Orthodontic Treatment

How does treatment progress?

Because it is easier to adapt to, treatment usually starts with the upper jaw; the lower jaw joins a few weeks later. Progress is followed with check-ups every four to five weeks until the teeth reach the position planned for them.

Elastics are worn throughout treatment to keep the jaws in harmony with one another and to hold the teeth in both jaws in position. The patient puts them in and takes them out; wearing them for as long as the orthodontist advises has a direct bearing on the overall success of the treatment. Skip them and the teeth begin to drift back.

What to look out for, before and during

Completing your dental care before treatment begins makes the whole process more comfortable. We therefore recommend a general examination to deal with any decay, a panoramic radiograph to assess erupted and impacted wisdom teeth, and a scale and polish to head off gum problems.

During treatment, hard or sticky food can knock brackets loose; a loose bracket can cut the mouth, so see your orthodontist as soon as you notice one. Stay away from hard foods, nuts and stone fruit, sticky things like Turkish delight and caramel, and fizzy drinks — and cut food into small pieces rather than biting into it.

What is retention?

Once the appliances come off, teeth try to return to where they were. The treatment that holds them where they now belong is called retention. A fine wire is bonded behind the upper and lower incisors, invisible from the front, or clear retainers are made.

These wires and retainers should stay in place for at least five years. The wires cannot be seen from the front and you get used to them within days; during retention we recommend six-monthly appointments with your orthodontist.