Orthodontic treatment realigns the teeth and jaws and the treatment can last several years depending on the patient. The Abroad Dentist recommends that children are taken to see an orthodontic specialist when they are around 6 to 8 years old.

A thorough examination will be carried out and x-rays, photographs and face and mouth impressions made before a written treatment plan is prepared.

There are two types of braces used in orthodontics. There is a removable appliance worn for around 18 to 24 hours a day and used to slowly move and realign the teeth and fixed braces attached to the teeth and then the arch part is regularly replaced and the fixed braces tightened as part of the process to pull the teeth into the correct alignment.

One the teeth have been realigned through the use of braces, the patient will wear a removable retainer for a year or two whilst the teeth settle into their new location.