Orthodontic FAQs

Orthodontic treatment uses fixed or removable appliances to gently adjust the alignment of your teeth over time with targeted pressure. These treatments are completely customised to a patient’s unique prescription to ensure the most comfortable and efficient experience.

Each treatment at our practice is custom, so the treatment times vary. That being said, a full comprehensive treatment usually takes between 18 - 24 months.

No, we don’t replace missing teeth. During your initial consultation, we will highlight if this is something you need to plan for, and it can be carried out by your general dentist.

There are a few different types of braces in orthodontics: fixed and removable appliances.

• Removable appliances can refer to clear aligners or functional appliances. Functional appliances are growth modification devices used to guide the development of a child's jaws.
• Fixed appliances are what people usually think of when they imagine orthodontic treatment. Fixed braces are bonded to your teeth and come in metal, clear and hidden options.

Absolutely! We will allow you to change your colour every time you visit us for a scheduled check-up.

No, it doesn’t hurt. When your braces are first fit, or after adjustments, you may feel some soreness and discomfort for a few days as your mouth adjusts. This can be treated with over-the-counter pain relief as needed and is completely normal.

If you are getting fitted with clear aligners, it’s a very fast appointment. For the placement of fixed braces, it usually takes about 45 minutes.

Yes, you can return to your day as soon as you leave your appointment.

If you are having treatment with clear aligners, you can simply remove them for mealtimes. If you have a fixed appliance, then there are some foods you should avoid (as they can damage your brace).

Watch out for foods that are:

• Chewy - like bagels or hard rolls
• Crunchy - like popcorn, ice or crisps
• Sticky - like toffees, chewy sweets or chewing gum
• Hard - like crusty bread, hard fruit & veg, pizza crusts, etc. (You can still eat many of these foods by cutting them into bite-size pieces first.)
• Sweet - like sugary foods and fizzy drinks, which can damage your enamel and leave marks when we remove your brace

If your brace is broken, damaged or lost call us straight away on 0330 094 8930 and tell us what’s happened. We can give you tips on managing your care at home until we can book you in for a special repair appointment.

Yes. We recommend you wear a custom mouth guard to protect your teeth and appliance.

Absolutely! It may require a slight adjustment, but braces shouldn’t prevent you from playing your favourite wind instrument.

How often you come in for adjustments depends upon the specific needs of your case. Most of our patients with braces will be seen every 6 to 10 weeks. However, if a situation justifies closer monitoring, visits will be scheduled accordingly.

Younger patients kept under observation (without corrective appliances in their mouth), are seen every 9 to 18+ months depending on their dental development.

Yes. It’s very important you continue seeing your dentist regularly throughout your orthodontic treatment. Braces provide extra places for plaque to accumulate, so oral hygiene is even MORE important during orthodontic treatment.