Teeth StraighteningOrthodontics High Wycombe

Orthodontics is a special branch of dentistry that deals with detecting, preventing, and rectifying the proposition or misalignment of teeth and jaws, and malocclusion (abnormal bite). It also includes modifying facial growth which is covered under facial orthopaedics.

Orthodontics is a special branch of dentistry that deals with detecting, preventing, and rectifying the proposition or misalignment of teeth and jaws, and malocclusion (abnormal bite). It also includes modifying facial growth which is covered under facial orthopaedics.

The word orthodontic translates to “Ortho” which means ‘straight’ and “dontic” means ‘related to teeth.’ The distinction between an orthodontist and a dentist is based on the extra training that an orthodontist receives to deal particularly with proper alignment.

Our Specialist Orthodontist In High Wycombe

Looking for a great orthodontist in High Wycombe? At Conway House, we are delighted to have Dr. Steffen Decker as our specialist Orthodontist. Dr Steffen completed his dental training with excellence from Freiburg, Germany. He was also a member of the global advisory board as the clinical advisor for western Europe for 3 months. Steffen uses highly advanced technology in the form of digital smile design and intraoral digital scanning to provide satisfactory results to the patients. He has recently been awarded the best Incognito™ lingual brace provider in the world. He also specialises in interceptive early treatment for kids and also fixed braces (traditional as well as lingual). With a plethora of achievements and training, Steffen takes the utmost care to provide the best quality care to his patients.

Orthodontic appliances are broadly categorised into fixed appliances and removable appliances.

1. BRACES: Braces are the age-old, well-known appliances used to correct misaligned teeth. They comprise brackets made up of metal, stainless steel, and more recently, porcelain. These are attached to the centre of each tooth with the help of dental adhesive. These brackets are connected to each other with the help of wires. To augment the process, some elastic bands may be used that apply extra force. These braces make the whole process cumbersome, and the patient has to withstand discomfort for a few days. There are other problems associated with braces, such as poor oral hygiene due to food getting stuck in the brackets. With the introduction of newer techniques, the traditional bulky, metallic braces are now being replaced by more convenient and cosmetically better braces such as Invisalign braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces. Braces can be both removable or fixed. Traditional orthodontic braces are mostly fixed whereas Invisalign braces are removable braces.
   The time of treatment with traditional braces is around 1-2 years, whereas, with Invisalign braces, the treatment can usually be completed in 6-12 months.
   There are pros and cons with each type of braces; you should consult your orthodontist who will guide and assist you in selecting the best alternative.
2. PALATAL EXPANDER: The roof of your oral cavity, commonly known as the palate, is made up of a bone called the maxilla. Palatal expansion is considered when the upper jaw is not in proportion to the lower jaw. To bring both the jaws in symmetry with each other, the upper jaw is expanded with the help of palatal expanders. This is a commonly used device in orthodontics. The ideal usage of expanders is between 8-18 years when the bones are not fused, but they can also be used in adults. The duration of treatment, however, will increase in adults. The time taken for adequate expansion will depend on the degree of malocclusion that needs to be corrected. >4mm difference between upper and lower jaw is the indication for using a palatal expander.
3. HEADGEAR: As the name indicates, a headgear is an ‘extra-oral appliance’ worn by the patient over his head. This is used in cases of severe malocclusion. Headgear is used to correct the position of the jaw and is often used in combination with any other orthodontic appliance, most commonly braces, to correct the alignment of teeth simultaneously.
   This is also the most effective in children and adolescents when their bone development is still in progress. Using a headgear for an adult can be uncomfortable, so it is used mostly in children.
   Headgears can be fixed or removable. In case if an adult needs a headgear, a removable one can be used, but the time taken for correction will be quite lengthy.
4. JAW SURGERY: This is the last resort when no other treatment works. Jaw surgery is quite complicated and requires a lot of expertise. The jaw bone is broken, and titanium plates are used to fix them. The outcomes of jaw surgeries are excellent, but as it is major surgery and has its surgery-related complications, it is kept for the last.
5. RETAINERS: These are used as a post-surgery appliance to prevent the recurrence of malocclusion. Retainers are customised plastic trays that are fitted into the mouth of the patient. They have a tight fit and keep the teeth in place. Retainers can be fixed or removable and are used as per the requirements. Fixed retainers comprise wires which hold the teeth in position.

Orthodontics is a vast specialisation, and there are plenty of other techniques available. These all are based on the common objective of correcting the alignment of the jaw and teeth. At Conway House Dental Practice, our orthodontist will introduce you to the various options and help you in choosing and even modifying the options that suit you the best.  Everyone has unique teeth, and the treatment is individualised. If you are struggling with misaligned teeth, do visit us in High Wycombe. Book an appointment today.