Orthodontics

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Orthodontics is an area of dentistry concerned with guiding the development of the dentition and managing irregularities and abnormalities of the teeth and jaws.

About our service

Orthodontic treatment aims to correct the irregularities of the teeth and jaws to improve the appearance and function. We provide treatment and assessment at the Oral and Facial Department at Pinderfields Hospital by the team of Consultants, Orthodontic Therapists and Specialty Trainees.

We are able to accept patients on referral for assessment and advice. Patients are usually referred by their general dentist or from specialists. Only patients with the most severe problems can be accepted for treatment within the department.

Conditions we treat

Complex orthodontic problems:

  • Patients with clefts of the lip and/ or palate or craniofacial syndromes.
  • Patients with significant skeletal discrepancies requiring combined Orthodontics and Orthognathic surgery.
  • Patients who require Orthodontics and complex Oral Surgery input (e.g. multiple impacted teeth).
  • Patients with complex restorative problems (such as patients born with multiple missing teeth) requiring secondary care input from a team in Restorative or Paediatric Dentistry in a multidisciplinary environment.
  • Patients with medical, developmental or social problems who would not be considered suitable for treatment in specialist practice.
  • Complex Orthodontic cases not considered suitable for management in specialist practice.
  • Referrals where advice or a second opinion is required from a secondary care Consultant.

A service for patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is also provided in association with the Sleep Service.

What our patients say

Patients say

Excellent communication by the doctor.

Patients say

My experience was comfortable and stress free.

Patients say

Professional courteous staff, reassuring the patient. A credit to Pinderfields and the NHS. Thanks.

Patients say

Good at explaining and listening.

Patients say

Everyone was efficient and friendly.

Patient information leaflets

The British Orthodontic Society provides excellent leaflets and advice on a range of orthodontic treatments. This includes advice on leaflets such as:

  • Orthodontic treatment
  • Caring for your child’s teeth
  • Dummy and digit-sucking habits
  • How to keep your teeth and gums healthy
  • Teeth and brace-friendly food and drink
  • Why it’s important to stop smoking
  • Orthodontics & children with additional needs
  • So you’re going to see the Orthodontist
  • Your first visit to the orthodontist
  • Orthodontic treatment: What are the risks?
  • Impacted canines
  • Removable appliances
  • Functional braces
  • Fixed braces
  • Rapid maxillary expansion (RME)
  • Headgear
  • Protraction headgear
  • Interproximal reduction
  • Orthodontic mini-screws
  • Retainers
  • Mouthguards
  • Adult orthodontics
  • Orthognathic treatment

Orthodontic team

Consultants

Mr R J Spencer, MSc, BDS, FDSRCS, MOrth RCS, FDS(Orth) RCS
Dr C S Barker, DDS, BChD, MFDS RCS, MOrth RCS, FDS(Orth) RCS

Dr S Barber, PhD, MSc, BDS, MFDS RCS, MOrth RCS, FDS(Orth) RCS

Mr S Fletcher, MSc, BDS, MFDS RCS, MOrth RCS, FDS(Orth) RCS
 

Orthodontic therapists

Mrs J Gray

Mrs H James

 

Orthodontics special interests:

Mr R J Spencer: Cleft lip and palate, adult orthodontics, orthognathic, Sleep
Dr C S Barker: Orthognathic, Hypodontia, complex interdisciplinary orthodontics, Sleep

Dr S Barber: Hypodontia, complex interdisciplinary decision making, Orthognathic

Mr S Fletcher: Orthognathic, complex interdisciplinary orthodontics

Advice for dentists

Referrals

All referrals into the department for assessment, advice and treatment are requested through the Dental Referral Management System for Yorkshire and Humber region:  refer here

Referral guidelines

IOTN

Dental Trauma

Advice for medical practitioners

Referrals

Referrals are accepted according to the Directory of Service (eRS). Please note that referrals into orthodontics require the patient to have a general dentist. Most orthodontic referrals should be from the general dentist or dental specialist.