us on – 01245 354046 and one of our helpful, friendly advisors will be happy to help you.

Can you get orthodontic treatment done at any age?

Although traditionally, the most common time to begin orthodontic treatment has been during adolescence, around ages 11-14, over recent years it has become increasingly popular with adults of all ages.

Thanks to advancements in dental technologies, techniques, equipment and materials, new orthodontics treatments such as clear braces or Invisalign give adults the opportunity to improve the alignment of their teeth in a way that is discreet and more flexible.

When it comes to children, although preventative orthodontic treatments can be beneficial at a young age, braces and similar options aren’t recommended until they have had all of the necessary teeth come through and their orthodontist believes it is the right time.

Is Orthodontics suitable for me?

If you are self-conscious about the alignment or appearance of your teeth, then orthodontic treatment could be the ideal solution to help correct and resolve any dental irregularities.

Some of the most common reasons for undergoing orthodontic treatment include;

Misaligned teeth
Crowded teeth
Crooked teeth
Over bite, anterior bite, underbite, crossbite
Jaw joint conditions
Missing teeth
Poor bite or mal-occlusion
A combination of the above issues

Having misaligned teeth can make a real impact on a person’s self-confidence which can prevent them from enjoying social occasions, engaging in face to face conversations, smiling and having their photo taken.

Whether as a standalone treatment or part of a smile makeover, orthodontic treatments can be an affordable and effective way to give you the smile you have always wanted.

Can I eat normally whilst undergoing teeth straightening treatment?

This depends on the types of orthodontic treatment you are having as clear aligners and fixed braces are very different.

Although you can eat mostly as you would have before with fixed braces, they do require some slight adjustments in order to help prevent damage from occurring to the brace. For example, when there is tenderness or the teeth and gums are feeling sore after an adjustment it is recommended to eat softer foods such as soup, mash potato, pasta etc. Try to avoid chewing hard foods such as hard candies, popcorn, gum, nuts and similar things that can break, damage or negatively affect the braces.

With clear aligners such as Invisalign there is no difference at all. When you wish to eat something, you simply take the trays out of your mouth and put them in the case, then after eating give your teeth a quick brush before putting them back in. You can eat everything you did before, although it is advised to reduce the amount of sugar you consume in order to help prevent decay.

Your dentist will be able to advise you on any additional restrictions or further guidance on foods and drinks to avoid whilst undergoing your treatment.