Orthodontics

About us

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the development and management of irregularities and abnormalities of the teeth, jaws and face. Its aim is to produce a healthy functional bite, improving dental and facial appearance.

Orthodontists are dental surgeons who have undergone formal specialist training in deformities affecting the position of teeth and facial growth. They are specialist dentists who diagnose and treat abnormalities in the alignment of teeth and associated structures. They work closely with oral and maxillofacial surgeons, consultants in restorative dentistry and other related dental specialties.

There is open access for orthodontic opinions for children and adults in the department in the John Radcliffe Hospital. The criteria for acceptance for treatment is largely based upon the Index of Treatment Need (IOTN) categories 4 and 5, i.e. those in the greatest need for treatment.

A selected number of cases are accepted for training purposes. Where multidisciplinary care is required, adults may be offered orthodontic treatment. Jaw surgery (orthognathic treatment) is available if the criteria of the Index of functional orthognathic Need (IOFTN) and or IOTN are fulfilled.

Services provided

The Orthodontic Department consists of three orthodontics consultants, who work closely with their colleagues in the the oral and maxillofacial department, restorative dentistry and oral medicine.

They are supported by several multidisciplinary teams offering a comprehensive orthodontic service for Oxfordshire, including joint restorative clinics, joint orthognathic clinics, regular dentoalveolar clinics and cleft and craniofacial clinics. Oxford is a regional centre for cleft lip and palate, and has one of four Department of Health funded craniofacial units.

Information leaflets are available for many of the different treatment options available and patients are encouraged to ask questions in order to understand their treatment fully.

A variety of conditions are treated, including:

• severe malocclusions
• interceptive orthodontics
  
• impacted teeth
  
• hypodontia
  
• cleft lip and palate
  
• craniofacial anomalies including cleft lip and palate.
  

A full range of orthodontic treatment is available, including:

• complex orthodontic treatment
  
• functional appliances
  
• removable and fixed appliances
• bone anchored devices
• orthodontics combined with orthognathic surgery
  
• orthodontics combined with restorative dentistry including the management of complex trauma and hypodontia.

Patient leaflets

There are free patient leaflets to download from the British Orthodontic Society (BOS).

British Orthodontic Society patient information leaflets

For bulk printing, please visit the BOS Shop

Find us and contact us

Orthodontics Department
Outpatients Green Area
Level 2 John Radcliffe Hospital
Headley Way
Headington
Oxford OX3 9DU

If you are a current orthodontic patient and have any queries, we can help. We aim to respond within one working day.

Please email your query and attach a photograph if it would help.

Please provide your:

• full name
• date of birth
• contact telephone number
• MRN hospital number or NHS number (if known).

Email: orthodontics@ouh.nhs.uk

The telephone is likely to be busy so it may be best to email.

Tel: 01865 221407 9.00am - 4.00pm Monday to Friday