Frequently Asked Questions

Just give us a call. Many patients take the initiative to arrange a consultation themselves, while others are referred to us by their dentist.

The initial examination will allow us to answer the following questions:
• Is there an orthodontic problem and if so what is it?
• What needs to be done to correct the problem?
• Will any teeth need to be removed?
• How long will the treatment take to complete?
• Is there an entitlement for treatment under the NHS?

Possibly. New technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures which mean that removing teeth is not always necessary but it is sometimes required to achieve the best results.

Unfortunatly no, in most people after the permanent molars appear the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

Your overall treatment will last anywhere from 8 months to 30 months depending on your individual requirements. If you require braces, the "average" time frame for wearing them is between 18 and 24 months.

NHS treatment is available for most people under 18 years of age (before your 19th birthday if you are in full time education). You must be registered as an NHS patient with a dentist to qualify for NHS orthodontic treatment. Those who do not qualify for NHS assistance can pay for treatment as private patients.

Yes. As we do not have to apply for funding from the NHS, there is less delay in starting your treatment and a wider range of appointment times are available. We can also offer a variety of advanced, more cosmetic and efficient appliances which are not available on the NHS.

Most patients in braces will be seen every 6 to 8 weeks. Where there is a requirement for more frequent monitoring we will schedule appointments accordingly.

It is not uncommon to experience some discomfort when you have your braces fitted and tightened. Pain relief medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen will ease the discomfort.

No. The brace itself will not damage your teeth but you must remove plaque with regular brushing. It is also vital that fizzy drinks and sugary foods are avoided whilst wearing braces.

Yes. Start on a reasonably soft diet until you get used to your brace. Harder food should be avoided, such as crusty breads, hard crisps, pop corn, pizzas with a hard base, sticky toffee's/sweets and chewing gum. We still want you to get your five a day so when it comes to eating fruit and veg chop them up and eat them on your back teeth. Try and keep fizzy/sugary drinks as a treat and if you must drink them then drink through a straw.

Yes. We recommend a mouth guard while in fixed braces and that you take out any removeable braces during contact sports and swimming.