496 - 498 Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, S11 8PY, Tel: 0114 268 4753

 

 

 

 

 

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Home page of a Sheffield Orthodontist
Our practice
The Sheffield Orthodontists
How to find a Sheffield Orthodontist
Opening hours
Contact a Sheffield Orthodontist
Referrals
Your first visit to an orthodontist in Sheffield
Smile gallery from an orthodontist in sheffield
Crooked teeth
Spacing
Large overjet
Large overbite
Reverse bite
Adult
Treatments
NHS
Private
Ceramic brackets
Invisalign
About Orthodontics
Cross bite
Crowding
Elastics
Gummy smile
Open bite
Headgear
Removable braces
Spacing
Tongue thrust
FAQ’s
1) What is orthodontics?
2) Why is orthodontics important?
3) At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?
4) What is a malocclusion?
5) Will braces hurt?
6) What can I eat with braces?
7) Why do baby teeth sometimes need to be pulled?
8) Will I still be able to play sports?
9) Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
10) Can you be too old for braces?
11) Why are retainers needed after orthodontic treatment?
Treatment information sheets
Removable twin block
Fixed braces
Headgear
Retainers 

Welcome to the Orthodontic Centre
Welcome to the 'Orthodontic Centre' Web Site. We are delighted that you have visited us. The purpose of this site is to introduce you to our practice, it's people and services. You will find information about braces, and the answers to commonly asked questions. You will also find information about the location of the practice and the opening hours. 'The Orthodontic Centre is a specialist practice limited to orthodontic treatment only, using modern braces. Patients are referred to obtain the opinion of one of our specialists on whether treatment may be beneficial. All the Orthodontists are registered specialists and on the General Dental Councils Orthodontic specialist list. Orthodontic treatment is aimed at providing you with a healthy attractive smile. Our practice on Ecclesall Road has been providing orthodontic treatment to the people of Sheffield and surrounding areas for the last 15 years. We work hard to provide a friendly efficient service using a range of braces. If you like what you see ask your dentist for a referral or contact us directly for further information to see a sheffield orthodontist.

Our Practice
A different approach to dentistry:
In August 2004 two new partners joined, Alex Taylor & Marilyn Small at the practice. Both have been locally trained in the speciality of Orthodontics at the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital and Chesterfield Royal Hospital. The three strong partnership of Alex Taylor, Jon O'Dwyer and David Tinsley along with Marilyn Small can now offer patients an efficent service in a modern and friendly enviroment. All of the orthodontists at the sheffield practice are on the GDC specialist list in Orthodontics. Since Jon and David started they have demolished the new patients waiting list which did stand at 3 years to just 3 months! This reduced waiting list offers great advantages for patients. They can now start treatment only months after being referred if appropriate.

The Orthodontists:
Jon O'Dwyer, BDS, FDSRCS(Glasg), MMedSci, MOrthRCS(Ed)

Jonathan qualified as a dentist in 1990 from Sheffield University. After a year as a House Officer at the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital Jonathan spent six years in general practice in Doncaster and Sheffield. He obtained his Fellowship in 1999, Masters in 2002 and qualified as an orthodontist at the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital and Chesterfield Royal Hospital before joining the practice in 2003 as a partner.
David Tinsley, BDS, MDSc, MFDSRCS(Ed), MMedSci, MOrthRCS(Ed)
David qualified as a dentist in 1990 at Kings in London. In 1993 he obtained his first Masters degree from Dundee in restorative dentistry. He then spent several years at Leeds Dental Institute as a lecturer. He obtained his Fellowship in 2000, second Masters in 2002 and qualified as an orthodonist at the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital and Chesterfield Royal Hospital before joining the practice as a partner in 2003.
Alex Taylor, B.D.S.(Newc.) M.MedSci.(Sheff.) D.D.Orth.RCPS(Glas)
Alex qualified as a Dental Surgeon in 1980 from Newcastle and went into general practice in North Notts. before getting the orthodontic bug. He did his Masters at Sheffield in 1986 at the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital. Alex established the practice at Ecclesall Road in 1989 and moved to the present building in 1994.
Marilyn Small , BDS.(Bris.)D.ORTH.RCS.Lond
Marilyn qualified as a dentist in 1971 at Bristol. She then spent four years working in London before moving to Sheffield. She worked in community dentistry in Sheffield treating children then trained as an orthodontist at the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital. Marilyn joined the practice in 1999.
Tania C Murphy BDS, MMedSci (Oral Surg), MFDSRCSEd, MMedSCi (Ortho), Morth
Tania qualified from Sheffield University in 1996 and following a period in general dental practice undertook her first Masters degree in Oral Surgery in 1999. However, her interest in Orthodontics led her to undertaken a second masters degree in 2002 followed by her specialist qualification in 2003. As well as working at The Orthodontic Centre, Tania is also based at the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital where she is nearing the end of her training as a Consultant in Orthodontics.
Alex Taylor B.D.S.(Newc.) M.MedSci.(Sheff.) D.D.Orth.RCPS(Glas)
Alex is the founder of the Orthodontic Centre in Sheffield which has been in existence for 15 years. Recently Jon and David have joined the practice coming from the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital in Sheffield. All three partners have a wealth of experience in dentistry and are registered specialists in Orthodontics. All have recently been trained and certified in the use of invisalign, an invisable brace system developed in the USA.

