Orthodontic FAQs

Not everyone needs braces, but if you do, they can make your smile more even, symmetrical and healthy. We can let you know if you would benefit from orthodontic treatment at your initial consultation with us.

Your dentist is trained to look for orthodontic issues which include crooked teeth, early or late loss of baby teeth, how your jaws and teeth come together, speech and chewing difficulties and more.

No, for private treatment you can refer yourself! However, we strongly advise you to register with a general dentist. We will work closely with your dentist during your treatment, and they can help with any necessary fillings or extractions.

An orthodontic specialist has received at least 3 years comprehensive training in orthodontics alone and is best placed to advise on and treat a whole range of problems. A general dentist will refer work which is beyond his/her ability and training.

Absolutely. The health of your teeth is even more important during orthodontic treatment, and you should keep your regular dental appointments in addition to seeing us.

It is common for children to begin treatment with braces once the adult teeth have grown in, but orthodontic treatment is available to patients of all ages. There is no upper age limit!

Your Specialist Orthodontist will advise you on which type of treatment will work best for you. If you have a preference, you can let us know at your initial consultation and we will try to tailor your treatment to suit you.

Absolutely! We offer clear aligners and lingual braces (which are hidden behind your teeth). If you are looking for a budget-friendly discreet option, we also offer tooth-coloured ceramic braces that are most aesthetically pleasing.

If you don’t qualify for NHS treatment, but could still benefit from orthodontics, we are happy to treat you privately.

The length of treatment depends on your orthodontic issue and the type of treatment you choose. Most treatments take between 6 and 20 months. At your initial visit, we will give you an estimate of your custom treatment time frame.

Orthodontic treatment is generally safe when following the instructions of your Specialist Orthodontist. That being said, there are a few things to look out for:

• Tooth decay: If you have a fixed appliance, there will be more places for food, bacteria and plaque to hide. It’s important to brush and floss regularly (and thoroughly) during treatment.
• Shorter tooth roots: Tooth roots can get slightly shorter during treatment. This usually isn’t an issue, but if you have a tooth that was previously traumatised or had large restorations, it’s possible that the tooth will become non-vital and require a root canal.
  This is very rare.
• Gum recession: Orthodontic treatment may cause some of your gum line to recede. This is much less likely if you have (and maintain) good oral hygiene during treatment.

Other risks will be discussed if they apply to you.

There are three main types of food which can cause problems with orthodontic appliances: hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar content. These can dislodge your brackets or cause tooth decay or unsightly white marks on your teeth during treatment.

Ask our team for more details about what you should or shouldn't eat.

If your Specialist Orthodontist has prescribed elastic bands, you should wear them as instructed to get the best outcome from treatment.

If your orthodontic appliance breaks or is lost, or you are experiencing any other orthodontic emergency, please contact our team as soon as possible so we can keep your treatment on track.

Once your treatment starts you will usually visit every 6 to 10 weeks. This will allow us to make adjustments in your treatment and keep you on schedule. If you cannot attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can reschedule.

Yes, but it is essential you wear a custom mouthguard while playing contact sports – even during practice. This will protect your teeth and appliance.

Your speech or playing may be affected for a few days as your mouth adjusts to your new appliance but, with just a little time and practice, you should be able to carry on as before.

Your treatment cost will depend on a number of factors, including the type of treatment chosen, treatment length and complexity of orthodontic issues. You will receive a custom quote at your first consultation, and we offer payment plans to spread out the cost of treatment.

Retainers are fixed or removable appliances that are used to hold your teeth in their new alignment after orthodontic treatment. It is important to follow your Specialist Orthodontist’s instructions on retainer use if you want to keep your results long-term.

For as long as you want your teeth to remain straight! Your teeth will try to move back to their pretreatment positions if you stop wearing your retainer. If you are concerned about remembering to use your retainer, you can ask us if a fixed retainer would be better for you.

Yes we do, with several benefits!

• When a second child in the family has treatment with us, save 5%
• When three or more family remembers have orthodontic treatment with us, save an additional 10%
• Save time! Enjoy the convenience of booking appointments together by starting treatment at the same time whilst still being affordable!