What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics, the branch of dentistry concerned with the growth of the teeth, jaws and face, is in high demand. Nearly one million people in the UK started having orthodontics last year and more adults than ever before are wanting treatment. 

Orthodontic treatment is about making the best of your teeth; it's about improving the harmony of your mouth and jaws. Once you can bite together correctly, you can eat more comfortably and care for your teeth and gums more easily. And your smile will benefit immensely!

It is often thought orthodontic treatment can only be carried out in young people but treatment can, in most cases, also be undertaken very successfully for adults. Adults now make up a large proportion of our patients.

Why Do Problems Arise?

The mouth and dentition develop under the combined influence of both genetic inheritance and acquired environmental factors. Genetics undoubtedly has a role, how else do people look like their parents? The influence can be remarkably detailed; for example, identical twins often have the exact same tooth that is twisted, in the same direction, and by a similar amount. Inherited factors control the size of the teeth, extra or missing teeth, jaw muscle characteristics and some jaw growth problems.
Acquired or environmental factors modify the way in which the jaws and dentition develop. Examples include thumb or finger sucking, mouth breathing, some types of tongue posture and behaviour, and the previous loss of teeth because of decay or accidents. However, some of these may also be subject to genetic control such as tongue size and posture.