About your first visit
Our objective is to make sure your visits to us will be pleasant and informative. At the first appointment we wil collect more information about you. This will include recording impressions of your teeth, taking up to date x-rays and photos of your teeth and face. At the next appointment your treatment plan will be discussed. We will explain the type of brace that you would benefit from, show you photos of the braces you need, discuss the time it would take and other details of your treatment. You will of course have an opportunity to ask questions regarding your treatment.

Smile Gallery
The following are examples of brace work carried out in the practice. The photos show different problems and arrangements for teeth and the type of result that can be achieved.

Treatments
We offer both Private and NHS treatments, for further information please choose from the links on the left.

NHS

Private
We also offer private consultations and treatment which offer the following advantages over NHS treatment

Private
The initial Consultation is £100. This includes models of your teeth, x-rays and photos to enable a diagnosis to be reached. A full treatment plan will then be discussed with you and your treatment options described.

We offer a two tier private treatment option.
Option 1 – Designed for children who are not entitled to NHS treatment. This option has been developed to ensure an economical and good value treatment alternative to the NHS. The braces are metal and the appointments between 9.30am and 3.30pm. The braces are the same ones used for NHS treatment. The fee for this option is in the range of £1500-£2500 depending on the complexity of the case.
Option 2 – For tooth coloured braces or invisalign and appointments in the evening or Saturday mornings the private fee will usually be between £2500 and £4500 depending on the complexity of the case. Our practice offers an easy payment plan. The cost of treatment can be spread over the treatment period. For your convenience, we accept all major credit cards.

Ceramic brackets
With ceramic brackets, you can have a great-looking smile while you wear your braces. Ceramic brackets are, tooth-colored and are  more subtle than metal, while providing the same orthodontic performance. The result: greater confidence and the assurance that people are looking at your smile, not your braces. 

About Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the diagnosis and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. To find out more about some of the braces, terms and phrases we use click on the link on the left.

Crossbite
An individual with a crossbite will have teeth that are out of place when the mouth is closed. In most instances, this means that one set of your teeth will either fall inside or outside of the opposing set. For example, your upper teeth may sit inside of the lower teeth when the jaw is closed. Many of the causes of crossbite are apparent in childhood or early adulthood. Two of the biggest causes of crossbite are heredity and delayed loss of baby teeth. Both of these situations could cause the teeth to be out of the proper position. Misaligned teeth can cause premature wear and muscular problems in the jaw.

Treatment for crossbite depends upon the severity of the problem and the age of the patient. Children are often easier to treat because their teeth are still in the process of developing. In addition, children are more accepting of the idea of wearing braces. Orthodontics, however, are used to properly align the teeth of both children and adults. In extreme cases, surgery may be required to align the jaws. Temporomandibular joint disorder is another problem that can develop from jaw problems. Over time, orthodontic treatment is the best solution for individuals with crossbite.

