Regular dental visits also enable your dentist to monitor any of your children’s orthodontic problems. A plan can then be put in place to correct these problems at the appropriate time.

Treatment from an early age is preferable. Indeed in some instances orthodontics can be avoided or more easily dealt with if problems are detected early. Ideally children should be assessed around seven to eight years old.

An assessment at this age can then mean a plan can be put in place.  At around age twelve, children will have lost their baby teeth and be in a position to benefit from orthodontics. Sometimes the baby teeth remain, which can cause damage to the erupting teeth. They need to be monitored.

These days’ teenagers often welcome orthodontic treatment. It is common for young patients to take the treatment in their stride and they do not worry about wearing the bands as so many of their contemporaries are having similar treatments. They are conscious of their teeth and educated to appreciate the benefits of looking after their dental health.

Various appliances are used to move the teeth into the correct position. These slowly adjust your teeth, gradually shifting them into the optimum position. The fine Titanium wires used actually have a ‘memory’ and continually bend back into their original shape, gently moving the teeth as they do so. In some cases teeth may need to be removed to enable the remaining teeth to move properly into position.

Bands, brackets and wires, are the more common and most effective way to move teeth. These are made from stainless steel but clear brackets can also be used. Many teenagers like to opt for coloured bands. In some cases the brackets can be placed on the inside of the teeth, effectively rendering them invisible. These options are more expensive but are preferable for some patients.

Adjustments are made regularly every six weeks or so depending on the individual case. The brackets are checked, wires changed and teeth and dental hygiene inspected.

When the bands are removed it is important to wear a retainer to prevent the teeth from moving. These can be plates or other removable appliances worn all the time or a certain times depending on your circumstances. It is essential they are worn to avoid teeth moving.

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