Orthodontic treatment corrects malocclusion of the teeth and associated dento-facial disharmonies.

ie.
!. It straightens the teeth.
2. Ensures that they bite together and thereby function properly.
3. It improves the appearance of the smile and proportions of the
face.

> Successful orthodontic treatment will create a beautiful smile for you; a smile that will warm the hearts of people you meet and
increase your self-confidence. The importance of a beautiful
smile to your well being is not to be under estimated.
> Orthodontic treatment will align your teeth making them
easier to keep clean, helping prevent the onset of dental decay and disease of the gums.
> By improving the way in which the teeth bite together,
orthodontic treatment can eliminate abnormal wear of the teeth and alleviate facial pain.

Much of the orthodontists skill may be described as an art. This art is, however, built upon the solid foundation of an understanding of cranofacial biology, bio materials science and mechanics.

If you recognise yourself in any of the following questions, you may benefit from treatment.

> Am I embarrassed to smile because of the appearance of my
teeth?
> Do my teeth make it difficult for me to make friends?
> Is it difficult to close my lips around my protruding teeth?
> Do people at school call me names like 'Bugs Bunny' and
'Dracula'?
> Are my crooked teeth difficult to keep clean?
> Why cant I stop sucking my thumb?
> Is my lisping speech a result of the poor position of my teeth?
> Why is it difficult to bite off pieces of food?
> Are my protruding teeth at risk of trauma in sport?
> Are my crooked teeth the reason why my gums are always
swollen and bleeding?

There are two essential ingredients needed to move teeth into proper alignment:

1. Steady gentle pressure.
2. Time.

To achieve this, the Orthodontist attaches braces which generally consists of metal or clear brackets and wires, to produce slight pressure on each tooth. Throughout treatment the Orthodontist will periodically make adjustments to maintain the directional pressure required to continue the movement of the teeth.