Children's braces, Belfast.

Orthodontics is the area of dentistry concerned with the growth of the teeth, jaws and face. 

The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to make the best of your teeth. This includes allowing you to bite correctly, eat more comfortably, and to care for your teeth and gums more easily. And your smile will benefit, too. Common conditions requiring orthodontic treatment are:

  • Protruding upper front teeth - one of the most common dental problems
  • Crowding – a narrow jaw may mean there is not enough room for your teeth, resulting in crowding. Conversely, some patients have significant gaps between their teeth.
  • Asymmetry – particularly when the centre lines of the upper and lower front teeth do not match, perhaps because the teeth have drifted or the position of the jaw has shifted
  • A deep bite – when your upper teeth cover the lower teeth too much
  • A reverse bite – when your upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth
  • An open bite – when your front teeth remain apart when your back teeth meet; the tongue is often still visible between the upper and lower front teeth
  • Impacted teeth - in some patients, secondary teeth come through in the wrong position or do not erupt at all. Orthodontic treatment can help bring these teeth into the correct position.

The ideal age to have orthodontic treatment is around 12 or 13, while you're still growing. The opportunity for improvement in an adult is more limited and surgery is more likely to be needed.

Treatment usually lasts from 18 months to 2 years, during which visits to Finaghy Orthodontic Centre are needed every 4 to 6 weeks.

There are many different types of braces. Some are removable, which you take out at night, to eat a meal, or clean. Some are fixed and stay in all the time. NHS braces are made of metal, but at Finaghy Orthodontic Centre we offer clear braces for private treatments- which use clear ceramic brackets, so you can hardly see them on your teeth.

Following completion of your course of treatment, you will be required to wear a retainer for a number of hours a day or at night, to ensure your teeth remain in their new position. Your Finaghy Orthodontic Centre dentist will advise you of how long you need to wear your retainer for on completion of your treatment.

Looking after your teeth when wearing braces

Orthodontics usually works very well, but it's important to look after your teeth while you're wearing braces. Braces can trap food and cause more plaque to build up than usual. 

You need to take extra care cleaning your teeth and watch what you eat – for example, by avoiding sugary foods and drinks. You also need to see your dentist regularly while having orthodontic treatment.

Read more about looking after your teeth while wearing braces.

To book an initial consultation and find out more about the options available at Finaghy Orthodontic Centre in Belfast call us on 028 9058 2288.

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Finaghy Orthodontics

Can I play a wind instrument with my brace on?

Most people can continue to play their wind instruments after having braces fitted. Removable appliances can be removed and safely stored until the music session is over. Most wind instrument musicians will get used to wearing a fixed brace within a few months. The more you practice, the quicker you will adjust to your new brace.

If you play a woodwind instrument such as a clarinet or saxophone, you may adjust to your new brace very quickly. If you play a brass instrument such as a trumpet or trombone you may have problems playing high notes, especially soon after your brace is first fitted. If you are having a new brace fitted, try to arrange this at a time when you don’t have important music exams, auditions or performances. Your music teacher should be able to advise you about important dates.

This can all be discussed during your initial assessment & ongoing treatment.

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Finaghy Orthodontics

Will I need teeth removed during my treatment?

You may need teeth extracted as part of your orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will discuss this with you at your initial visits. Extractions are used in orthodontic treatment for a variety purposes, for example, to provide space to align the teeth or to reduce the prominence of the upper or lower teeth. If you need extractions your orthodontist will write a letter to your dentist at the appropriate time and keep you fully informed.

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Finaghy Orthodontics

Are fixed braces painful?

When orthodontic fixed braces are initially fitted and teeth start to move there may be some discomfort. This is normal and will only last a few days. If necessary ‘headache type’ painkillers can be used. Fitting the fixed brace itself is a relatively painless procedure during which the teeth need to be kept dry & free from saliva during the process with cheek retractors & suction.

Treatments

Retainers

Retainers are used after you have had your teeth straightened to ensure that they remain in their new straight position. 

    Finaghy Orthodontics Kids Braces

    Next steps

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