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Advancements in Orthodontics: Spotlight on Southampton’s Experts

Orthodontics, a branch of dentistry specialising in correcting the alignment and positioning of teeth and jaws, has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. This article aims to illuminate some of the latest advancements in orthodontics with a specific spotlight on the experts working within the vaunted field based in Southampton, UK.

There has been a paradigm shift in the orthodontics practice. Traditional braces, once the benchmark standard, have since given way to more advanced, less intrusive solutions. This transformation is especially evident in Southampton, renowned as a hub of cutting-edge research and innovation in the dental sciences.

The city boasts several world-class experts and practitioners, many of whom have been instrumental in driving this evolution forward. These include but are not limited to Dr. Rahul Mathur, Dr. Gemma Andreasen, and Prof. Martyn Cobourne. Their implementations of technological advancements have significantly improved treatment efficacy, patient comfort, and overall dental wellness.

One such advancement revolutionising the industry is that of clear aligners like Invisalign. Dr. Rahul Mathur, one of Southampton’s pioneering experts, is a leading advocate for this modern alternative to traditional braces. This treatment entails wearing a series of medical-grade, virtually invisible, plastic aligners for 20-22 hours daily, only removing them while eating or brushing.

Dr. Mathur underscores that clear aligners, besides their aesthetic appeal, offer numerous advantages. They cause less discomfort, reduce the risk of gum orthodontics southampton disease and cavities by allowing easier cleaning, eliminate dietary restrictions, and reduce the number of dental visits. Furthermore, they give patients the flexibility to plan their treatment through visualisation software that displays a time-lapse transformation of their dental alignment.

Another trendsetter in Southampton’s orthodontics arena is Dr. Gemma Andreasen, who champions the use of lingual braces. Attached to the back of the teeth and hence invisible, these braces are the epitome of ‘high-tech fashion’ in orthodontics. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, lingual braces offer personalised treatment — as they are typically custom-made for individual dental arch shapes — which, in turn, increases treatment effectiveness and comfort.

Prof. Martyn Cobourne, a prominent orthodontics researcher based at King’s College London and often coming to Southampton, is leading transformative research in molecular genetics to understand why orthodontic problems occur. His work could potentially redefine orthodontic treatment protocols to not just address, but preempt dental alignment issues.

Also noteworthy is the implementation of 3D technology. Southampton’s experts are increasingly using 3D imaging and printing for better diagnostic accuracy, personalised appliance design, and enhanced treatment predictability. These developments help create a ‘digital workflow,’ enabling the precise visualisation of dental structures and expected results.

The city’s labs are also actively researching state-of-the-art biomaterials and micro-implants to optimise treatment and minimising risks associated.

Overall, Southampton’s orthodontic experts are making significant strides in advancing the field. By continuously integrating innovative techniques and technologies into their practice, they are making treatments more efficacious, convenient, and personalised. More so, their forward-thinking research has the potential to greatly impact the future direction of orthodontics globally. It’s a thrilling moment for both the practitioners and patients who will undeniably benefit from these ongoing advancements.