1.What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is an area of dentistry which focuses on the alignment of teeth.

2. How do I know if I need orthodontic treatment?

If your teeth are crowded, crooked, twisted or you have big gaps between them, you could benefit from orthodontic treatment.

3.Does orthodontic treatment hurt?

When your braces are fitted, and at certain times throughout your treatment when your braces or aligners are adjusted, you may experience some discomfort, but this will only last a day or two and can be treated with pain relief.

4.How long does orthodontic treatment take?

This depends on the type of orthodontic treatment you receive and the degree of the orthodontic problem. However, on average, orthodontic treatment can ranges from between 6 and 24 months.

5. Is orthodontic treatment suitable for adults as well as children?

Children, teenagers and adults can receive orthodontic treatment and it is effective no matter what age the patient is, as long as the health of the teeth and gums are ok.

6.How often do I need to be seen during treatment?

Appointment are every 6-8 weeks. These appointments are to adjust your appliance. You will also need to continue to visit your general dentist and hygienist regularly throughout your treatment.

7.How long will it take me to get used to wearing braces?

Every patient’s experience with braces is different. Patients tend to adjust to the brace within a few days, however, it can take up to a 2 weeks.

8.Will I need elastics?

It may be necessary for you to wear elastics during your treatment. These are used to apply pressure to the teeth and jaws to correct the alignment of your teeth.

9.What do I do if I find the brace uncomfortable to wear?

It is likely that your teeth will feel tender following your brace being fitted. This means your brace has already begun working. Stick to a softer diet and, if necessary, you can take painkillers.

10.Can I eat normally while wearing braces?

You can eat normally, however, we do advise that you adjust your diet and how you eat throughout your treatment to prevent damaging your brace. At the start of treatment and when having the brace adjusted, your teeth are likely to feel sore. Stick to a softer diet with foods such as pasta, rice, mashed potato, soups. Hard, crunchy and chewy foods break braces, as do biting nails, chewing pen lids and picking your brace. It is essential you avoid these foods and habits throughout your treatment. Apples, raw vegetables etc can be cut up into small pieces and eaten carefully on your back teeth. Broken brackets and bent wires will prolong your treatment, so avoiding these foods is necessary.

ABOUT RETENTION AT THE END OF YOUR TREATMENT

Removable Retainers

Look like a thin, clear gum shield, and are required when treatment has finished.  They are custom made and keep each individual tooth in the final position.

Bonded Retainers

It is a thin metal wire glued behind the front 4 or 6 teeth. A removable retainer will also always be provided to wear nightly alongside your bonded retainer. Please note that bonded retainers are at an additional cost.

1.Why is it important to wear retainers?

This is a very important phase of treatment, as without retainers your teeth will begin to move.

2.When/How long will I wear them?

As a general rule – we recommend wearing retainers every evening and  night for the first 1-2 years post treatment. The only way to keep your teeth as they are at the end of treatment is to continue wearing retainer’s life. Usually patients can decrease wear over time; eventually to 2-3 nights a week. When at this stage if your retainers begin to feel tight at any point, increase the wear again as this is an indication.

3.What do I do if I lose or break them?

Whether it’s your removable or bonded retainer, contact us as soon as possible and we will book an appointment to see you to make new retainers. The longer you are without your retainers the more chance there is of your teeth moving. The responsibility for retention is yours; both in your continued commitment to wearing them and to the cost of replacement of either the vacuum formed retainers or the bonded retainers.