Orthodontics at Busby House

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the area of Dentistry which deals with straightening the teeth and jaw alignment, using either a fixed or removable appliance.

The majority of patients are children, although there has been a considerable increase in the number of adults receiving treatment in recent years due to new advancements in techniques and materials such as Invisalign^®.

What are the options?

There are many types of appliance, ranging in colours and finishes. One of the exciting advancements is the clear appliances; near- invisible custom made aligners, which fit over the teeth and gradually moves them into the correct alignment. Other advances include tooth- coloured and clear fixed appliances, together with sophisticated planning technology that lets you see how your teeth are going to move before you undertake treatment.

To determine your Orthodontic needs, a variety of techniques are used including direct measurements, x- rays, study casts and photographs, to aid treatment planning.

What is involved?

Treatment is often lengthy (between 18 months and 2 years), but once completed, Orthodontics can provide incredible results. Regular visits to your Orthodontist are needed, approximately every 8 weeks, to make adjustments to your appliance, monitor the progression of your treatment, and offer advice.

Advice for Orthodontic Patients

How to prevent Orthodontic Problems

Excellent Oral Hygiene

Ensure you are brushing at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing the recommended 1450ppm fluoride
After eating, use an interproximal bursh to remove bacteria and food debris
Use a fluoride mouth rinse (always at a separate time to brushing!)

Low Sugar Diet

Where possible, avoid snacking on sugary foods and drinks. Fizzy drinks should be avoided in particular.

Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods

Hard and sticky foods can break wires and damage brackets.

Do you have an Orthodontic Emergency?

Contact our Head Receptionist, Nikki as soon as possible on 01235 816486 (Press 1 for Orthodontics) or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please be aware that Nikki may initally need to add you or your child to a list however, rest assured that she will endeavour to find the next available Orthodontic appointment.

It is often useful to send a picture of the problem to help Nikki assess and book the appropriate appointment.

In the meantime...

If your wire is digging in...

It may be possible for you to use tweezers to guide the wire back in place
Use a small piece of Orthodontic wax to cover the protruding wire
Use nail clippers to cut the wire

If you have a loose bracket...

Brackets can occassionally debond from the tooth but remain attached to the wire. If it not causing discomfort, it can be left until your next Orthodontic appointment.

However, if it is causing discomfort:

You may be able to manipulate the bracket by twisting it along the wire into the original position, or a position which is more comfortable
Alternatively, you may be able remove it yourself by using tweezers to hold the elastic band and gently move it from the bracket

If you lose or break your appliance or retainer...

Contact Nikki at your earliest opportunity for an appointment to assess the situation and arrange for a new appliance to be made.