Orthodontics is a complex field of dentistry many will have no experience of – so if you are worried that someone in your family needs to see an orthodontist in Swindon, you might not know what to expect.
To put your mind at ease, read our simple guide to orthodontics at Marlborough Dental Studio and book your appointment with confidence.
Dentistry, like healthcare, is split into many smaller specialist subsections – the most common of which include:
These distinct fields handle different dental complaints and treatments, allowing you to be referred by your general dentist to any specialist you need.
Orthodontists aim to improve the appearance, function, and position of crooked, protruding, or crowded teeth – which often causes orthodontics to be confused with cosmetic dentistry.
However, orthodontics is about much more than a beautiful smile.
In this field of dentistry, orthodontists in Swindon or elsewhere in the UK seek to correct misaligned teeth, known as malocclusions – because doing so will also help patients and their teeth to be healthier. Orthodontic treatment can restore full function and reduce the chances of tooth loss and tooth decay, protecting your general health.
As part of orthodontic care, there is a wide range of treatments that have been designed to improve the function and appearance of the bite.
These can include:
However, this treatment list can differ from clinic to clinic, as orthodontists tend to specialise in several treatments that they then advertise.
Although this can seem limiting, this specialisation in different treatment types – for example, becoming a Platinum Invisalign Provider – ensures you are seeing a dental professional that performs a very large number of specific treatments each year, which brings with it a higher level of expertise and increases the chances of successful treatment.
Orthodontic care is open to anyone and everyone – and unlike what you might think, there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment.
It is also encouraged that children as young as 6 years old visit an orthodontist if needs be, to ensure their jaws and teeth grow and develop as expected, reducing the likelihood of future problems in adulthood.
Signs you may need to see an orthodontist in Swindon include:
Most people will be referred to an orthodontist by their general dentist, which is even more of a reason to keep up with your dental appointments!
As we touched on previously, orthodontic care and treatment is about much more than creating an even and straight smile.
Treating severe malocclusion is considered essential because it can affect much more than the beauty of your smile, including:
If you feel that you or a family member need to see an orthodontist in Swindon or your local area, you may well be worried that you will have to pay for treatment.
Thanks to increasing NHS waiting lists and a decreasing number of providers offering NHS dental care as a priority, it can be difficult to find an NHS-approved orthodontist – despite the fact that children under the age of 18 are eligible ‘if there is a clear need for treatment.’
Instead of waiting, why not consider visiting a trusted private provider for a consultation and some professional advice?
Orthodontist fees can be much less than you might anticipate and are often payable via a range of finance options – making it much less intimidating than you feared.
The best place to start when considering orthodontic care is by getting all of the information you need about your specific case.
Marlborough Dental Studio offers approachable, reliable, and patient-centred care for individual and family patients of all ages – putting them in charge of their dental healthcare journey.
For more information or to book an appointment, call us today on 01672 513 184 or fill in our enquiry form and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.
