Introduction to orthodontics
Orthodontics involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating malocclusions and facial irregularities. In the UK, orthodontic services are provided in both primary and secondary care settings. Your role in orthodontic care includes offering advice and education to patients, parents, and other healthcare professionals, monitoring dental development, and providing interceptive treatment when needed.
Most orthodontic treatments within the NHS are done using removable, functional, or fixed appliances. However, with advancing technology, removable aligner systems are becoming more popular in the private sector and have recently been introduced into several specialty training programs.
In secondary care, you will assess and treat patients with more complex malocclusions, often requiring a multi-disciplinary approach. This may involve working with specialties such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, paediatric dentistry, restorative dentistry, and oral surgery to manage issues like impacted teeth, hypodontia, or severe jaw discrepancies that braces alone cannot correct.
You will also provide support for complex, multi-disciplinary treatments, including the care of patients with cleft lip and palate, facial deformities or syndromes that require specialised management.