Frequently asked questions

Here are some of our more frequently asked questions. Of course, we are sure you will have many questions. If you have something specific to ask that is not covered below please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are more than happy to help.

How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

Cost is very dependent on the type of treatment you require.

You can get in touch for a free consultation to discuss which treatment is best and most suited for you.

Children and Teenagers

• NHS Treatment for children and teenagers (FREE, if eligible)
• Independent Treatment for children and teenagers (prices vary depending on treatment)

Adults

• NHS treatment (NHS fee applies)
• Private treatment (prices vary depending on treatment)

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

This is entirely dependent on the type of treatments you require. For some people this may only be a few months, but for most people it can take around a 12-18 months.

Treatment time also depends on your co-operation and attending appointments, which are usually every 5 to 8 weeks, failure to attend regularly will result in a significant delay to your treatment time.

It is your responsibility to make your next appointment before you leave the practice.

Breakages

Breakages can slow down the progress of your orthodontic treatment – we will advise you how to prevent this from happening.

A loose bracket is NOT an emergency, just give the practice a call and we can advise you further. The wax we provide can ease any discomfort until we can see you.

Does orthodontic treatment hurt?

The process of having your braces fitted will never be sore or uncomfortable. The brace might start to feel tight and uncomfortable a few hours after and this could last for a few days – we advise paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease the discomfort.

The brace might also feel a little prominent to start with, and might rub a little –  on your brace fitting appointment, we will give you some wax that you can use to place over the bits that are rubbing.  Your lips and cheeks will get used to the brace, and within a few days any discomfort should pass.

How do I care for my teeth while I have braces?

Tooth brushing is important, even more so when you have braces – especially a fixed  brace. It is important to keep your oral hygiene at a very high standard throughout treatment, to avoid any damage to your teeth.

We advised that you brush at least twice a day – morning and night – using your toothbrush, along with a smaller interdental brush  to clean in between the squares of the brace and the wire.

We also recommend the use of fluoride mouthwash at a separate time during the day. On the day your braces are fitted, we will give you a tooth-brushing demo to make sure you manage to have excellent brace and tooth-brushing skills

What can I eat and drink while I have braces?

When you have braces, what you eat is just as important as toothbrushing.

We advise that you stay away from sugary snacks, sweets and anything chewy! It is best to cut up harder foods (e.g. apples, carrots) into smaller pieces rather than biting into them, as this can damage your brace!

It is also important to stay away from any fizzy and sugary drinks – even flavoured water, as these can cause permanent damage to your enamel. In short – stick to water and milk!