ORTHODONTIC FAQs

We understand you may have lots of questions about orthodontics and your treatment. We have listed below some of the most commonly asked questions which hopefully you will find useful. If your query isn’t covered here and you still have further questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. 

What is orthodontics? 
Orthodontics is a specialised area of dentistry which involves the straightening and correction of the position of the teeth and jaws. This can be done using orthodontic appliances such as fixed braces, removable braces and aligners. 

Can I get orthodontic treatment under the NHS?
To be eligible for NHS treatment, you must be under 18 years of age (or an NHS referral sent to us before 18 years of age) and the position of the teeth must fit within a certain criteria called the IOTN. At the consultation appointment, the orthodontist will carry out an assessment of your teeth and check if you are eligible for treatment. If you aren’t, unfortunately the NHS will not cover the cost of your treatment, and if you would like to have orthodontic treatment it would need to be on a private basis. 

Will my consultation be carried out by a specialist orthodontist? 
Yes, you will see Dr. Yaqoob for your initial consultation appointment. At this appointment Dr. Yaqoob will carry out an assessment of your teeth, discuss your treatment plan and answer any queries you may have. 

Who will my treatment be carried out by? 
After the initial consultation and treatment plan with Dr. Yaqoob, you may also be seen by the orthodontic therapists who can carry out the treatment under a prescription from the orthodontist. It will be a combination of both the orthodontist and therapists who will carry out the treatment.  

How long will my treatment take? 
An average course of orthodontic treatment can take around 2 years. But this is only an estimate as treatment time varies depending on the complexity of the treatment and what braces are required to correct the position of the teeth. The treatment time can also increase if the braces are not looked after and breakages occur. An estimate of your treatment time will be provided at the consultation appointment. 

Does it hurt having the brace fitted? 
No, however you may get some discomfort for a few days after as the teeth start to move. You may wish to take over-the-counter pain relief to help with this, whatever you would normally take for a headache. The bracket may also rub initially on the inside of the cheek, you can use wax on the brackets to help with this. 

Will it affect my speech? 
It depends which type of brace you need to wear as to whether your speech will be affected. Removable braces can alter your speech due to the brace fitting in the roof of your mouth but the more that you can talk with the brace in, the quicker your mouth will adapt to it being there and your speech will become clear again. Fixed braces on the outside of the teeth rarely affect speech. 

Am I allowed to drink fizzy drinks? 
No. Fizzy drinks (including diet) will cause permanent damage to the teeth. It will cause white marks on the teeth especially around where the brackets are positioned. This is not always visible until the brace is removed. This is called decalcification and it is irreversible damage to the teeth so it is extremely important to avoid fizzy drinks. 


How will I clean my teeth with fixed braces?
When the braces have been fitted, we will discuss with you in detail how to look after your braces. You can purchase a pack from reception for £10 which contains everything you need to get started with looking after your braces. We will also send you a copy of the instructions in case you need to refer back to it. It will take longer to clean your teeth, but it is really important to be thorough in the cleaning to avoid causing damage to the teeth. 

What do I do if a bracket comes loose or have a problem with the wire?
If a bracket is loose or it comes off completely, or you have a problem with your wire then please call the practice and we can advise if you will need to attend for an emergency appointment to have it fixed. 

What are retainers and why are they important? 
Retainers are provided at the end of your treatment to hold the teeth in their corrected position. If they are not worn, the teeth will start to move back to their original position. This part of treatment is extremely important and we advise our patients to continue the retention indefinitely.

Do I still need to see my usual dentist? 
Yes, it is important to continue seeing your regular dentist for your usual check-ups and treatment. 

PRIVATE TREATMENT 

Do you offer private orthodontic treatment? 
Yes we do, we can treat both adults and children on a private basis. Your treatment options and the costs of treatment will be discussed with Dr. Yaqoob at the initial consultation appointment.

How much does it cost for the initial consultation? 
At the moment, we are offering a free consultation for adult patients (over 18). For children under 18, there is a small charge of £25 for the appointment. 

How much does it cost to have orthodontic treatment? 
Prices for children start from £2000, and prices for adults (18 and over) start from £2500. The cost does depend on the type of brace you would like to have. These options will be discussed at the initial consultation appointment and you will be given a written quote to take home. 

Do you offer a payment plan? 
Yes, we offer interest-free payment plans which will allow you to spread the cost of your treatment. These can be discussed with you in detail at the consultation appointment. 

Am I too old to have a brace? 
You are never too old to have a brace! Orthodontic treatment can be carried out at any age, and treatment options can be discussed with Dr. Yaqoob at the initial consultation.