FAQ
What can Orthodontics do for me?
Orthodontics can help you in many ways. First of all, it can improve your smile (aesthetics) by aligning your teeth and/or jaw for a great smile, boosting your self-esteem. Well-aligned teeth and jaws are also critical for the healthy function of your mouth, which is important for eating and speech. Orthodontic treatment can also improve the health of your gums and can reduce the risk of caries by making it easier to maintain your oral hygiene. Well-aligned teeth also protect your teeth from wear and reduce the risk of developing joint problems.Is a referral from the dentist necessary?
For NHS treatment a child needs to be referred through your dentist. For private patients and all patients over the age of 18 a self-referral is possible.At what age should my child be seen by an Orthodontist?
Roughly 50% of children require orthodontic treatment at some point in life. Many treatments for children are started best during early mixed dentition. This means, the best time to be seen for an orthodontic assessment is between ages 10 and 11. In some extreme cases an earlier assessment might be necessary. Your dentist will be able to decide if your child should be seen early.Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?
No one is too old for orthodontic treatment. We’ll comfortably do treatments on patients well into their 70s, although most commonly patients are treated between 10 – 15, 20 – 25 and 35 – 50 years of age.Do I need to see my general dentist once I start orthodontic treatment?
Yes, you should still see your general dentist every 6 months for a check-up and cleaning. This ensures that no need for general dental treatment is missed during your orthodontic treatment.What are the costs for private orthodontic treatment?
The cost of private treatment varies depending on the need of treatment and the method of treatment chosen. View our current Price List here.What is the IOTN?
The IOTN (Index of Treatment Need) is a scale that determines if a patient under the age of 18 qualifies for NHS funding of orthodontic treatment. Based on various measurements and analyses, the Orthodontist can see if a case would fall under one of the many categories of teeth and jaw misalignment that would be considered severe enough to be paid for by the NHS. Examples of categories include severe crowding, severe under- or overbites, missing teeth and many more.What happens at the first appointment?
At the first appointment we will assess the patient’s need for treatment, discuss patient concerns, objectives, treatment options and costs. We might also take photographs of the teeth and the mouth, moulds of the dentition and x-rays if necessary. This helps us to analyse the case and to develop a treatment plan.How long does treatment take?
Treatment time varies between 6 months and three years, depending on the complexity of the case and the method of treatment. The average time for active treatment with fixed braces is 18 months. During that time we usually see you every 6 to 8 weeks for a check-up and to readjust the appliance.Does it hurt?
Fitting a brace does not involve any injections or drillings. First we have to clean the teeth and rinse and spray the teeth while using a dental suction to collect water and saliva. All of this is pain free. Once the teeth are cleaned and dried, the brace is fitted. Initially a brace can be uncomfortable and you will need to get used to the feeling of the appliance in your mouth and the pressure needed to move your teeth. This usually only takes a few days and can be helped by using orthodontic waxes. And of course knowing how wonderful your smile will be after treatment helps to deal with any discomfort in the first few days.What do I do if the brace breaks?
Please call the practice right away. We’ll advice you what to do or who to contact if you’re calling out of hours. Depending on what type of orthodontic appliance you have we will see you at the earliest possible time to repair the breakage.However, please always remember to follow your instructions to avoid any breakages!
Can I play sports with braces?
Yes, you can continue playing sports, but you should always wear a mouth guard to protect your braces and teeth. There is a correct guard for every sport and depending on if a patient has a fixed or removable brace. Please enquire with your orthodontist which mouth guard is appropriate for you and your needs.Can I play instruments with braces?
Yes. For patients playing brass instruments and wearing a fixed brace it will take some time getting used to it, but it will not be an obstacle. Your music teacher should be able to give you some advice on this and perhaps help find the right mouthpiece for you.Do I need a retainer after treatment?
Yes. To assure the stability of the treatment you will have to wear a retainer which is either a removable plate for night-time use, or a bonded retainer which is fixed to the back of your teeth where you cannot see or feel it. Teeth will need time after straightening to settle fully. The first 12 months following treatment are the most critical to the stability of the treatment result. Teeth will always move without retainers regardless of treatment.Will I need to change my diet with braces?
Yes, if you are fitted with a fixed brace you will need to adjust your diet so that you don’t damage the appliance. You should avoid hard, chewy and sticky food. You should also stick to food and drinks that are low on sugar and acids as these can cause enamel decay or even caries. Once you have a brace fitted we will give you detailed instructions on diet and brushing to maintain good, healthy oral hygiene.Examples of foods to avoid include (but are not limited to): crisps, pizza crust, popcorn, wine gums, chewing gum, hard bread, toffee, caramel, hard chocolate bars. Cut apples and carrots into thin slices before eating, and remember to avoid chewing on pencils or other hard objects!