Wetherby Orthodontics

Children between the ages of 6 and 11 usually have a mixture of adult and milk (deciduous) teeth. The orthodontist can monitor tooth and jaw development, and sometimes simple treatment can be carried out to aid normal development and make future treatment simpler. For example, the orthodontist can advise on the best timing for extraction of decayed teeth. If braces are used they are usually removable or simple fixed braces for a short time (4-12 months).

Once all the adult teeth are through, usually about age 12, full treatment can be carried out to correct crowded, spaced or prominent teeth. Treatment can also be needed if teeth grow in the wrong place, or of there are too many or too few teeth. Most commonly fixed braces ("train-tracks") are used, sometimes in conjunction with removable braces. It is not always necessary to extract teeth, your orthodontist will advise you on this. Extractions and routine dental care will be carried out by your general dentist, who the orthodontist will liaise with closely. Treatment usually takes from 9 to 30 months, depending on the problem. It is now quite trendy to have a brace at this age!

Adults of any age can wear braces. Usually this is because they either did not get braces as a teenager for some reason, or the teeth have got gradually worse with time. Braces can correct crowding, spacing, poor bite, teeth that have drifted due to gum disease, and can be used to move teeth to better positions before crowns or implants. Fixed braces are used for complex tooth movements and are most often recommended. Braces can now be less visible, either through tooth coloured parts or by sticking them behind the teeth (lingual braces). "Invisible" braces like Invisalign are virtually unnoticeable, and are great for less severe problems.