Crowding
If your teeth are crooked, turned, or overlapped, you are not alone-virtually 90% of the population has an orthodontic condition known as crowding. Generally caused by genetics (eg, a relatively small jaw or relatively large teeth) or by habits such as nail biting and thumb sucking, crowding is easily fixed with orthodontia.
Typical treatment for crowded teeth involves the placement of highly detailed orthodontic "braces" on all the upper and lower teeth. In adolescents or adults, braces may be worn between two and three years, depending on how crowded or misaligned the teeth are. Once the teeth are stable in their alignment, the braces are removed, and a fixed retainer is placed on the back of the lower teeth to hold them in place; the upper teeth are held with a removable retainer. Retainers are worn for two or more years depending on the severity of the original condition. The lower retainer should be worn as long as possible, as the highest chance of relapse occurs with the lower front teeth.
When crowding is detected early in children (when baby teeth are still present), a functional appliance or braces can be placed so that when the baby teeth fall out, the appliance/braces hold back the rest of the molars, acting as a "spacer." The patient is instructed to turn the appliance's screw each night, which slowly widens the upper jaw in order to make room for the impending adult teeth. Although the expansion process is achieved in approximately four months, the appliance should be worn for the next six to nine months to ensure maximum long-term results.

Elastics
Elastics (rubber bands) exert the proper force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth. In order for this force to remain constant, elastics must be worn all the time and changed once a day. Any time missed in wearing your elastics will only make your treatment take longer, so remember these things:

Gummy smile
A "gummy smile," or excess gingival display, is a condition where too much pink tissue can be seen when a person speaks or smiles. Approximately 7% of men and 14% of women have excess gingival display in full smile. A gummy smile is usually associated with an enlarged upper jaw, a short upper lip, short upper front teeth, or a forward position of the front teeth. This condition may also result from disproportionate lip length or tooth height.
A gummy smile can be corrected by orthodontic treatment, periodontal surgery, jaw surgery, or a combination of these procedures. In general, active treatment time with orthodontic appliances ranges from 1 to 3 years. The actual time depends on the growth of the patient's mouth and face, the cooperation of the patient, and the severity of the problem. Custom-made appliances are designed by the orthodontist according to the problem being treated. They may be removable or fixed (cemented and/or bonded to the teeth), and made of metal, ceramic or plastic. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces can slowly move teeth through their supporting bone to a new desirable position.

Open bite
Open bite is an oral condition that occurs when certain teeth, usually your front teeth, do not make contact with each other. Open bite gives the illusion that a person's mouth is never really closed, because there is always space between the teeth. Since open bite is not a common problem, those who seek treatment do so primarily for aesthetic reasons. For patients that have moderate to extreme open bite, treatment is important since the condition can affect the joints of the jaw and cause recurring pain throughout the region.
There are a number of circumstances that could be responsible for open bite. Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting are habits that can have an affect on the development of open bite. Speech problems such as lisping can also cause open bite. Genetics can create a situation where the upper and lower jaw are unaligned. Your dentist should be able to spot these causes and refer you to an orthodontist for proper treatment.

Headgear
For the dentist to straighten teeth and to pull them back if they stick out the dentist needs to make space behind the crooked teeth. This is done by taking out (extracting) some of the side teeth (premolars). A brace would then move the teeth into the spaces created and straighten the front teeth. However problems can arise after the extraction of the side teeth as the back teeth (molars) can move forward and fill the space that has just been made. This will ‘use up’ the available space and not enable the dentist to straighten the front teeth, so that at the end of treatment the teeth still stick out.
To ‘hold’ the back teeth in position a piece of equipment called headgear is used. This must be worn 10-12 hours a day for as long as a year to keep the molars back during the treatment period.

Removable braces
The development of next-generation high-technology adult orthodontic products uses 3-D computer imaging to design and manufacture customized clear removable orthodontic appliances called aligners. As an alternative to conventional orthodontic therapy, aligners are essentially undetectable and comfortable to wear. A high level of detail in treatment planning and impression taking is necessary to ensure a proper fit.
State-of-the-art computer technology is used to fashion the treatment program and the removable aligners. The concept behind this newer technology utilizes a series of customized removable aligners for the duration of treatment from start to finish. Each aligner in the series represents a 2-week stage in the treatment program. The removable system is effective for mild to moderate crowding or spacing, and is also designed to treat relapse cases. The orthodontist will help you determine what condition you'd like to correct. Then, impressions will be taken along with a personal profile of your mouth. Using advanced imaging technology, the orthodontist transforms your information into a highly accurate 3-D digital image. The sequence of orthodontic treatments from beginning to end is then created according to your treatment plan to simulate the desired course of tooth movement.

Retainers
Now that your braces are off and you are enjoying your beautiful new smile, we would like to give you some information about retainers.
Retainers are very important to your orthodontic result and the first year after braces is always the most crucial.

