Orthodontics

Irregular teeth not only spoil the smile but also have a dramatic effect on facial appearance. Specialist orthodontic treatment can rectify these irregularities improving the smile and facial profile.

Crooked teeth are harder to keep clean and can result in decay, gum disease and tooth loss. Other problems associated with uneven teeth are excessive wear of tooth surface and stress on the jaw joints causing headaches, facial and neck pain.

Specialist treatment to align the teeth can prevent these problems from developing, which if left untreated will eventually require expensive dental treatment. It is, therefore, beneficial to consider treatment sooner rather than later.

All the latest orthodontic techniques are available at The London Dental School Clinic which is located at 22 Harley Street in the heart of London's West End. Here our specialists will be able to advise you on the dental treatment option best suited to your requirements.

Invisalign

Treatment consists of a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that are changed every two weeks for the next set of aligners. Each aligner is individually manufactured for your teeth, and your teeth only. As you replace each aligner, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened.

Lingual Braces
These are the perfect choice if you want to change your smile without everyone knowing. Working similarly to traditional fixed braces, but fitted behind the teeth, lingual braces are totally invisible when you smile.

What Is An Orthodontist

An Orthodontist is a dentist who is specialised to deal with the correction of crooked teeth and abnormalities in their position called malocclusions. Orthodontic treatment offers the opportunity not only to have straight teeth but also to benefit from the self confidence an attractive smile brings.

Modern braces are sophisticated computer designed appliances which are used to gently guide the teeth into the desired position. Once orthodontic treatment commences it will be necessary attend appointments at regular intervals for adjustment of the appliance and monitoring of treatment progress.

Adult Orthodontics
You're never too old for braces and therefore it's never too late to achieve the smile you have always wanted. Adults are now able to receive orthodontic treatment which may not have been available to them as children. Technological advances in orthodontics have made braces more discreet and easier to wear. Adults can benefit from "tooth coloured" aesthetic brackets and invisible appliances which make the appliances virtually unnoticeable.

Braces for Children
For children, we usually wait until patients are 11 or 12 but earlier intervention may be beneficial long term if an orthodontic problem is detected. Sometimes, there may be orthodontic problems hidden behind seemingly acceptable smiles and while treatment may not be started until years later, early examination will allow the orthodontist to detect and evaluate these problems in order to plan treatment for the appropriate time.

Some early warning signs that may indicate your child should see an orthodontist:

  • Crowded or misplaced teeth
  • Protrusion
  • Deep bite (overbite)
  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Thumb and finger sucking
  • Speech difficulty
  • Difficulty in chewing or biting
  • Grinding or clenching of teeth
  • Jaws that shift or make sounds
  • Missing teeth
  • Signs of enamel wear


Before treating a malocclusion a number investigations are necessary which can include, making tooth model casts, photographs and special X-rays to determine the presence and position of the teeth. The resulting information is used by the Orthodontist to form the ideal treatment plan which suites finances and personal preferences. The Orthodontist will discuss the available treatment options to allow an informed decision to be made regarding the most suitable treatment.