Orthodontics in Polokwane

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the alignment of teeth and the way the upper and lower teeth meet — the bite. Treatment aims to improve how the teeth line up and how they function together, and is considered where crowding, spacing, or a mismatch in the bite is causing concern or making the teeth harder to keep clean.

Orthodontic treatment is planned around the individual mouth and the goals being aimed for, rather than applied as a single standard process. The assessment considers the position of the teeth, the bite, the shape of the jaws, and what is realistic to change. What suits one person is not necessarily what suits another, which is why the assessment comes first.

An orthodontic assessment looks at more than the front teeth: it considers how all the teeth meet, whether there is crowding or spacing, how the jaws relate to one another, and how the bite functions. The goals of treatment are discussed alongside these findings, because what is worth changing depends on both the mouth and what matters to the person in it.

The assessment also considers the condition of the teeth and gums, because orthodontic treatment is best carried out on a healthy mouth. Where there are other issues — decay, gum problems, or worn restorations — these may need attention first. The plan is built around the whole mouth, not the alignment alone.

There are different approaches to moving teeth, and which is suitable depends on the type and extent of the problem. Some cases suit fixed appliances; others may be managed with removable aligners. The options are not interchangeable in every case — what works for mild crowding may not suit a more complex bite — and the right choice is made after the assessment.

Useful questions to bring include what is suitable for your case, how the options differ, and what the treatment would involve. Read more about aligners on the aligners page.

Orthodontic treatment does not end when the active movement is finished. Teeth have a tendency to move back towards their original positions, so retention — using a retainer to hold the result — is part of the plan, not an optional extra. How long retention is needed and what form it takes are discussed as part of the treatment.

Throughout treatment, keeping the teeth and gums clean becomes more important, because appliances can trap plaque. Routine checks let the dentist monitor progress and adjust the plan, and any discomfort, breakage, or concern is worth raising promptly so it can be addressed before it affects the result.