Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or
moving teeth, to improve the appearance of the teeth
and how they work. It can also help to look after the
long-term health of the teeth, gums and jaw joints,
by spreading the biting pressure over all the teeth.
Why should I have orthodontic treatment?
Many people have crowded or crooked teeth. Orthodontic
treatment will straighten the teeth or move them into
a better position. This can not only improve their
appearance but also the way the teeth bite together,
while also making them easier to clean.
In some patients the upper front teeth can stick
out and look unsightly. These ‘prominent’ teeth
are more likely to be damaged, but orthodontic treatment
can move them back into line. In others, the way the
upper and lower jaws meet can cause teeth to look unsightly
and lead to an incorrect bite. Orthodontic treatment
may be able to correct both.
When the teeth don’t meet correctly, this can
put strain on the muscles of the jaw, causing jaw and
joint problems and in some cases headaches. Orthodontic
treatment can help you to bite more evenly and reduce
the strain.
