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Define orthodontia and explore what orthodontic treatment includes beyond braces. Discover the benefits of orthodontia for UK adults and children.
Ask 10 people on the high street to define orthodontia and you’ll probably get 10 different answers. Some might mention braces, others may look completely baffled and a couple would assume it’s just another word for regular dentistry.
If you don’t know what orthodontia actually means, you’re not alone. Many people in the UK genuinely don’t understand the distinction between orthodontic treatment (orthodontia) and general dental care, often using the terms interchangeably.
Here’s the thing: orthodontia (also called orthodontics – they’re the same thing) is actually a highly specialised branch of dentistry focused on one specific mission: correcting irregularities of the teeth and jaws to improve function, appearance and overall oral health.
And this isn’t just about straightening wonky teeth for a prettier smile, though that’s certainly a lovely bonus. We’re talking about addressing things like malocclusion, misalignment and jaw abnormalities that can affect everything from how you chew your Sunday roast to your confidence in job interviews. So let’s go beyond braces and explore what orthodontic care really encompasses … you might be surprised by just how much it covers.
Think of orthodontia as the architectural discipline of dentistry. While your general dentist focuses on maintaining the health of individual teeth, an orthodontist looks at the bigger picture: how your entire dental structure fits together and functions as a cohesive system.
Orthodontia is a specialised field within dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing and treating dental and facial irregularities. The primary goal? To correct misaligned teeth and jaws, improving not just the appearance of your smile, but also the function of your bite and the overall health of your mouth.
These problems often arise from genetics, poor oral habits like thumb sucking, dental trauma from accidents, or early loss of baby teeth. Proper orthodontic treatment applies gentle pressure over time to guide teeth into their optimal positions, creating both a functional bite and an attractive smile.
This is where the confusion often starts, so let’s clear it up once and for all. The difference between orthodontia and dentistry in the UK comes down to specialisation, training and focus.
Your general dentist is like your oral health GP as they’re the first port of call for routine dental care. They handle check-ups, cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions and various restorative treatments. After completing a four-to-five-year degree in dentistry at university, general dentists are qualified to provide comprehensive dental care, including some cosmetic improvements to tooth shape and colour.
An orthodontist, on the other hand, is a dentist who has completed additional specialist training – typically a three-year postgraduate programme – specifically focused on orthodontics. In the UK, this training often takes place in hospital departments linked to recognised dental schools, providing extensive hands-on experience with complex cases.
Once qualified, orthodontists must register as specialist dentists with the General Dental Council (GDC). Their focus is solely on diagnosing, preventing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws using specialised orthodontic appliances and techniques.
When it comes to straightening teeth and correcting irregularities of the face and jaw, a qualified orthodontist is your best bet. Their specialised training means they can spot subtle issues that might be missed and develop comprehensive treatment plans that address both immediate concerns and long-term stability.
Here’s a telling comparison: while a general dentist might see a handful of brace-wearing patients as part of their varied weekly schedule, orthodontists see dozens of patients with braces, aligners and other orthodontic appliances every single week.
If you think orthodontic treatment begins and ends with those metal train-track braces from the 1980s, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. We’ve come a long way since then…
Traditional fixed braces remain one of the most common and effective orthodontic appliances, consisting of brackets bonded to teeth, connected by wires and secured with elastic bands. Today’s options include:
They apply gentle, consistent pressure to gradually shift teeth into their new positions. The evolution from early designs to Lawrence F. Andrews’ revolutionary straight-wire appliance system in 1976 has made treatment more efficient and predictable.
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, have revolutionised adult orthodontics by offering teeth straightening without the visibility of traditional braces. These removable plastic trays are custom-made to fit your teeth and gradually guide them into alignment.
However, they’re not suitable for complex bite problems or severely crooked teeth. Your orthodontist will assess whether aligners can achieve your specific treatment goals.
Here’s something that might surprise you: finishing active orthodontic treatment is only half the battle. Research studies show that over 30-70% of patients experience some degree of teeth movement within 10 years if retainers aren’t used properly. There are two main types of retainers:
For more complex cases, orthodontists have additional tools:
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about vanity, as the benefits of orthodontics extend far beyond aesthetics.
Straight teeth are significantly easier to clean thoroughly, dramatically reducing your risk of:
When teeth are crowded or overlapped, your toothbrush and floss can’t reach all surfaces effectively, creating perfect hiding spots for bacteria.
Like it or not, studies consistently show that people with straighter teeth are perceived as more attractive, successful and trustworthy. Many adult patients report feeling younger, more desirable and more willing to participate in social and professional situations after treatment.
Proper bite alignment improves your ability to chew effectively and speak clearly. When upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly (malocclusion), it can lead to:
For children, early orthodontic intervention can guide developing jaw growth, often making future treatments simpler and shorter.
The British Orthodontic Society recommends that children have their first orthodontic assessment around age seven or eight. Early evaluation can identify problems where some children might benefit from braces or other early intervention orthodontics to prevent more complex issues from developing later.
Adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment are growing consistently. A 2019 survey of orthodontists by the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) showed a 75% increase in adult private patients.
Why the surge?
Many adults missed out on treatment as children, while others had treatment as teenagers but didn’t wear their retainers properly and watched their teeth gradually shift back. The increasing availability of discreet treatment options like clear aligners and ceramic braces, combined with the rising popularity of cosmetic treatments generally, has also made orthodontic treatment more appealing to image-conscious adults. Plus, modern techniques are simply more comfortable and less noticeable than ever before.
Most patients can expect to wear their braces for between one an d two years, but recent technological advances mean some cases can be completed in as little as six months. Treatment duration depends on:
While NHS treatment exists for under-18s with significant clinical need, many families choose private orthodontic treatment for the flexibility and choice it offers. NHS provision often involves lengthy waiting lists and limited treatment options, and it’s generally not available for adults seeking cosmetic improvements or the latest treatment techniques.
Private orthodontic treatment typically ranges from £70 (for a mouthguard) to £3,675 (for lingual braces), but it depends on the case complexity, the appliances used and the length of treatment. What you’re paying for is access to the full spectrum of modern orthodontic options – from clear aligners to ceramic braces – along with shorter waiting times and personalised treatment plans. Many practices, including ours, offer flexible payment plans to make treatment more accessible. Some dental insurance policies may contribute towards medically necessary orthodontic care.
Orthodontic treatment offers benefits extending far beyond creating a photogenic smile – we’re talking about improved oral health, better function, enhanced self-confidence and prevention of future dental problems. Read some frequently asked questions to learn more about orthodontia.
At Hampstead Orthodontic Practice, our orthodontists are highly trained, GDC-registered specialists offering comprehensive treatment options tailored to individual needs, whether for growing children or adults ready to invest in their smile transformation.
Ready to discover what orthodontic treatment could do for your smile? Book a FREE consultation today.
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