Your orthodontic questions answered
Orthodontic treatment can benefit a wide range of individuals, from children to adults. It’s not just about achieving a beautiful smile, but also about improving your overall oral health. Children can sometimes benefit from early intervention to correct bite issues and guide proper jaw development. Teenagers and adults can achieve straighter teeth and a more confident smile with treatments like Invisalign, Angel Aligners or fixed braces. Whether you’re dealing with crowding, spacing or bite problems, personalised orthodontic care can make a huge difference to your dental health and self-esteem.
There is no age limit for braces. Orthodontic treatment can be effective at any age, whether you’re a child, teenager or adult. Many adults are now opting for braces to improve their smile and oral health. Our wide range of options, including discreet Invisalign and Angel Aligners, as well as more traditional fixed and lingual braces, ensures we can find the perfect solution for your needs. It’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!
While both professionals start with a dental degree, an orthodontist undergoes three additional years of specialised training focused specifically on diagnosing, preventing and treating dental misalignments. This means that an orthodontist has extensive expertise in managing complex tooth movements, which ensures more precise and effective treatment outcomes. Choosing a specialist orthodontist means you’re getting care from someone who dedicates their entire practice to straightening teeth.
We offer a comprehensive range of orthodontic treatments tailored to meet your individual needs and preferences. Our options include clear, champagne and metal fixed braces, which are reliable and effective for treating many orthodontic issues. For those seeking a more discreet solution, we provide hidden lingual braces that sit behind your teeth, as well as removable clear aligners like Invisalign and Angel Aligners. You can explore your options with a specialist orthodontist during your no-obligation free consultation.
Yes, hidden lingual braces are just as effective as traditional braces. They work in a similar way by applying gentle pressure to move your teeth into the desired position over time. The main difference is that lingual braces are fitted to the back of your teeth, making them nearly invisible from the front. This makes them a great option if you want a discreet treatment. Rest assured, you’ll achieve the same fantastic result with either type of braces. If you have any specific concerns or questions about which option might be best for you, we’re here to help!
Clear aligners can offer several advantages over traditional braces. Firstly, they are nearly invisible, making them a popular choice for those seeking a discreet orthodontic solution. Unlike metal fixed braces, clear aligners are removable, allowing you to eat, drink, brush and floss with ease. Clear aligners are also custom-made to fit your teeth comfortably, which can result in less irritation to the gums and cheeks compared to metal brackets and wires. Treatment with clear aligners typically involves fewer visits to the orthodontist, as fewer adjustments are needed.
While orthodontic treatments are generally very safe, there are a few potential risks and side effects to be aware of. Some people may experience mild discomfort or soreness when their braces or aligners are first fitted or adjusted. This usually subsides within a few days. There can also be minor irritation to the gums, cheeks or lips from brackets or wires, but this is typically manageable and temporary. In rare cases, there may be more significant issues such as root resorption (shortening of the roots of teeth) or problems with jaw joint function. However, these are uncommon, and your orthodontist will monitor your progress closely to minimise any risks.
Yes, there are some dietary considerations to keep in mind with each type of orthodontic treatment. For clear and metal braces, it’s best to avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods as they can damage the brackets and wires. Foods like nuts, popcorn, caramel and chewing gum should be avoided. Additionally, cutting food into smaller pieces can help prevent any damage. With Invisalign and Angel Aligners, you have more flexibility since the aligners are removable. You can eat whatever you like as long as you remove the aligners before eating and remember to clean your teeth and aligners before putting them back in. In all cases, maintaining a balanced diet and excellent dental hygiene is key to achieving the best results from your treatment.
The duration of orthodontic treatment can vary depending on the individual needs of each patient. On average, most treatments take between 12 to 24 months. However, some cases might be shorter, while others could take a bit longer. Factors such as the complexity of the dental issues being addressed and how well you follow your orthodontist’s instructions all play a role in determining the length of your treatment. Rest assured, we will work closely with you to achieve your desired results as efficiently as possible.
Typically, you will need to visit our team every 6 to 8 weeks during your treatment. These regular appointments allow us to monitor your progress, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure that your treatment is on track. However, the exact frequency of visits may vary depending on your specific treatment plan and brace option. Invisalign and Angel Aligners, for example, need fewer adjustments compared with fixed braces. We’ll work together to schedule appointments that fit conveniently into your routine.
You can expect a warm welcome from our friendly team. We’ll start with a thorough discussion about your dental history and what you hope to achieve with orthodontic treatment. Next, we will conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth and jaws, which may include X-rays, scans or photographs to get a detailed understanding of your needs. After the examination, we’ll discuss the various treatment options available to you, such as Invisalign, Angel Aligners, fixed braces or lingual braces. We’ll explain the benefits of each option and how they can help you achieve a straighter smile. This is also an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have about the process, costs and expected outcomes.
Yes! During your free consultation, we will assess your orthodontic needs and explore the best solutions tailored specifically for you. This is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions and understand more about the treatments we offer, whether it’s Invisalign, fixed braces or another option. We’re here to support you on your journey to a confident, beautiful smile.
Choosing private orthodontic care offers several key advantages. Firstly, you can expect a highly personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. This means more one-on-one time with your orthodontist and a customised approach that considers your lifestyle and preferences. Secondly, private care provides access to the latest and most advanced orthodontic technologies and treatments, such as Invisalign, Angel Aligners and hidden lingual braces. These options can offer greater comfort and aesthetic benefits compared to traditional methods. Lastly, as a private clinic, we are not limited by NHS funding and have no waiting times for appointments, allowing you to begin your treatment sooner and enjoy more flexible appointment times.
After your initial consultation, you can typically start your orthodontic treatment within a few weeks. This time allows us to create your treatment plan and, if you opt for Invisalign or Angel Aligners, manufacture your custom-made aligners. We understand that you are eager to begin your journey towards a new smile, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule and start as soon as possible.
We understand that orthodontic treatment is an important investment in your smile and overall health. To make it more accessible, we offer payment options to suit different budgets, including interest-free monthly instalments. Our team is here to guide you through the process and find the best option for your needs, ensuring that achieving your dream smile is both affordable and stress-free.
No, there are no hidden fees when starting your treatment with us. We believe in transparency and will provide you with a detailed breakdown of all costs involved upfront. If you have any questions or concerns about costs, please feel free to ask.