Adult Orthodontics near Cardiff
Many adults opt for orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth for various reasons:
Enhanced Aesthetics
A straight smile can significantly boost confidence and self-esteem, improving overall appearance and self-esteem.
Improved Dental Health
Straightening teeth can enhance oral hygiene by making it easier to clean and reduce the risk of dental issues such as dental decay and gum disease.
Better Functionality
Correcting misaligned teeth and jaws can improve bite functionality, leading to better chewing, speaking, and reduced strain on the jaw.
Addressing Existing Issues
Adults often seek treatment to address longstanding alignment issues, such as overcrowding or gaps, which may have been overlooked or developed over time.
Advanced Options
With the availability of discreet treatment options like clear aligners and advanced fixed braces, adults can achieve their desired results without compromising their professional or social image.
Overall, orthodontic treatment for adults offers a practical solution for achieving a healthier, more attractive smile and enhancing overall quality of life.
Benefits of Orthodontic treatment
When considering orthodontic treatment, choosing a specialist orthodontist over a general dentist can offer several significant advantages:
In summary, while general dentists provide valuable dental care, orthodontists offer specialised knowledge and skills focused solely on orthodontics, leading to more precise, effective, and tailored treatments for achieving a healthier and more attractive smile.
Fixed Brace
Fixed orthodontic treatment uses non-removable appliances, commonly known as fixed or train-track braces, to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. These braces consist of brackets (metal or clear) attached to the teeth, connected by wires and secured with small elastic bands. This system applies continuous, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their desired positions.
Purpose and Benefits
Fixed braces are effective for addressing a range of issues, including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. They improve both dental function and aesthetic appearance. Adult patients usually opt for fixed braces over aligners due to their increased accuracy and precision in treating complex cases.
Treatment Duration
Treatment typically lasts between six months and two years, depending on the complexity of the case. Regular orthodontic appointments are crucial for adjusting the braces and monitoring progress.
Types of Fixed Orthodontic Treatments
Comprehensive Treatment
Applies to both the upper and lower arches to address extensive alignment issues.
Sectional Treatment
Focuses on specific areas of the mouth, such as a segment of the upper or lower arch, for more targeted correction.
Fixed braces offer a sophisticated approach to achieving a well-aligned smile, with a proven track record for effectiveness in a wide range of cases. Both treatments aim to improve dental alignment and overall oral health, but they differ in scope and duration based on the specific dental issues being addressed.
Invisalign
Retainers
Retainers are used to maintain the results of orthodontic treatment by keeping teeth in their new positions after braces or aligners are removed. They come in various types, including fixed retainers (bonded to the back of the teeth) and removable retainers (like clear plastic trays).
Length of Wear
Following orthodontic treatment, retainers are typically worn full-time for a month, followed by night time wear to ensure the teeth remain stable. We recommend that retainers are worn on a part-time basis for life, to maintain the result.
Consequences of Not Wearing Retainers
If retainers are not worn as prescribed, teeth may gradually shift back to their original positions, potentially undoing the progress made during orthodontic treatment. This can lead to the need for further orthodontic work.
Price list
| Consultation Full orthodontic assessment (includes full mouth X-ray, digital 3D intra-oral scan, high quality photographs and a bespoke treatment plan) | £95 | |
| Removeable appliances | from £500 | |
| Fixed Appliances (prices include PFR retainer) | ||
| Sectional brace | from £2250 | |
| Comprehensive (full upper and lower) | from £3750 | |
| Invisalign clear aligners | from £3800 | |
| Retainers | ||
| Fixed retainer (metal wire). Includes maintenance for 1 year | £175 per arch | |
| Clear removable retainer (PFR) | £85 per arch |
All orthodontic treatment includes a removable retainer and one-year supervision of retention.