FAQs for new patients
Q What is orthodontics?
A It is a specialist treatment for patients who want to improve their smile or their bite, or both. Usually braces are worn. These consist of brackets and wires which move the teeth into new positions. At the end of treatment, it is possible to minimally change the shape of teeth to create an even, aligned smile.
Q What type of braces are there?
A There are fixed and removable braces, metal and tooth coloured, those that fit on the outside and invisible braces that fit on the inside of your teeth. Your orthodontist will show you examples.
Q What does orthodontic treatment cost?
A If you are 18 or under and you qualify for treatment on the National Health Service, the treatment is free. The cost of private orthodontic treatment depends on what you want and need.
Q How long does it take?
A An 'average' course of orthodontic treatment with fixed braces takes between one and two years followed by the retention phase, when retainers hold your teeth in the new position. Simple problems can often be corrected more quickly.
Q How often are appointments?
A Fixed braces are generally adjusted every 6-10 weeks. Patients with removable braces may be seen more frequently.
Q Will I need time off school or work?
A We have early and late appointments so our patients can ensure that there is minimum disruption to their daily lives. Appointments for National Health Service patients are more restricted.
Q What is it like to wear braces?
A Having a brace fitted is a painless procedure. However, your teeth are likely to ache for about 2 days following the fitting. Normal painkillers can help as will sipping cold water with ice cubes. Eating may also be difficult and you may prefer soft foods in the first few days. Most problems subside within 48 hours.
Q Will treatment affect my speech?
A It’s likely that your speech will be affected for the first few days. Lingual braces can take longer to adapt to. Most people find that their speech is fine after around three days. If you have a removable brace, don’t be tempted to take it out or it is unlikely that your speech will adapt.
Q I play a woodwind / brass instrument. Will it affect my playing?
A Musicians find the effect on instrument playing is variable. Some have no problems, whilst others do. You can obtain more information from the website of the British Orthodontic Society.
FAQs for patients in treatment
Q Do I still need to see my dentist?
A Yes, this is very important. Although we are seeing you regularly, your own dentist needs to monitor the health of the teeth and gums throughout treatment.
Q What do I do about contact sports?
A A custom fitted mouthguard is recommended when a fixed brace is worn. These start from £50.00 and can be made at the surgery in approximately seven days. It is important to have one constructed to fit over the fixed brace. These are made to allow movement of the teeth during treatment. Removable braces should be placed in an appliance box during contact sports
Q What can I eat?
A Those in braces should avoid foods which might pull off your wires or brackets. These include uncooked carrots and celery, popcorn, toffee and chewing gum. It’s important to have a good diet and to brush your teeth regularly and carefully. Failure to keep your teeth clean or an unhealthy diet or too many drinks high in sugar could mean you are left with marks on your teeth when the braces come off.
Q What do I do if the brace breaks?
A If this happens outside surgery hours and you are not in pain, please contact the surgery on 020 8977 7272 on the next working day to arrange a repair. If you are in pain or difficulty, please telephone the surgery and you will be given an emergency number. Apply wax or ‘Brace-eze’ to any areas which are sharp, including long wires and broken brackets.
Q What do I do if my brace rubs?
A Wax can be applied to a fixed brace. Try to dry the area first with a piece of tissue to help the wax stick. If a removable brace is rubbing, wear it as much as possible but contact the surgery as soon as possible to have it looked at.
Q What happens at the end of treatment?
A Once the fixed braces are removed, removable retainers are made. These should be worn every day for a period of time for twelve months. Generally, indefinite, occasional retainer wear is advised to maintain the final result. Private patients can choose to have fixed retainers to maintain their new smile for life.