If you can’t find the answer to your question here, please get in touch. We’re always happy to discuss any aspect of your orthodontic treatment with you.
Most children begin treatment around the age of 12 or 13, once all their permanent teeth have erupted. In a few instances treatment is better started early and your dentist may want to make an earlier referral. But age is not a barrier to treatment and the number of adults seeking treatment is on the increase.
Most treatment in the UK is carried out by specialist orthodontists working in local practices. Specialist orthodontists are dentists who have done an additional three years of specialist training. They usually see their patients on referral from a general dentist. There are also dentists with a special interest in orthodontics who have trained to treat the more straightforward orthodontic cases. The very complex cases, for example a patient requiring surgery, are referred to a Consultant Orthodontist in hospital. Orthodontists in the Community Dental Service also provide a supporting service mostly to the patients in their clinics and they will also treat patients with special needs.
Within the NHS, orthodontic care for children under 18 can be provided free if the need for treatment is great enough. Minor problems are excluded however. It is not always easy to find an NHS orthodontist in some areas, particularly since limitations have been placed on availability of NHS funding, and increasingly patients are opting for private treatment.
Private treatment can offer a wider choice of braces, including clear brackets or invisible braces, and more convenient appointment times. Costs for private treatment vary according to the part of the country but are likely to be in the range of £1,500 to £4,500, depending on the locality, the age of the patient and the extent of treatment required.
The orthodontist will examine you to assess your need for treatment. You may have X-rays, scans and photographs taken. The orthodontist will then want to discuss the possibilities for treatment with you and agree how to proceed. It is very unlikely that you would have braces fitted at the first appointment.
Correcting the teeth often needs additional space. Extractions may well be needed if sufficient space cannot satisfactorily be created in other ways. This decision is taken as part of the orthodontic assessment. The extractions are carried out by your own dentist rather than the orthodontist.
Advances in treatment methods mean that extractions are actually needed less frequently than in the past.
You will usually need to have appointments every six to eight weeks. It is not advisable to start treatment if you know you will not be able to keep regular appointments or if you are planning to be out of the country for long periods of time.
Some of the elastics we use on fixed braces come in different colours. Ask your orthodontist if you have any particular favourite colours you want them to use! Most orthodontists are happy to offer the colours of your choice and any combination of colours.
You should be aware however that certain types of bracket are not designed for use with elastic rings and colours are not an option in such cases. Your orthodontist can advise you.
Fitting a brace is not painful, at the most a little discomfort is involved. However for a few days afterwards the teeth and gums will almost certainly ache as the teeth start to move. This is to be expected and is not a cause for concern. Your cheeks can also get sore until they are used to the brace.
There may also be some aching after the brace is adjusted from time to time. If necessary take your usual painkillers until things settle down.
It is impossible to give a definite answer. Simple cases may be completed in a few months, and the average case may take 18-24 months. Complex cases may take three years or more, especially if referral to hospital is involved.
Each patient is individual and the speed of tooth movements vary a lot - this is something which cannot be predicted in advance of treatment.
Your orthodontist will be able to give you an estimate of the likely timescale, but this will be very approximate.
In short, yes.
Your mouth takes time to adjust to the new tooth positions and there is a particular risk of relapse in the early months after the brace is removed. Even in the longer term some risk remains and the best advice is to continue retention indefinitely, if at all possible.
Retainers may be removable or fixed, and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Removable retainers are usually worn full time initially, but reduced to night times only later. They are effective but obviously depend on the patient remembering to wear them. They will need occasional repair or replacement, which is a relatively simple task. Please note, retainers are guaranteed for 12 months only and there may be a cost for replacement after this.
Fixed retainers are bonded to the back of the teeth. They are therefore in place all the time and are highly effective. A high standard of tooth cleaning around the retainer is essential to avoid gum problems. Fixed retainers need regular inspection because if any of the bonds fail, the tooth in question may start to drift out of position. For this reason it is essential for the patient to contact the orthodontist at once if there is a breakage. Many general dentists are unhappy about repairing a fixed retainer and a visit to an orthodontist will be needed.
Yes definitely; the orthodontist only looks after the braces. Your teeth are actually at greater risk during orthodontic treatment and it is particularly important that you keep up regular contact with your own dentist.
Probably not. Changing orthodontists is best avoided if possible as different orthodontists work in different ways with different appliances and a transfer will almost inevitably mean a setback in the progress of your treatment.
Nevertheless there are times when a transfer cannot be avoided and your orthodontist will be able to advise you how to find someone to take over your treatment at your new location. The NHS can make provision for a transfer of patients who are in active treatment.
Contact us today to speak to our experienced Treatment Coordinator and begin your journey to a beautiful smile.
More information on FinanceWe offer flexible appointments during the week to fit around you.
Book yours nowI had my top and bottom teeth straightened at this orthodontist. I found the whole process a good one from start to finish. The staff are all lovely and the receptionists are very helpful. I would recommend this Orthodontic practice. My teeth are lovely now and I do get comments about them.
K AnnAbsolutely thrilled!!! My son age 12 started here one year ago and I cannot believe the difference. Easily accessible, wonderful friendly staff who are always there if you need any help. The orthodontist made him feel very relaxed and would not hesitate to recommend this surgery to anyone.
K HasidI have always been nervous visiting dentists and in the past have often cancelled appointments, however with the reassurance given from the friendly staff at links I haven’t felt the need to cancel. The staff are also very accommodating with my appointments. I love my new smile and the confidence it has given me.
E GrayWe could not be happier with my daughter’s smile after her treatment. Appointments were easily made and consideration was always taken to make sure that my daughter didn’t always miss school. Friendly staff, appointments always on time and not once cancelled in two years! Amazing service.
T CopestakeI have always been nervous visiting dentists and in the past have often cancelled appointments, however with the reassurance given from the friendly staff at links I haven’t felt the need to cancel. The staff are also very accommodating with my appointments. I love my new smile and the confidence it has given me.
E Gray141 Leicester Road,
Salford,
M7 4HJ
0161 720 7612 info@linksorthodontics.co.uk
Directions and opening timesGlebe Street,
Pennymeadow,
OL6 6HD
0161 330 4124 info@linksorthodontics.co.uk
Directions and opening times