Often orthodontic treatment takes approximately two years to complete, assuming regular adjustment appointments are kept.\u00a0 Teeth move slowly and any attempt to speed up the natural progress of tooth movement will lead to unwanted complications. Successful orthodontic treatment depends on good growth response and patient co-operation.\u00a0 If progress is slow, your treatment plan may need to be adjusted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Orthodontic Treatment?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Orthodontic treatment is the use of fixed\nand\/or removable braces to straighten crooked teeth and improve the way the\nteeth bite together. Once the brace is fitted it is normal for the teeth to\nache, though by taking pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen this will\nsettle quickly. In some patients the teeth may feel slightly loose; this is due\nto the forces exerted on the teeth by the braces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are there complications or risks?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Decalcification<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is permanent tooth discolouration, which\nhappens when patients do not keep their mouth and braces clean during\ntreatment. Plaque and food debris should\nbe removed after every meal and you should use a fluoride mouthwash to keep\nyour teeth healthy during orthodontic treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Root Shortening<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Moving a tooth puts pressure on the roots of\nthe tooth. A recognised risk which occurs in almost all cases is shortening of\nthe roots of the teeth by perhaps one millimetre throughout a two year\ntreatment; this is regarded as acceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tooth movement after treatment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Teeth move throughout life whether orthodontic treatment is carried out\nor not. Small changes in tooth position will occur once the teeth are not held\nin place by braces or retainers. The only way to guarantee the position of the\nteeth does not change is the indefinite wearing of retainers at night time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n