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Orthodontics Paul Downes has almost 20 years experience of treating children and adult patients with braces. He completed the British Postgraduate Medical Federation Extended Training in Orthodontics course in 1989-90. This was followed by another 4 years of sessional work at Kent and Canterbury Hospital, under the expert eye of Mr Geoff Webb, Consultant Orthodontist. What is Orthodontics? Orthodontic treatment is the process of moving and straightening teeth in order to improve their appearance or comfort. Although orthodontic treatment is normally carried out in children, there is an increasing demand from adults to have orthodontic treatment. What does it involve? The most important part of any orthodontic treatment is to have a full orthodontic assessment; this normally involves taking x-rays, and making plaster models of your teeth. This assessment is often carried out at the Consultant's referral clinic at Kent and Canterbury Hospital or at an orthodontic specialist practice. In consultation with the patient and parent(s), a decision is made as to whether or not it is necessary to extract any permanent teeth, and the best type of appliance (or "brace") for that particular situation. The actual orthodontic treatment is then carried out at Kelvin House, either under NHS or private contract. What types of braces are used? Most cases are treated with fixed braces ("train-tracks") although an increasing number of mild cases are treated using a simple and efficient removable brace called the Inman Aligner. Fixed braces normally take between 12 -18 months to complete, followed by a period of at least 12 months of wearing a retainer; this holds the teeth in position while the surrounding gum and bone settle. We now also offer the latest in 'social 6' braces for the speedy correction of mild/moderate crowding of the front teeth. Social 6 braces normally take between 12 and 18 weeks. CLICK HERE for an information sheet about 'social 6' braces