Why Should You Need to Get Dental Braces?

There are several options to correct teeth now, including invisible braces from your orthodontic clinic.

Many people associate having braces fitted with the teenage years, a time when potential alignment and other dental problems have newly been identified and are ready for a correction. But braces are not just for young people, and these days lots of adults visit their orthodontic clinic to have their teeth straightened — in some cases because it either wasn’t done when they were a child, or it didn’t work the way it was supposed to.

Either way, dental braces are important for a number of reasons, and it’s not all about appearance. It can often happen, for instance, that teeth come in crooked or areas of the upper or lower jaw become overcrowded with teeth as a child is developing (or both). The jaw itself may not be in the right position, and a potential overbite or underbite might also develop as a child grows.

These conditions can cause difficulty later on — including problems with biting food and chewing, gum disease, tooth decay and even recurring earaches and headaches. This is why it’s vital to deal with them when they arise. Dental braces will correct these difficulties and also give you straight teeth that will add to a wonderful smile.

What Is an Orthodontic Clinic?

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the straightness of teeth. While the word itself might seem like a mouthful, all it means is “to straighten teeth” — taken from ancient Greek. The practice of this dental speciality dates back to around 460-370BC and the “father of medicine”, Hippocrates. We’ve come a long way with orthodontics since then.

An orthodontic clinic will be part of a general dental practice but not every dentist working there will be an orthodontist, as the discipline requires a further level of study. All orthodontists are, in fact, dentists, but with more skills and expertise. So if, for instance, your dentist discovers a potential problem with an overbite, or with the alignment of your teeth, they will probably refer you to an orthodontist to have corrective treatment. That may be one of their colleagues in the clinic, or it could be elsewhere.

Invisible Braces, so No One Will Know

The days of having clunky metal braces fitted are long gone — although the devices are still around, and in use. That’s a welcome relief for self-conscious teenagers who need braces fitting, and also adults who are in the public eye. Now, you can have invisible braces that will do the job of straightening teeth, and no one will have an idea you’re wearing them.

Invisible braces are fitted behind the teeth, are fully customisable to individual patients. Also known as lingual braces, they use the latest brace technology to align teeth perfectly. They also make them look great while you’re wearing them, which is typically around a year and up to 18 months. Not every dental practice can fit invisible braces as it requires expert orthodontic training. However, our orthodontists at The James Clinic have the knowledge, skill and experience to work with them.

Before long, all your dental difficulties will be over and you’ll have beautiful and straight teeth —and how you got them is your little secret.

Find out more about dental braces, including about our interest-free financing, and if you or someone you know might benefit. Contact The James Clinic now and we will be pleased to tell you everything you need to know.