Spacing
In orthodontics, spacing means exactly what it sounds like: there is too much space between your teeth. This condition is the exact opposite of crowding, and is known clinically as "diastema." Spacing occurs in approximately 5% to 10% of the population. Like crowding, spacing may be caused by genetic factors. For example, if you inherit a large jaw from your mother, but small-sized teeth from your father, you probably will have too much space in your mouth! Spacing may affect all of your teeth, or just a portion of them. In addition, chronic thumb sucking as a child can also create or widen spaces between the teeth.
Although not medically necessary, many people choose to recreate their smile through orthodontics. This is because many are concerned about how they look; a healthy and aligned smile helps to bolster self-confidence and self-esteem. In rare cases, however, spacing may significantly affect your ability to bite or chew; in these circumstances, orthodontic "braces" are required. Some cosmetic dentists use computer-imaging technology to provide the opportunity to view how the teeth will look after treatment. In addition, this technology can help you decide whether bonding or braces is right for you.

Tongue thrust
Swallowing occurs 24 hours per day and about 2000 times each day. Each time you swallow, one to six pounds of pressure is applied to the inside structures of the mouth. Normally when a person swallows, the middle section of the tongue is placed on the roof of the mouth. When the tongue is placed between and behind the teeth, this pressure pushes the teeth apart and out, causing distortions of the face and teeth. This abnormal swallowing motion is known as "tongue thrust." This condition is most common in children with prior severe thumb sucking habits.
Myofunctional therapy (with a speech therapist) is a popular method of treating tongue thrust. In severe cases, a special appliance may be prescribed with or without braces. The appliance is clear and has two heavy wires curving back onto the roof of the mouth behind the upper front teeth. These wires do not interfere with the tongue as long as the tongue is in the proper swallowing position. If the mouth is opened during the swallow (tongue thrust position), the motion brings down the wires into the path of the tongue and the thrusting motion is prevented. The appliance may also be used in combination with vertical elastic bands to again reinforce the habit.

Invisalign
The nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth. Invisalign® can give you the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted. It works through a series of near invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Thousands of adults have already benefited from treatment in America where over 3000 orthodontists have treated their patients with Invisalign.

Invisalign® can help you get the great smile you've always wanted because it's...
Nearly Invisible, so no one can tell you're straightening your teeth. So now you can smile more during treatment as well as after.
Removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are no problem.
Comfortable, because it has no metal bracket to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.
Invisalign® also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how straight your teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

FAQ’s
1) What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialty branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Braces are appliances normally used to correct these problems.
2) Why is orthodontics important?
An attractive smile and improved self-image and self esteem are the benefits of orthodontic treatment.
3) At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?
Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. Most orthodontic treatment starts at around 11 -13 years of age. This is because it is not till this age that all the adult teeth have erupted. When all the teeth are through the arrangement of the teeth can be assessed and treatment commenced if required
4) What is a malocclusion?
Malocclusion literally means bad bite. Most malocclusions are inherited, however, it is possible to acquire a bad bite from habits such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking. The premature loss of baby teeth or the extraction of adult teeth can also cause the development of malocclusion.
5) Will braces hurt?
Most patients experience some discomfort the first week after their braces are put on and immediately after their braces are tightened. Paracetamol pain reliever or ibuprofen can be used to ease the discomfort.
6) What can I eat with braces?
Most foods can be enjoyed just as before you got your braces. Hard, crunchy and sticky foods can damage braces and should be avoided.
7) Why do baby teeth sometimes need to be pulled?
Pulling baby teeth may be necessary to allow severely crowded permanent teeth to come in at a normal time in a normal location. If the teeth are severely crowded, some permanent teeth will either remain impacted (teeth that should have come in, but have not), or come in to an undesirable position. To allow severely crowded teeth to move on their own into much more desirable positions, sequential removal of baby teeth and permanent teeth (usually first premolars) can dramatically improve a severe crowding problem. This sequential extraction of teeth, called serial extraction, is typically followed by comprehensive orthodontic treatment after tooth eruption has improved as much as it can on its own.
8) Will I still be able to play sports?
Yes. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
9) Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.
10) Can you be too old for braces?
No. Age is not a factor, however, there are advantages to treating young people while they are still growing. About 25% of orthodontic patients in the United States are adults. If you are an adult considering orthodontic work, that treatment has changed a great deal in the last few years. Braces are more comfortable and more effective today. You can get braces in the tradition silver color, or with much less visible clear brackets.
11) Why are retainers needed after orthodontic treatment?
After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide that stabilization and are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime. Retainers are for life.

