About one third of children need orthodontic treatment. Find answers to some common questions about straps and orthodontics.
Why the braces?
The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to make the best of your teeth.
This involves aligning your teeth so you can be able to take care of your teeth and gums more easily and improve your bite so you can eat more comfortable. And your smile will also benefit.
Treatment almost always involves the use of straps to straighten, full or protruding teeth, deprive the gaps between the teeth and to correct the bite so that the upper and lower teeth meet when the mouth is closed.
You will need to have healthy teeth and gums before you can place a support.
This is due to the fact that you need to be able to keep your teeth and your support very clean while wearing it to avoid getting tooth decay or gum disease.
Treatment usually lasts from 12 months to 2 and half years and visits to the orthodontist need every 4 to 10 weeks.
Are braces available on NHS?
Orthodontic treatment is available in NHS for young people under the age of 18 at no cost if a dentist feels they need it.
Orthodontic treatment of NHS is usually not available for adults, but can be approved on a case -by -case basis if required for health reasons.
Your dentist can give you more information.
What is the best age to have braces?
The ideal age for having straps is usually about 12 or 13, while a child’s mouth and jaws are still increasing, but may be earlier or later.
The opportunity to improve an adult is more limited and treatment is likely to last longer.
How can I put the braces?
Many children do not need a support, but those who need to be referred to an orthodontist by their dentist.
By law, only registered experts can call special orthodontists.
Other dentists may have done extra training so that they can also have orthodontic treatment.
Some orthodontists work with orthodontic therapists who can adapt the straps under the supervision of the orthodontist.
You Search the registers on the website of the General Dental Council To check the qualifications of an orthodontist.
How are the braces?
There are many different types of support. Some are stable and remain all the time. These are the standard NHS treatment for under 18 years of age.
The NHS braces are made of metal, but the pure ceramic straps, which are less visible, are also privately available.
Removable aligners (thin, clear, flexible plastic blisters) may also be privately available.
These are closely matching in d
Read more about different types of straps on the orthodontic treatment page.
How successful are the braces?
Orthodontic therapy usually works very well, but you have to stick with it to be successful.
You will need to wear a retainer for some time, since your treatment is over to stop your teeth moving back to the position they were before treatment.
There are many different types of restraints who can either be removed or fastened to the teeth.
Strands can trap food and cause more fun to create the usual, so you should also be careful with cleaning your teeth.
You also need to watch what you eat – for example, avoiding sugary foods and drinks.
You should continue to see your normal dentist while you have orthodontic treatment.
Read more about how to take care of your teeth and gums and how to keep your teeth clean.
What if my child is rejected NHS braces?
About two thirds of children do not need orthodontic treatment.
But if you think your child is unjustly rejected by the treatment of NHS, you should first discuss it with your dentist.
If you are still unhappy, please contact your NHS Regional Team In England.
Can I have private treatment?
Private treatment is widely available. Fees for private orthodontic treatment are usually about £ 2,500, but they may be much higher.
Last Review: January 25th 2022
Next review due: January 25th 2025
