Orthodontic FAQs

Orthodontics is a specialist branch of dentistry that concerns the proper alignment of your teeth and jaws. A Specialist Orthodontist uses fixed or removable braces to treat misalignments such as crowding, overbites or gaps between your teeth.

NHS orthodontic treatment covers metal braces for people under the age of 18 who present a clear orthodontic need. Eligibility is assessed through the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). There is a waiting list for treatment.

If you do not qualify for treatment on the NHS, we can treat you on a private basis. We have flexible payment plans to help you afford the cost of treatment.

Orthosmile is a 100% private specialist orthodontic and dental practice, we do not take on NHS referrals.

Your initial consultation involves a full examination of your teeth and the jaws, followed by X-rays, photographs and impressions (moulds) of your teeth. These pretreatment records enable your Specialist Orthodontist to create your custom treatment plan.

After your first visit, we will send you a detailed report outlining the problems, suggested treatment plan, custom quote and payment options. If as part of your treatment plan any dental treatment needs to be carried out beforehand, we will remind you to contact your dentist.

No, braces do not hurt! You may experience some slight soreness after fitting and adjustment appointments, but this will go away in a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief as needed.

After we fit you with your braces, we will ask you to visit once every 6 weeks or so for an adjustment appointment. At this appointment, we will make small bends in your archwires that will add gentle pressure to your teeth. This pressure will guide them slowly into alignment.

Whilst every effort is made to accommodate your preferred appointment, appointments during school holidays, at the end of the day and early morning are popular with most people, and we cannot guarantee that you will be able to get any time slot. Please book in advance.

We respectfully request those accompanying the patient (especially parents with other younger children) to remain in the waiting room while treatment is being carried out. We find that in this way, the clinic runs more smoothly without the orthodontists and their patients being distracted.

The duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the type of case, type of brace and on how well the brace is looked after. Average treatment time is usually 14-18 months. However, with modern techniques, treatment time can be reduced to as little as 6 months in some cases.

All patients wear retainers after the completion of treatment to prevent their teeth from moving back out of alignment. Your orthodontist will decide whether a fixed or removable retainer is best for you. Make sure to follow their instructions for use carefully.

No, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you can have orthodontic treatment. Our oldest patient so far has been 76 years young! About 40% of our patients are adults, and the number is growing.

It’s a big advantage if we see younger patients for the first time at about age 7. This is the opportune time to begin a guidance program. We may not need to start treatment at this age, but we can monitor your child’s smile and intervene at the opportune time.

Our fees vary according to the complexity and time involved with each case and type of braces (appliances). We offer several payment options to fit your budget. Your orthodontist will be happy to discuss these options with you at the initial consultation.

For our practice to run efficiently, we request that patients keep to the appointed time. If you are unable to keep your appointment please let us know as soon as possible so that we can use the appointment for another patient on our waiting list.

Whenever possible, please contact us about emergencies during normal surgery hours. In case of an emergency outside of our opening hours, please call the practice on the normal telephone number and a message will explain how to contact the out-of-hours service.

You can also call NHS Direct on 111.

We can only keep and use information for specific reasons set out in the law. We hold personal information including your name, date of birth, NHS number, address, telephone number and email address. This information allows us to fulfil our contract with you to provide appointments.

Your orthodontic records will remain confidential and secure. However, from time to time we may need to release these to The NHS Business Services Authority as part of our ongoing clinical review process. We will contact you before releasing your records to another organisation.