Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving the teeth to improve their appearance in terms of smiling, speech and function. Those with crooked or protruding teeth can get them realigned by getting orthodontic treatment. Treatment can be carried out on patients as young as seven or eight years old and until the age of 25, though it is best done between the ages of 12 and 15 after all the permanent teeth have come out. It is also possible to treat those above the age of 25, but it depends on the patient's oral health. Orthodontic treatment takes 12 to 18 months' time for completion, as well as a retention period of six to twelve months. The duration of the treatment, however, depends on the severity of the case; irregular and protruding teeth may require more time. Some dental problems are caused by a lack of oral hygiene. The dentist will attempt to improve oral hygiene before starting treatment. During the course of treatment, the patient must not eat either very hard or very sticky foods, brush teeth frequently and visit the dentist regularly. Contrary to popular belief, teeth are only removed if there is no space for the teeth to be realigned. Basic treatment is offered in a package which includes extractions (if required), cleaning and polishing, removal of braces and retention appliance. Dr. Hakeem is an BDS, MDS, M. Ortho RCS (Ed) and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
