Orthodontist London

What Is An Orthodontist?

An orthodontist straightens teeth

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who specialises in the alignment of teeth and jaw development. They may work on adults as well as children, using the latest in dental technologies and procedures like braces and alignment practices to address some of the most common problem areas in oral structure.

For the most part, an orthodontist is going to be a specialist who will be applying things like braces to tackle issues like crooked teeth, misalignment, gaps, and much more, all with the goal of helping to create a health, well positioned smile and give you the tools that you need to maintain your new alignment.

Our team of orthodontists in London are equipped to help you with a wide range of orthodontic treatments – including Invisalign, metal braces, ceramic braces and Damon braces – all of which we will tailor to suit your orthodontic requirements. If you are unsure on what braces suit you best, you can learn more about metal braces vs ceramic braces.

Orthodontic treatments encompass various dental procedures designed to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. These treatments not only enhance your smile’s aesthetics but can also improve your oral health by:

• Correcting Bite Problems: Misaligned bites can lead to chewing difficulties, jaw pain, and even tooth wear. Orthodontic treatment can address these issues, promoting proper chewing function and reducing future dental problems.
• Improved Speech: Severe misalignment can sometimes affect speech clarity. Orthodontic treatment can improve your speech by correcting the positioning of your teeth and tongue.
• Enhanced Self-Confidence: A straight smile can significantly boost your confidence and self-esteem. Orthodontic treatment can help you achieve that confident smile you’ve always desired.

With advancements in technology, orthodontic treatments offer a wider range of options to suit individual needs and preferences. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, there’s an orthodontic treatment plan that can help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile.

After completion of orthodontic treatment, you’ll gain more than just a straighter smile. It has the power to transform your dental health, boost your self-confidence, and improve your overall well-being. Let’s explore the remarkable results that can be achieved through orthodontic treatment.

Enhanced Dental Alignment

Probably the most obvious and visible result of orthodontic treatment is achieving a visually beautifully aligned smile. Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth are gradually shifted into their optimal positions, creating a harmonious and balanced appearance. Straighter teeth not only enhance your smile’s aesthetics but also will also give your confidence that needed boost.

Improved Oral Health

Orthodontic treatment goes beyond cosmetic improvements. By properly aligning teeth and correcting malocclusions, orthodontists address oral health issues such as crowded teeth, gaps, and bite problems. This leads to improved oral hygiene as it becomes easier to clean teeth, reducing the risk of plaque build-up, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Better Bite and Functionality

Orthodontists are responsible for correcting bite problems like overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. By aligning the jaws and teeth, it’ll improve the functionality and efficiency of your bite. This can lead to more comfortable chewing, reduced jaw pain or discomfort, and minimising pain whilst speaking.

Enhanced Self-Confidence

A healthy and confident smile can have a profound impact on your self-esteem and overall confidence. If you are tired of hiding your teeth, orthodontic treatment addresses dental concerns that may have caused self-consciousness in the past. As you witness the positive changes in your smile, you’ll feel more comfortable and confident in social and professional interactions. No more making sure your mouth is closed when a photo is being taken.

Long-Term Dental Stability

Orthodontic treatment aims for lasting results. Following the active treatment phase, patients are typically provided with retainers to maintain the achieved alignment. Retainers help ensure that teeth remain in their proper positions, preserving the results of the treatment and preventing.

What Does An Orthodontist Do?

Ultimately, an orthodontist is the person who will be overseeing the entire process of getting  procedures like fitting orthodontic braces completed. That is likely going to include everything from the initial consultation and preparation to the fitting itself, and the aftercare too.

They will be the person who will be helping you choose the right treatment for your specific needs, making sure that you know what is happening, how to look after your braces and making sure they are as they should be, and generally making sure that your braces are doing the job that they need to without any hiccups along the way.

This all gets done in a few different forms.

Comprehensive Assessments and Diagnoses

The first step in the orthodontic process is to get a good understanding of your current situation. By using technology like X-rays, 3D scans and imaging, an orthodontist will create an accurate representation of your oral situation and ensure that everyone involved in the process, including you, knows what is going on, what can be treated, and what the end result may be if done in the suggested time frames.

Treatment Planning

Once an accurate image is taken, the next thing that an orthodontist does is create a plan for treatment. This can factor in the specifics of your situation even outside of your oral health, with things such as the best types of braces, your budget, the ideal outcome, the patient’s age, and preferences all taken into account to give you the information and the options that you need to make the right choice and set your expectations with transparent understanding.

Brace Fitting and Adjustment

Arguably the main role of an orthodontist and what an orthodontist actually does is to fit the braces in the first place. After all due diligence is done, an orthodontist is the professional who will be fitting and adjusting your branches to ensure that they are correctly set up to do the job that they need to. They will ensure that the braces are stable, comfortable, and at a suitable pressure to guide your teeth into their corrected positions and do so in the easiest way possible, making changes and adjustments whenever necessary throughout the entire process.

Patient Education and Guidance

Finally, an orthodontist is also the person who will be educating you on how to maintain your braces and your overall dental health throughout your process and afterwards. They will be setting guidelines to help you understand the limits of your braces and what you should and shouldn’t be doing while undergoing treatment. They will of course also answer all of your questions, help you to feel comfortable with the process as a whole, and make sure that your braces are working as they should at regular intervals to ensure the correct result.

Orthodontists play a vital role in educating and guiding patients on proper oral care during orthodontic treatment. They provide instructions on maintaining good oral hygiene, dietary considerations, and any necessary lifestyle adjustments. By offering support and answering questions, orthodontists empower patients to actively participate in their treatment journey.

What Might You See An Orthodontist For?

An orthodontist is a specialist in the movement of teeth and how teeth sit in relation to the rest of your jaw and dental arrangement. They can handle a range of different issues that might be causing trouble both in terms of dental health, oral hygiene, and even simple cosmetic enhancements, tailored to your exact needs.

Some of the most common things to see an orthodontist about include:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crooked teeth
• Overcrowding
• Gaps
• Jaw misalignment

Orthodontists do handle much more than this, but from an overview, these are the usual suspects.

At Whites Dental, we combine expertise with the latest advancements in orthodontic technology to ensure optimal results and patient satisfaction. Whether you require traditional braces, clear aligners, or other specialised treatments, our orthodontists have the knowledge and skills to address a wide range of dental concerns.

Convenience is key, and our London-based practice is conveniently located in a central area, making it easily accessible for patients across the city. We understand that undergoing orthodontic treatment is a significant commitment, and we strive to create a comfortable and supportive environment throughout your treatment journey. Visit our Orthodontists page to find out more and book in your appointment.

Where Can I Find An Orthodontist In London?

At Whites Dental, we combine orthodontic expertise with the latest advancements in orthodontic technology to ensure optimal results and patient satisfaction. Whether you require traditional braces, clear aligners or other specialized treatments, our orthodontists have the knowledge and skills to address a wide range of dental concerns.

The first step towards a straighter smile is often a consultation with one of our team. To make the process convenient and accessible, Whites Dental Clinics also offer free online consultations. These virtual consultations typically last around 30 minutes and allow you to discuss your smile concerns with an orthodontist from the comfort of your own home.

Our Dental Practice in Waterloo is adjacent to Southwark tube station. We are located on Blackfriars Road, a short walk from London Waterloo, London Bridge, Blackfriars, Southbank and Elephant & Castle.

Our practice in London Marble Arch is located on Kendal Street, a 5-10mins walk from London Paddington, Marble Arch, Bond Street and Edgware Road tube stations.