Crowding Functional Brace Sticking out Teenage

Correcting Protruding Teeth with Functional Braces

Teenage Protrusion correction with crowding|FIRST Ortho

Treatment time: 10 months

Braces: Functional and Steel Two Stage treatment

At 13, James came to us looking to improve his smile. Although he was a confident young man, his upper teeth protruded forward, and he wanted a solution to enhance his appearance.

James had minimal crowding, so we didn’t need much space to straighten his teeth. However, his lower facial height was slightly reduced, and his jawline was set back. To address these concerns, we created a personalised two-phase treatment plan. The first phase used a functional brace to adjust his jaw position and improve the fit of his teeth

This was followed by a short fixed brace stage, allowing us to complete his treatment in just 10 months with only six visits.

Functional braces, designed to align the jaws, are highly effective when timed with the teenage growth phase. By tailoring James’s treatment to his growth stage, we achieved a harmonious smile and jaw alignment without removing any teeth.

Bite Problem Female Teenage

Jaw and Bite Asymmetry

Teenage Expander and Steel Brace Smile Transformation | FIRST Ortho

Treatment Time: 31 Months

Brace: Expander and Steel

This little girl came to FIRST Ortho when she was 10 with several baby teeth in her mouth, with the issue of crowding and a bite problem. X-rays showed our concern with her canine teeth impacted in the palate. Teeth left in this position are an issue as they can damage the front teeth causing root resorption and are more difficult to align when older.

At age 10 she had impacted canine teeth. These teeth would have remained in the palate unless we helped. The crossbite gave an asymmetrical facial appearance and caused extra wear of her teeth.

After a thorough assessment, Dr Patel chose the best treatment: By timely extractions of her baby teeth, it allowed the canine teeth to erupt over a period of years without the need for oral surgery. Left alone surgical intervention is required.

At the age of 15, we reviewed the treatment bearing of mind extreme cases of asymmetry and crossbites, can result in surgical treatment to align the teeth and jaws. We opted to start orthodontics with an expander and standard steel braces.

Facial and dental asymmetry is one of the most difficult treatments if one is trying to avoid a surgical option. The client underwent a long treatment plan of 31 months. This is quite a severe case resolved to a good level with orthodontics only – without surgical intervention at any stage.

Retention is critical on a long-term basis. The end pictures are two years post treatment.

Memorable moments: All the fine detailing to set the bite.

The parents and the child were delighted with the outcome considering we avoided surgery for the canines and the jaws. These are the challenging presentations we specialise in.

Get In Touch

If you have a question or would like to book a consultation, please contact us in the best way that suits you.

Arch form Male Teenage Underbite

Expander for underbite reverse bite

Treatment Time: 16 months

Expander and Steel Brace

Ridwan grew from a quite young boy to adulthood during which time he visited FIRST Ortho.

His treatment took just 16 months during his teenage years and his mature development to a young man was exceptional.

Memorable moment: Meeting with his mother soon after fitting the brace. She wanted the expander removed as he was having difficulty in the first few days. Ridwan listened to our explanation to give it a bit more time. He did and explained to his mum he will be alright – and he was. Something I will always remember.

Get In Touch

If you have a question or would like to book a consultation, please contact us in the best way that suits you.

Damon Female Functional Brace Teenage

Teenage Damon Ultima and Functional Brace

Treatment Time: 18 month

Functional and Damon Ultima Brace

This is a fabulous result for the daughter of a follow colleague and friend.

There are two features here that are of interest in the planning:

We wanted to avoid extraction in the lower jaw is this may have created a more convex profile in time.
Our concern for the lower gum which was thin around a lower front tooth.

We planned a two phase approach: a Damon Ultima brace after a functional brace.

The functional brace for 4 months to advance the lower arch and then a Damon brace to gently improve the lower arch shape and create space. By keeping forces low, it allows for better protection of the thin biotype. The region will be monitored long-term for possible specialist periodontist opinion.

Most Memorable moment: Her co-operation through some challenging stages to get this wonderful and rewarding result. As she said, ‘it was worth it’

Get In Touch

If you have a question or would like to book a consultation, please contact us in the best way that suits you.

Female Functional Brace Gaps Teenage

Missing teeth, composite bonding

Treatment Time: 27 Months

Brace: Functional and fixed metal

Dealing with missing teeth presents distinctive challenges, impacting both aesthetics and brace mechanics. Achieving a symmetrical result is just one facet; long-term maintenance of the replacement teeth introduces a challenge with no straightforward solution. This is especially true when opening precise spaces for the teeth becomes a complex task.

