FAQs

Teeth straightening treatment shouldn’t hurt, although you may feel some discomfort for the first few days after your braces are fitted as your teeth get used to the pressure needed to straighten your teeth. You may also experience discomfort each time your fixed brace is tightened or adjusted, or you move to a new aligner, but this is temporary and can be controlled with over-the-counter painkillers.

Your teeth will need to be healthy and in good condition before you begin orthodontic treatment. If you have any signs of gum disease or decay, this will need to be treated before your braces can be fitted. This will be done by your general dentist.

Yes, it is very important to keep up with an excellent oral hygiene routine while you have braces. If your teeth are not properly cleaned, including using interdental brushes to reach between your brackets if you have fixed braces, you risk developing staining or discolouration. I can give you some tips and advice on the best way to brush and floss during your treatment. If you have clear aligners, they can be removed to make teeth cleaning easy.

You should still see your dentist for regular check up and hygiene appointments during your orthodontic treatment. They will be able to make sure your teeth and gums remain healthy and keep an eye on your dental health. I focus on straightening your healthy teeth.

The length of time needed to straighten teeth varies from person to person, depending on the complexity of the case, initial condition of the teeth, and how far they have to move to achieve the ideal result. At your initial consultation, I can give you an estimate of your treatment time, which is confirmed once your treatment plan has been created.

Your fixed braces are attached to your teeth for the duration of your treatment, so you need to eat with them still in your mouth. There are certain foods you should avoid or be careful when eating, but these are discussed with you along with other tailored advice.

When you have fixed braces fitted, you should avoid foods that are very sticky or sweet, to avoid causing unnecessary damage or decay to your braces and teeth. It is also important to cut up very hard foods such as crusty bread or apples rather than biting into them. If you need any tips or have any questions, please just ask!

Having fixed braces fitted onto your teeth doesn’t hurt and is a non-invasive process. When the braces are on your teeth, they won’t be painful, but you may feel some temporary discomfort in the first few days, and each time your brace is adjusted.

Fixed braces will not damage your teeth. I am best placed to look after the health and structure of your teeth and will ensure they are monitored during treatment. I also use dental-safe adhesive which will not damage your tooth enamel.

The main alternative to metal fixed braces is the more cosmetic version, which uses tooth-coloured ceramic brackets that blend more seamlessly into your smile. If you are concerned about aesthetics during treatment, and want an option that does not include metal, ceramic fixed braces could be the best option for you.

Metal fixed braces treatment typically takes around 12 to 30 months, depending on the complexity of your case and how far your teeth have to move. I will give you a more exact estimate of your treatment time at your initial appointment.

Invisalign aligners are designed with comfort in mind, giving them a snug and accurate fit over your teeth. They also will not rub your gums or irritate your mouth, which can occur with fixed braces. You will likely experience some discomfort when you first start wearing your aligners, but this is temporary and will fade.

Depending on the complexity of your case, you can expect your clear aligner treatment to take around 9-18 months. You will be given a more specific timeframe relating to your individual requirements and clinical need at your initial consultation.

There is no upper age limit for Invisalign! If you have always wanted straighter teeth but have never taken the plunge with treatment, now could be your chance. Invisalign is a very effective and easy way for adults to improve the appearance of their smiles, and can also be used in some cases to correct relapse following previous treatment.

Invisalign is convenient, easy to use and achieves excellent results in a relatively short time, making it an exceptionally popular orthodontic treatment with patients looking to enhance their smiles worldwide. The treatment offers an effective and successful way to achieve your dream smile without the worry about feeling self-conscious in obvious metal braces.

When you first begin your Invisalign treatment, you may notice a slight difference in the way you talk, or develop a temporary lisp. However, this is short-lived, and will fade as you get used to the feeling of the aligners in your mouth.

Ceramic braces carry many of the same benefits as metal braces, but in a much more discreet way. Metal is arguably stronger, although modern materials mean ceramic can now match the durability. Many people choose ceramic fixed braces based on aesthetics.

Ceramic braces are certainly less visible than the metal alternative, and are a much more cosmetic approach. The braces blend into your teeth, making them barely noticeable unless someone is very close. The ceramic material makes these braces a great option for people worried about feeling self-conscious with metal brackets and wires.

Having ceramic braces fitted onto your teeth doesn’t hurt and is a non-invasive process. When the braces are on your teeth, they won’t be painful, but you may feel some temporary discomfort in the first few days, and each time your brace is adjusted.

The treatment time for ceramic fixed braces varies from patient to patient, depending on the condition of your teeth and how far they have to move. On average, ceramic braces treatment takes around 12 to 30 months, but some cases may see results faster than that. You will get a more exact time at your initial consultation.

Ceramic braces are fixed onto your teeth for the duration of treatment, and can’t be removed. You need to eat with them in your mouth, which will become second nature after a few days. To avoid any damage to your brace or teeth, you should avoid very sweet, sticky or hard foods. If you have any questions or need some tailored advice, please just ask!

Lingual braces are virtually invisible, and can’t be seen when you smile or talk. As they are fitted on the back surface of your teeth, the only way they become visible is if you tilt your head back or purposely want to show someone. They are an excellent option for patients who want a subtle straightening treatment.

Placing lingual braces on your teeth is a non-invasive procedure and is not painful. You may experience some discomfort in the first few days after your lingual brace is fitted, and after each adjustment, but this is temporary and a good sign that your treatment is working. It may also take a few days for you to get used to the feeling of the brackets next to your tongue.

Lingual braces are widely suitable for the majority of people, especially those who are looking for a discreet fixed option. If you are interested in this method for straightening your teeth, please talk to me.

It is important to keep your braces clean, although this may be a little harder with lingual brackets. Brush and floss after every meal, using an interdental brush to help you reach between the brackets. I am happy to give you some specialised brushing advice to help you keep your oral health in great condition during treatment.

Lingual brace treatment usually takes around 12-18 months, depending on the complexity of your case. It is often a faster option than traditional fixed braces. I can give you a more accurate idea of the time needed to straighten your smile during your initial consultation.

Lingual braces do not cause damage to your teeth. The brackets are fixed to your teeth using dental-safe adhesive which can be carefully polished off at the end of treatment. If any damage or staining on your teeth occurs due to poor brushing or food choice, this is confined to the back of your teeth and won’t be visible from the front.

If you have removable aligners, you can continue to eat and drink whatever you choose as the aligners can be taken out of your mouth for mealtimes. If you have fixed braces fitted, you should avoid very sweet or sticky foods, as these could damage your brace or harm your oral health. You should also avoid biting into very hard foods such as apples and crusty bread.

In order to brush your fixed braces effectively, you will need to use an interdental brush. This passes under the wire of your brace and enables you to remove trapped debris from every tooth, keeping them clean and healthy. You should also brush with a normal toothbrush over, above and below each bracket, paying attention to your gums as well.

If your brace gets damaged or broken, please get in touch as soon as possible. A speedy repair is usually all that is needed to get your treatment back on track. If your brace is broken, it can’t work effectively so your treatment time may increase.

Retainers are seen as the final stage of all orthodontic treatment, and you need to wear one to ensure your teeth stay in their new straight positions. Teeth have a habit of moving back to their original places, so a retainer prevents relapse and stops you losing all the hard work done during active treatment. Retainers need to be worn overnight for as long as you want your teeth to stay straight.