What Is An Orthodontist And What Do They Do?
Want to straighten your teeth? Or correct your bite? Our team of orthodontists can restore confidence in your smile in as little as four months. Book your consultation today.
An orthodontist is a dental specialist that fixes malocclusions (bad bites) and tooth alignment issues, such as crowding. Using a range of treatments, an orthodontist restores symmetry to smiles.
What is an orthodontist?
This unique specialist spends five years becoming a qualified dentist, followed by three years of postgraduate training in orthodontics. The extensive training they undergo focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of teeth and jaw irregularities.
While both dentists and orthodontists can straighten teeth in the UK, a board-certified orthodontist offers the safest and most effective treatment thanks to their specialist knowledge of dental anatomy and complex alignment issues.
Why would I need to see an orthodontist?
If you want to improve the appearance of your teeth and be able to bite and chew with confidence, an orthodontist may help. They treat a wide range of dental problems, including the following:
- Crossbite: The upper and lower teeth are misaligned when you close your mouth.
- Crowded teeth: The teeth twist and overlap due to a lack of space within the jaw.
- Gapped teeth: There are gaps between the teeth.
- Overjet: The protrusion of the upper teeth over the lower teeth.
- Open bite: The top and bottom teeth do not come together when your jaws close.
- Overbite: The upper front teeth extend beyond the lower front teeth by at least 2mm.
- Underbite: The lower teeth overlap your upper teeth, causing your lower teeth and jaw to appear more prominent.
What are the types of orthodontic treatment?
When you think of orthodontics, traditional metal ‘train-track’ braces are likely to be the first thing that pops to mind. Whilst effective for teeth straightening, this isn’t the only treatment option available.
Treatment | How does it work? |
Fixed metal braces | Uses a system of wires and brackets to move teeth. Attaches to the front of the teeth. |
Ceramic braces | Uses a system of tooth-coloured brackets and wires to discreetly align your smile. |
Lingual braces | Known as ‘invisible braces,’ lingual braces work just like their brace counterparts, but attach to the back of the teeth. |
Designed to be worn for 22 hours per day, dentists can shift teeth using a series of clear removable braces. | |
Palate expanders | This hidden orthodontic device helps to widen a narrow upper jaw. It fits across the roof of the mouth. |
Head gear | Head gear is used alongside other types of braces to support the alignment of your jaw and teeth. |
Jaw surgery | In some cases, your dentist may suggest surgery to reposition the jaw and restore symmetry to your facial features. |
How much does a private orthodontist cost in the UK?
Prices vary based on the specific practice you visit and the type of orthodontic treatment you choose. The cost of braces in the UK is typically between £1,500 and £7,000, with many clinics offering finance options to help spread the cost of your teeth transformation over time.
Braces are free on the NHS for patients under the age of 18. However, it is only provided if deemed a clinical necessity, and is restricted to the use of metal braces. If you would prefer a more discreet option, such as ceramic braces, you will need to go to a private practice instead.
Conclusion:
We have hand selected some of the industry’s leading orthodontists to work across Yorkshire Dental Suite’s nine clinics. No matter your age or lifestyle, we will find a treatment that gives you the perfect straight smile you have always wanted. Book your consultation now.