Orthodontics is the dental specialty concerned with correcting the position and alignment of teeth and jaws. Treatment can improve the appearance of the smile, but it also has an important functional and oral-health role.
At Smile Solutions, orthodontics can also form part of a wider restorative or cosmetic plan. Moving teeth into a more favourable starting position may allow subsequent bonding or ceramic treatment to be carried out more conservatively.
The type and direction of tooth movement depend on your teeth, bite, supporting bone and gums, previous dental treatment, age and overall treatment objectives. These movements can include translation, intrusion, extrusion, distalisation, mesialisation, torque and expansion.
A detailed assessment is particularly important for adults. Existing crowns, implants, heavily restored or traumatised teeth, gum health, bone support and previous dental problems can all influence what movements are appropriate.
In a cosmetic case, the most conservative result often begins with getting the teeth into the right position before adding restorative material. Orthodontic treatment may create space, improve tooth angulation or reduce the amount of material required for veneers or bonding.
Orthodontics cannot move an existing dental implant, so implant positions need to be incorporated into the treatment plan. Existing crowns and restorations may also require review as the teeth move.
• Crooked or rotated teeth.
• Overcrowding and lack of space.
• Gaps between teeth.
• Overbite and underbite.
• Crossbite and open bite.
• Certain dental and skeletal irregularities.
• Tooth positions that make future restorative treatment unnecessarily invasive.
Clear aligners use a series of custom-made transparent trays to move the teeth gradually. Invisalign is a discreet, removable option that can be particularly useful for fine-tuning tooth positions in sensitive cosmetic cases.
Clear aligners require patient compliance because they are removable. They are not appropriate for every orthodontic problem, particularly some very complex orthodontic or skeletal cases.
Traditional fixed braces use brackets and wires to move the teeth. They are versatile and can treat a wide range of orthodontic problems. Because they are fixed to the teeth, they are less dependent on patient compliance than removable aligners, but they are more visible and require careful cleaning.
Ceramic braces work on similar principles to traditional braces but use tooth-coloured or clear brackets. They offer a more discreet appearance while retaining the advantages of fixed orthodontic treatment.
Lingual braces are attached to the back surfaces of the teeth, making them difficult to see from the front. They can provide a discreet alternative for selected patients, although they can affect speech, oral space and cleaning.
1. Consultation and examination — teeth, gums, bite and existing dental work are assessed, with photographs, X-rays or other records where clinically indicated.
2. Treatment planning — the orthodontist identifies the movements required and considers wider oral health and any restorative or implant work.
3. Treatment choice — Invisalign, fixed braces or another appropriate method is selected according to case complexity and your preferences.
4. Active treatment — teeth are moved gradually through planned stages. Aligners are changed according to the plan, while fixed appliances are adjusted at regular appointments.
5. Monitoring and refinement — progress is checked and the plan adjusted where required. With Invisalign, this may include changes to attachments, buttons, elastics or interproximal reduction where clinically appropriate.
6. Retention — once the teeth reach their planned positions, retainers are used to reduce the risk of unwanted movement.
7. Ongoing oral-health maintenance — regular dental examinations and hygiene appointments continue throughout and after orthodontic treatment
Keeping the teeth and gums healthy is essential while teeth are moving. Fixed brackets and wires can trap food and plaque, while aligners and attachments can make cleaning more demanding.
• Brush carefully around every bracket and tooth surface.
• Use interdental brushes or other appropriate interdental cleaning aids.
• Use fluoride toothpaste as directed.
• Attend professional hygiene appointments at the interval advised for your case.
• Maintain routine dental examinations throughout orthodontic treatment.
• Follow dietary and appliance-care instructions to avoid damaging fixed braces.
• General medical conditions and medications that may affect bone or gum health.
• Existing dental implants, which cannot be moved orthodontically.
• Previously traumatised or heavily restored teeth.
• Existing crowns or other restorations that may require adjustment or replacement.
• The possibility of black triangles becoming visible after previously crowded teeth are aligned.
• Root resorption and other biological responses to orthodontic movement.
• Existing jaw-joint or muscle problems that may need consideration before treatment.
Discreet appearance.
Removable for eating, brushing and flossing.
Treatment can be visualised through ClinCheck planning.
Useful for selected cosmetic cases where precise tooth positioning is required.
Treatment depends on consistent patient compliance.
Clear aligners are not suitable for every orthodontic problem.
Some complex orthodontic or skeletal cases may require fixed appliances or specialist treatment.
Regular reviews and good oral hygiene remain essential.
Typical review intervals are approximately four to six weeks for fixed braces and six to eight weeks for Invisalign, although the exact frequency depends on the individual treatment plan and stage of treatment.
Orthodontic appointments do not replace routine dental examinations. During orthodontic treatment, additional hygiene visits may also be recommended because brackets, aligners and attachments can make plaque control more difficult.
No. Invisalign is one orthodontic option and is not appropriate for every type or complexity of tooth or jaw movement. A full assessment is needed to determine whether clear aligners are suitable for your case.
Treatment time is individual and depends on the movements required, the complexity of the case and how consistently the aligners are worn. Your orthodontist can provide a case-specific estimate after assessment.
No. An existing implant is fixed in position and cannot be moved orthodontically. The implant position therefore needs to be incorporated into the treatment plan.
Yes. In selected cosmetic cases, moving the natural teeth into more favourable positions can reduce the amount of restorative material required and help preserve natural tooth structure.
Yes. Orthodontic appointments focus on tooth movement and are not a substitute for routine dental examinations. Additional hygiene appointments may also be recommended while appliances are in place.
Every smile is different, and understanding what you would like to change is the first step. Complete our short form and tell us a little about your concerns, goals or previous dental experiences. A friendly member of the Smile Solutions team will then contact you to discuss your options, answer your questions and help you decide what feels right for you, with no pressure to book.
