Orthodontic treatment is the process of straightening or moving teeth in order to improve their appearance and bite. It can alo help maintain the health of teeth, gums and jaw joint.
Many people have teeth that are are crowded or crooked. Orthodontic treatment can be used to straighten their teeth, which also improves appearance and can make the teeth easier to clean.
Orthodontic treatment is generally best carried out in children, but it is possible for adults to have orthodontic treatment too - an increasing number do. Age is less important than the presence of the proper number of teeth.
We may treat more simple cases in the practice but we refer more complex cases to an orthodontic specialist.
Orthodontic treatment can be provided in the United Kingdom under the National Health Service in practices or hospital departments. This is free for children up to the age of eighteen and students up to the age of nineteen. Other people entitled to free treatment are patients in low income groups, or pregnant and nursing mothers. Others will be required to pay the NHS charge. No charge is payable in hospital departments.
If you decide to receive treatment privately, then the orthodontist will be able to estimate the cost of your treatment and provide details. It is always advisable to discuss the cost fully before treatment and, if necessary, confirm costs in writing to avoid any confusion.
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