Orthodontic treatment is generally best carried out on children, but it is possible for adults to have orthodontic treatment too – an increasing number do. Success depends on a partnership between the skills of the orthodontist, with the enthusiasm and help of patients and parents. It is important to attend regularly and carry out any instructions given by the orthodontist.
Orthodontic treatment can be used to treat:
- Crowded or crooked teeth (improving appearance and making them easier to clean)
- Protruding upper teeth
- Misalignment of teeth and jaws
- Bite problems caused by the relationship between the upper and lower jaws
- Strain on the jaw and associated joint problems.
The Orthodontic Department
The Orthodontic Department at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust is a part-time department with clinical alliances to York Hospital. Mr Kindelan, Consultant Orthodontist, is the Lead Clinician at Harrogate and is based in York Hospital.
The Department is additionally staffed with part-time general dental practitioners:
- Mr Jonathan Yates works in Harrogate on Monday mornings;
- Mr Ian Auckland works in Harrogate on Monday afternoons;
- Mr Alan Casson works in Harrogate all day Thursdays.
What to expect
When you’re referred to the Orthodontic Department at Harrogate District Hospital, you will undergo a full examination of your teeth. During this process, you may need to have an X-ray, and your dentist or orthodontist may also make a plaster model. This helps develop a treatment plan which will be fully discussed with you.
Once you’ve agreed to treatment, the process can begin as soon as sufficient permanent teeth have developed. Sometimes it’s necessary to remove some of the permanent teeth to make space for straightening to occur. We will advise you if this is the case.
The length of treatment will vary depending on the severity of the original problem, and can take anything from a few months to a number of years. It is usually necessary to adjust a fixed brace every six to eight years.
Appliances
We use a variety of appliances to straighten and move teeth. These appliances can be roughly divided into three categories:
- Removable: a plate that can be taken out for cleaning purposes. It is held in place with clasps around the teeth and uses wire and springs to move the teeth by gentle pressure.
- Functional: it is sometimes possible to modify the way the jaw grows with the use of muscle forces.
- Fixed appliances: these appliances are used on teeth that require accurate movement. Brackets and bands are applied to the teeth and flexible wires are used to join them and move the teeth.
Fixed braces are not always made of metal. Plastic and ceramic can be used, especially for adults. Such brackets are not generally available on the NHS.
Retention
After active treatment is complete, it is necessary to hold the teeth in position for a period of time to avoid excessive movement. Retainers are appliances that hold the straightened teeth in position while the surrounding gum and bones settles. These retainers can be either fixed or removable, depending on the original problem.
Even following retention, it is normal for minor tooth movement to occur. These movements do not usually require further treatment.
Caring for your teeth and brace
Our oral health advocators, who work in the Orthodontic Department, will advise you on the best ways to care for your teeth and appliances while undergoing treatment. You will be told which foods to avoid and which products can be beneficial when considering oral hygiene and care.
Any dental problems need to be cared for by your regular dentist, so it is essential that you continue to attend your general dental check-ups throughout your treatment.
Location
The Orthodontic Department is located on the ground floor of Harrogate District Hospital. Follow the white line down the main corridor; we are located past the Therapy Services Department, on the right. We are signposted the ‘Maxillofacial and Orthodontic Department’.
Referrals
Referrals are accepted from general dental and medical practitioners. Straight forward treatment may be referred back to appropriate dentists for completion, following a treatment plan. The more complex cases will be carried out in the Department.
Key staff
Sister: Jess Rennison
Senior Dental Nurse: Sue Combe
Dental Nurses: Melissa Pilling, Tom Harrison and Emma Bolland