Treatment information sheets
Removable twin block
Twin blocks will help to straighten your teeth and encourage your jaw to grow.

Success is completely dependant on your co-operation.

Fixed braces
What you need to know about fixed braces.

Will it be painful?
It is likely to be sore for about 3-5 days each time the brace is adjusted. If necessary, painkillers such as the ones you usually take for a headache may help. If the brace rubs your lips or cheeks you will be given some wax to help this.

Can I remove the brace?
The brace is fixed to your teeth for the whole treatment.

Can I eat normally ?
Yes you should be able to eat normally. However it is important not to damage the brace or your teeth. You should avoid the following

What about toothbrushing?
It is important to brush your teeth and brace well three times per day and use a fluoride toothpaste. Pay particular attention and brush where the gums meet the teeth. Brushing will take longer and you will be shown how to use inter-dental brushes to clean around your brackets.

Also use a daily fluoride mouthwash last thing at night after brushing, this has been shown to protect the enamel of the teeth.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP YOUR TEETH CLEAN AT ALL TIMES Failure to keep your teeth clean will lead to permanent scarring and holes in your teeth as seen to the left.

How long will it take?
Normally treatment will take 12-24 months but will vary according to how difficult the case is. Failure to attend appointments or repeated breakages will lengthen treatment time.

Will I need to wear anything else with my fixed brace?
You may need to wear Headgear and/or elastics. Headgear is worn at night, elastics all the time.

How often will I need appointments?
You will be seen every 6-8 weeks to have your brace tightened.

What do I do if my brace breaks?
Check your brace daily and ring up as soon as possible for an an appointment. If you repeatedly break the brace treatment may be stopped.

Will I need another brace once treatment is finished?
Yes you will need a retainer to hold the teeth in their final positions.

If you are unable to keep an appointment please contact us as early as possible beforehand. You may be charged for missed appointments.

Headgear
The success of treatment is totally dependant on your co-operation

What is the purpose of headgear?
Headgear is worn to move the back teeth or to keep them in their present position whilst the front teeth are being straightened. Failure to wear headgear may mean the front teeth will be left sticking out at the end of treatment. Or the teeth may not meet properly.

Are there any instructions I need to know?
You will have already been shown how to put the headgear on in the surgery. The important points to remember are:

Will it be painful?
Your teeth may ache for about 3-5 days after the headgear has been fitted. If you need to, take the same painkillers that you would use for a headache.

It may be uncomfortable to sleep in until you get used to it.

How long do I have to wear the headgear?
It is important to wear the headgear for at least the hours specified to you. The more you wear the headgear the quicker the treatment will be complete.

Can I eat with the headgear on?
No

What about tooth brushing?
Remove it to brush your teeth.

What if I have a problem wearing my headgear?
If you have any problems wearing headgear e.g. the headgear or whiskers will not stay in place at night stop wearing it and contact us immediately.

Retainers

Keeping your teeth straight after fixed braces is your responsibility.

Retainers are designed to keep your teeth straight and can either be removable or fixed to the teeth. Now that your teeth are straight, if you do not wear your retainer your teeth WILL drift towards their original positions. If this happens it is difficult if not impossible to correct.

How long will I have to wear the retainers?
Normally you will be asked to wear your retainer: Initially All the time for the first 3 months after your brace was removed: After 3 months After 3 months the wear will normally be reduced to night- time wear: Long term The night-time wear will be reduced over a period of around a year so that you are wearing your retainer one night a week just in bed. You must wear your retainer one night a week for as long as you want to keep your teeth straight!!

How might the retainers affect me?
Your speech may be different until you get used to the retainers. You also may swallow a lot to begin with. This is normal and will soon pass.

Can I eat normally?
Normally you should take your retainers out to eat. You should take care to avoid fizzy drinks and sugary foods.

What about tooth brushing?
Remove the retainers to brush your teeth. Use a fluoride toothpaste. Brush the retainer with a toothbrush under cold water.

What if the retainer breaks or is lost?
Phone up as soon as possible for an appointment. If you do not wear your retainer your teeth will move. You will be charged for a lost retainer.

What appointments will I need?
We will normally see you at 3-month intervals for the first year after removal of your brace.

 

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