• Do I need braces?​

 

• How much does private orthodontics treatment cost?

 

• Is it necessary to remove teeth before I have braces fitted?

 

• Once I have a brace do I need to wear one forever?

 

• Will I be able to remove my braces?

 

• Will having braces affect how I eat?

 

• Will wearing braces mean that I can no longer play sports?

 

• Can I still play musical instruments whilst wearing braces?

 

• Can't my child just wait until their older for orthodontic treatment?

 

• How often will I need to attend appointments?

 

• Is it painful to have braces fitted?

 

• My brace has broken. What do I do?

 

• Do I still visit my regular dentist during treatment?

 

Do I need braces?

If you think that you may need or want braces then the best place to start is with a visit to your dentist. They will be able to advise as to whether they feel orthodontics is necessary or helpful and if they do then they will refer you to an orthodontist. The orthodontist will review your oral condition and make a decision as to whether treatment should proceed, be postponed or stop. For more information about the benefits of orthodontics see the better teeth for life guide.

 

Is it painful to have braces fitted?

Most patients feel little to no pain. If you do feel any pain it will be in the few days after having the braces fitted or adjusted and its nothing some mild painkillers won't easily get rid of. The most common pain patients complain of is the brace rubbing against their cheeks or gums. The orthodontist will advise you during treatment how to avoid or minimise this.

 

Once I have a brace, do I need to wear one forever?

You don't have to but it is advised because over time your teeth can revert back to their original position. However, the brace you wear is referred to as a retainer which is not the same as the brace that you'll wear for the duration of your treatment. A retainer can be fixed or removable depending on your condition but it will be far less visible that the fixed braces used during treatment.

 

Will I be able to remove my braces?

Your braces are fixed for the duration of your treatment (18 to 24 months on average) therefore it is highly recommended that you do not attempt to move or remove your braces. Removal is highly likely to damage your teeth and prolong treatment.

 

Will having braces affect how I eat?

You can eat but you may have to learn to eat slightly differently. For instance you are recommended to:

 

• Avoid eating using the front of your mouth

• Minimise chewing

• Try to stick to 3 meals a day and minimise the number of occurences in which you eat.

• Avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods that encourage you to chew

 

How often do I need to attend appointments?

It depends on your condition but it is common to attend every 4 to 8 weeks during treatment. These appointments will be to adjust your braces as they move into the desired position.

 

My brace has broken. What do I do?

Contact us straight away and we'll advise you about what to do next. Do not delay as certain damages can pose a danger to your oral health.

 

Do I still visit my regular dentist during treatment?

Yes. You should maintain your regular visits to your dentist.

 

Will wearing braces mean I can no longer play sports?

You can play sports although braces are a lot more sensitive to bumps that your teeth so if you're playing a sport that can or does involve contact above shoulder height then we advise investing in a purpose made gum shield. If you think you will require a gum shield then contact us to schedule an appointment so we can get you measured up.

 

Can I still play musical instruments whilst wearing braces?

Wearing braces can affect your ability to play musicial instruments that involve the use of your mouth. Speak the orthodontist during your next appointment to get their opinion and if you have a music teacher then speak to them as well. They may have prior experience with patients who have been in the same position and will be best placed to advise.

 

Can't my child just wait until they're older for orthodontic treatment?

To cut a long story short, the sooner someone has treatment the better and often cheaper than choosing to delay it.

 

Ongoing care is part of the orthodontic process but the amount of time, effort and money required to treat conditions reduces as time goes on. The most intensive part of the treatment is usually the first 1 to 2 years during the initial preperation for treatment, the fitting and adjustments. However, once that is finished it becomes a retention process. The orthodontist will advise that that patient wears a fixed or removable retainer to retain the final position of their teeth. Once this is in place and assuming the patient follows the orthodontists guidance then the ongoing care becomes minimal and they'll rarely have to see the orthodontist again.

 

How much does private orthodontics treatment cost?

It depends on your oral condition and the treatment or appliances that you would prefer to use. It is common for private orthodontics treatment to start from two thousand pounds but you would need to make an appointment to recieve an accurate quote.

 

Is it necessary to remove teeth before I have braces fitted?

In most instances extractions are not required but sometimes it is necesary.On your first visit the orthodontist will advise you as to whether it is necessary to remove one or multiple teeth.