Enter the story of a charming young lady who diligently adhered to all recommendations, from wearing functional appliances to using elastics and retainers. A comprehensive 2 year plan, her commitment paid off, resulting in a unique and naturally appealing look that she genuinely values. While she didn’t seek perfection, the achieved outcome comes remarkably close. Image 5, shows the definitive replacement of the missing tooth with fibre reinforced composite bonding. Although the existing space isn’t quite large enough for an implant, future refinement through orthodontic measures may be pursued as she ages to create the necessary space.

Get In Touch

If you have a question or would like to book a consultation, please contact us in the best way that suits you.

best of portfolio Gaps Male Protrusion Teenage

11 years after orthodontics

Brace: Fixed metal braces and removable retainers

11 years after treating this young man, we discover the moving story of how we helped a child growing into a vibrant young man who embraced life to the fullest.

Reflecting on his transformation, he shared, “When I was young, I lacked confidence, but my experience with braces at FIRST Ortho transformed me. I haven’t looked back. Returning after 11 years for a replacement retainer, I was glad to reconnect with Dr. Patel and his team.”

There was more to Abukar story than his orthodontics. Meeting him as a young man he served as an inspiring example of how to face life’s challenges and a reminder never to give up. Bless you Abukar and thank you for sharing your remarkable story of survival.

Get In Touch

If you have a question or would like to book a consultation, please contact us in the best way that suits you.

Female Teenage Young

Openbite, tongue guard

Treatment Time: 12 Months

Brace: Metal Fixed and tongue guard, quadhelix

A gap between the upper and lower teeth, as illustrated here, is often associated with thumb sucking. Despite the presence of typical indicators, there was no relevant history in this particular case.

To address the issue, we agreed to use a tongue guard, facilitating the natural movement of the teeth to close the gap at the front of the mouth (openbite) within a span of 7 months, all without the need for an external brace. The absence of closure would have suggested that the openbite was rooted in the jaw structure, presenting a more complex challenge.

To refine the treatment and enhance stability and perfection, we applied a metal brace. Bonded retainers were then affixed to preserve the progress and solidify the outcome.

The concluding black and white photograph was taken at our Gants Hill studio, capturing the poised and self-assured demeanour of a 12-year-old. The maturity displayed in the pose renders this image one of my favourites, captured right at the end of a one-hour photoshoot.

Get In Touch

If you have a question or would like to book a consultation, please contact us in the best way that suits you.

best of portfolio Cosmetic Bonding Deep Bite Functional Brace Male Teenage

Attrition, Deepbite, Composite Bonding

Treatment Time: 11 Months

Brace: Functional and Fixed

Get In Touch

If you have a question or would like to book a consultation, please contact us in the best way that suits you.

Crowding Female Teenage

Crowding, Damon Brace, Facial Change, Long-term Stability and Health

Treatment Time: 23 Months

Brace: Damon

At just 11 years old, Aisling visited us at FIRST Ortho. Although her teeth were still developing and she wasn’t ready for orthodontics, the care she received left a lasting impression. After 20 years, she reflects on her experience in the testimonial below.

By the time Aisling was nearly 17 and ready for treatment, her main concerns were crowding of her teeth, her small jaw line and a very narrow lower arch. We created a personalised two-stage treatment plan for her: the first stage focused on aligning her bite with a functional approach, followed by a fixed brace stage. Avoiding extractions was a top priority in view of her delicate jawline and thin gums. We advised the Damon MX brace, a system designed to work gently yet effectively.

We delayed extractions for as long as possible, using Damon braces to develop her lower arch naturally – hence the slightly longer treatment time of 23 months. Ultimately, we had to extract a single tooth – a rare extraction pattern. Without this step, achieving her ideal smile would have required extracting four teeth, which would have flattened her facial profile and narrowed her smile line.

‘At FIRST Ortho, we understand that for complex cases the importance of detailed planning. This includes what I call preplanned ‘EXIT’. This is watching for the right time to change to avoid pushing outside biological limits. This approach allows us to handle complex cases that meets aesthetic beauty, mathematical precision and biological compatibility. This allows delivering excellent, stable results tailored to each patient’s individual needs.’ Dr Patel.

For clarity ‘Have an Exit’ was a term I heard from my friend and mentor Ken Paine, an artist. At the time, I did not understand what he meant. In time, I did.