Orthodontics

Orthodontics straightens crowded or misplaced teeth and corrects the bite, for adults and teenagers alike. Fixed braces and clear aligners are the main routes. It is not vanity: aligned teeth are easier to clean, kinder to the jaw joint and better for long-term oral health.

Why orthodontics matters

Crowded, poorly meeting teeth are hard to clean, which raises the risk of decay and gum disease. Bite problems can strain chewing, speech and the jaw joint. By bringing teeth into the right position, orthodontics serves both function and the long game of oral health, not only appearance.

Fixed braces

Brackets and wires move teeth gradually and predictably, in metal or less visible ceramic. For complex crowding and bite problems, fixed braces remain the most dependable route. Treatment time varies with the case and calls for regular check-ups.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are custom-made, removable and changed at set intervals, prized for looking discreet and coming out for meals and brushing. They do not suit every case; suitability depends on the degree of crowding and is judged by your dentist. Success rests on wearing them the recommended hours each day, so they reward discipline.

Braces or aligners: how to decide

There is no single best answer between the two; the right choice varies with the case. Four things weigh most. The degree of misalignment: complex bite problems are often more predictable with fixed braces, while mild to moderate cases can suit aligners. Discipline of wear: aligners must be worn consistently, so where that is hard to keep up, fixed braces carry the load for you. Aesthetic expectation: if visibility during treatment matters, aligners or tooth-coloured brackets step forward. And age: in growing children some corrections need fixed appliances and growth guidance. We map the plan in three dimensions and weigh these together with you before starting.

Orthodontics for adults

Orthodontics is not only for children; with healthy teeth and gums it can be done at any age. In adults, checking gum health before treatment is especially important, and it is where we begin.

When should children start?

An early check lets problems be caught before they grow. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests a first orthodontic assessment at around seven years of age [1]. This rarely means treatment begins then; more often the aim is to watch jaw growth and the way the teeth come through. Catching a simple issue early can head off more complex work later, which is why an early look is worthwhile even when nothing is done straight away.

After treatment: retention

When treatment ends, retainers hold the teeth in their new positions. This stage is not optional; it is how the result you worked for is kept.