Braces and orthodontics
Back to Topic
Click to Print
Useful Websites
Glossary Term Selection
Around a third of children need orthodontic treatment. Find answers to some common questions about braces and orthodontics.
Why have braces?
The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to make the best of your teeth.
This includes straightening your teeth so you’re able to care for your teeth and gums more easily, and improving your bite so you can eat more comfortably. And your smile will benefit, too.
Treatment almost always involves using braces to straighten crooked, crowded or protruding teeth, close gaps between teeth, and correct the bite so the top and bottom teeth meet when the mouth is closed.
You’ll need to have healthy teeth and gums before you can have a brace fitted.
This is because you must be able to keep your teeth and your brace very clean while you’re wearing it to avoid getting tooth decay or gum disease.
Treatment usually lasts from 18 months to 2 years, and visits to the orthodontist are needed every 6 to 8 weeks.
Are braces available on the NHS?
Orthodontic treatm...
Want to see the rest of this article?
Would you like to see the rest of this article and all the other benefits that Issues Online can provide with?
- Useful related articles
- Video and multimedia references
- Statistical information and reference material
- Glossary of terms
- Key Facts and figures
- Related assignments
- Resource material and websites
