What?

Orthodontics is concerned with the growth of the teeth, jaws and face. It is the area of dentistry that concentrates on straightening teeth. It’s about making the best of your teeth - and improving the harmony of your mouth and jaws.

Why?

The most common problems which can be solved by orthodontics are:

• Protruding upper teeth - one of the most common dental problems.
• Crowding - a narrow jaw may mean that there is not enough room for your teeth, resulting in crowding. Conversely, some people have significant gaps between their teeth which may be closed using orthodontics.
• Asymmetrical alignment - this is when the two centre lines in the upper and lower front teeth do not meet, usually because the teeth have drifted or the position of the jaw has shifted.
• A deep bite - when your upper teeth cover the lower teeth too much.
• A reverse bite - when your upper teeth bite inside the arch of the lower teeth.
• An open bite - when your front teeth remain open.

If you can bite together correctly you can eat more comfortably. A misaligned bite can also put strain on the head and neck muscles, causing headaches, migraines and neck pain.

How?

A full assessment of your teeth is required, including x-rays, impressions and photographs, to decide which form of treatment is most appropriate for you. Braces may be suggested and thosen which are supplied most often are:

• A fixed brace - brackets are glued onto the teeth and connected by a wire. Sometimes small elastic bands are used to hold the wire in position. This wire exerts a gentle pressure so teeth are turned or moved into a new position.
• A removable brace - this is sometimes recommended for correcting a simple problem, such as moving a single tooth. It is a plastic plate with delicate wires and springs attached. The removable brace should be worn all the time except when it needs cleaning or when you are playing sport.
• Invisible braces - these are removable and made of a thin, clear material which, as their name implies, makes it virtually impossible for anyone to know they are being worn. They are constructed from specialised impressions which guide specific teeth into new positions.
• Retainers - at the end of treatment, all patients should wear retainers to hold their teeth in the new position. These can be removable or fixed and are an important part of treatment.

Both children and adults can be treated by orthodontics. The main factors taken into consideration before treatment are usually the position of your teeth and the condition of your teeth and gums. Treatment can take more than two years.

Who?

Julie Macfarlane has a special interest in orthodontics. She qualified as a dental surgeon in 1984 from Birmingham Dental School and gained her Diploma in General Dental Practice (UK) in 1993 by examination through the Royal College of Surgeons. Julie completed over six years as a Clinical Assistant in Orthodontics in a general hospital before going into private practice.
She works as a Professional Advisor for the NHS Parliamentary Ombudsman and was appointed onto the Fitness to Practise panel at the general Dental Council, becoming a Chairman in 2004.

For a consultation with Julie, please call the surgery.