At Northumberland Dental Care, we understand that orthodontic treatment is an important investment in your long-term oral health. Misaligned teeth can lead to a range of issues, including increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and abnormal wear on tooth enamel. In some cases, severe misalignment can also impact jaw function and speech.
Orthodontic treatment not only helps to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile but also improves overall facial symmetry, often enhancing the appearance of your profile. By addressing these issues early, orthodontics can prevent more complex dental problems later in life. Our Orthodontist offers a wide range of orthodontic solutions tailored to the unique needs of each patient, ensuring you receive the most appropriate care.
Main Reasons for Having Orthodontic Treatment
Appearance
Many people seek orthodontic treatment to improve their smile. Straighter teeth can enhance the appearance of the face, helping to create a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing look.
Health
Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, which helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues in the future.
Function
Correcting misaligned teeth can improve your bite, which makes chewing more effective. This can enhance digestion by ensuring food is properly chewed. It can also improve speech, especially for those with gaps between their teeth.
Types of Orthodontic Treatments at Northumberland Dental Care
Fixed Appliances (Metal Brackets)
Traditional/metal braces are made of individual brackets which are cemented to each tooth with an archwire attached to apply a continuous gentle pressure to the teeth.
Fixed Appliances (Adult Ceramic Brackets)
Ceramic or “clear braces” work very similarly to traditional braces but are tooth coloured so that they blend in with your teeth and are much less noticeable.
Upper Removable Appliance (Simple)
A removable appliance designed to correct minor alignment issues in the upper teeth.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that can effectively and discreetly straighten your teeth. Invisalign is comfortable and almost unnoticeable, making it an extremely popular method of teeth straightening.
Twin Block
An orthodontic appliance used to correct bite problems, especially in growing children, by positioning the jaw.
Impacted Teeth
Specialised treatment for teeth that have failed to emerge properly from the gums, often requiring surgical intervention combined with orthodontics.
Orthognathic Patients
Orthodontic care for patients requiring jaw surgery to correct severe skeletal discrepancies.
Hypodontia Patients
Custom treatment plans for patients missing teeth due to congenital conditions, which may involve a combination of orthodontics and restorative work.
Complex Multidisciplinary Treatments
Collaboration with specialists across dental fields to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex orthodontic and dental needs.
Can my child get Orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is suitable for both adults and children, with early treatment often preventing more serious issues as children grow. Orthodontic treatment is commonly recommended between the ages of 8 and 14, as this is when children are still developing, and their teeth can be guided into the correct position more easily. However, we accept consultations from the age of 7 to carry out an early assessment before treatment. Your family dentist can help determine if your child needs an orthodontic evaluation, and we provide a range of treatments, including traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Orthodontic Treatment
- Irregular, delayed, or early loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Crowded, crooked, or misplaced teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
- Teeth that don’t meet properly
- Jaws or teeth that seem out of proportion with the face
Discounts and Payment Plans
At Northumberland Dental Care, we offer flexible payment options to make orthodontic treatment more accessible:
5% Discount for Full Payment
Receive a 5% discount when you pay the total cost of your orthodontic treatment upfront. (This discount does not apply to Invisalign treatments.)
Payment Plan Options
Spread the cost of treatment over time with our tailored payment plans.
10% Family Discount
We offer a 10% discount for family members undergoing treatment at the same time. (This discount does not apply to Invisalign treatments.)
Please note that discounts are not stackable and do not apply to Invisalign treatments.
Before & After Dental Implants
Frequently Asked Questions
The Orthodontic Society of Ireland recommends an orthodontic assessment by age seven or eight. In some cases, an evaluation may be beneficial as early as age five or six, but treatment typically begins when permanent teeth start coming in at around 11 or 12 years old.
Braces are needed for a variety of reasons, including inherited tooth and jaw problems, early loss of baby teeth, thumb-sucking, or accidents that affect the teeth. A lack of space in the jaw can also cause teeth to become crowded or crooked.
Crowded or crooked teeth are harder to clean, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. Misalignment can also affect the bite, leading to jaw problems or excessive wear on teeth.
Fitting braces is not painful, though some discomfort can occur when they are first fitted or adjusted. This usually subsides after a few days.
Treatment generally lasts between 12 to 24 months, depending on the specific case. Regular appointments are necessary to adjust the braces and monitor progress, typically every five to eight weeks. After treatment, retainers will be required to maintain the new position of the teeth.
