A lot of orthodontic problems can be handled with various forms of braces as well as other dental jobs; these exert pressure on the teeth to promote proper growth in the correct direction.  Orthodontists use fixed and removable braces to treat various issues in both children and adults, adult orthodontic correction is more difficult and takes longer as teeth have grown already whereas it can be a relatively quick process with children.

Orthodontic problems can come from a wide variety of sources, accidents or natural malformations as well as things like thumb sucking.  Although you may not realise it, orthodontic issues are far more than just cosmetic, in some cases leading to tooth decay and the need for tooth extraction because oral hygiene can’t be maintained and in others being the cause of speech problems.  As well as dental treatment, prevention and detection are parts of orthodontic practice, from as young as seven problems can be detected and the sooner a child’s issues are resolved the less time consuming and difficult the process will be.

The active stage of orthodontic practice is concerned with treating problems, adjusting teeth to grow correctly.  Any orthodontic treatment requires good health care and using toothpaste and a toothbrush should form a solid basis for your treatment. The retention stage comes after that and is about maintaining these new positions and ensuring that teeth do not simply move back.