What is it?
In simple terms, when discussing orthodontics, it is merely the general term used for dental treatment to realign and straighten the teeth or jaws. Whilst written down, it appears to be a simple process, there are many aspects to orthodontic treatment and devices used can vary from fixed braces to removable aligners. This is due to the nature of tooth misalignment which is extremely common within society and can range from slightly crooked teeth to overcrowded teeth. Luckily there are a variety of orthodontic treatments available both on the NHS and privately to suit everyone’s individual needs.
Are visits to the orthodontist Liverpool for teenagers and young adults only?
In the past the majority of orthodontic treatments have been focused more towards those within their teenage years. However in modern times the dental world has seen the need for orthodontic treatments for all age groups, which is why the brace and removable aligner methods have been developed further, so that they not only accomplish the realignments, but are more appealing to the eye during the process. After all, many individuals shy away from the thought of chunky, metal braces on the teeth once they hit adulthood.
No matter what your age, young or more mature, if you have concerns regarding your crooked smile, please discuss these with your dental team. No one needs to shy away from the light or avoid social events due to concerns over their smile. Your orthodontist Liverpool is here to support and advise you on how to perfect and improve your lovely smile further.
The fixed brace option
If suffering from moderate to severe alignment issues it may be that the fixed brace is best suited to your needs. This means that a series of brackets will be bonded to your teeth with wires running in between them which are gradually tightened. Whilst traditionally these brackets and wires have been quite visible due to their chunky, metal appearance, in recent years the Six Month Smiles method has come into effect which combines the traditional method with a more cosmetically appealing appearance. This is through the use of clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires, ensuring the brace blends in with your natural smile whilst creating the look you want.
The invisible aligner option
For those with mild to moderate alignment issues the aligner options may be more suitable and are often considered to be a lot more appealing, due to their transparent appearance, comfortable plastic material and removable option.
Are all treatments covered by the NHS?
Unfortunately not all treatments and procedures can be covered by the NHS, however this does not necessarily mean that the treatments become financially unavailable to the majority of people. Resolving your dental issues, whether minor or severe, is always something that can be addressed and therefore it is important to discuss all payment options available with our orthodontist Liverpool before eliminating any methods due to cost.
Please note, all dental treatments and procedures including the ones mentioned in this article can carry potential risks. All patients are therefore encouraged to speak to us in detail about what they wish to accomplish and we will do our best to provide the appropriate treatment for them to achieve their desired results.