Orthodontics

Orthodontics is not only about straightening teeth; the real subject is the bite — how the upper and lower jaws meet.

Crowding looks like an aesthetic matter, but it creates surfaces a brush cannot reach and therefore raises the risk of decay and gum disease. A faulty bite loads particular teeth beyond their share, which over time leads to wear and can strain the jaw joint.

Braces or clear aligners

Metal or ceramic brackets (braces): They work in every case and are preferred for complex movements. They are visible.

Clear aligners: Removable, no trouble while eating or brushing, and inconspicuous from a distance. But they must be worn 20–22 hours a day — they require discipline. They are not suitable for every case; on their own they are not enough for serious bite problems.

Which one is appropriate becomes clear after radiographs and impressions, not at the outset.

Is there an age limit

No. While the bones are still growing (roughly ages 9–14) some jaw problems are easier to address, which is why an early check-up in childhood is advised. But tooth movement is possible in adulthood too; many people are treated at forty. It simply takes somewhat longer.

When treatment ends

Teeth tend to drift back towards their old positions. For this reason retention begins as treatment ends: a thin wire is bonded behind the teeth, or a plate is provided to be worn at night. Abandoning retention means undoing two years of treatment over the following few.