Teeth Straightening & clear braces

Frequently asked questions

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics refers to any treatment used to straighten teeth. Most commonly this is braces, but it can also include treatments which address conditions like cleft lip and palette and sleep apnoea.

Orthodontics can be used alongside other treatments to give you the smile that you are looking for.

Who can have Orthodontics?

Children can be fitted with several Orthodontic options once all their adult teeth have appeared, usually around 12 years old. Adults can have Orthodontic treatment at any time, but treatments can be more limited.
In order to have Orthodontic treatment you need to have good oral health overall – put in front of oral health, as treatments such as braces can cause tooth decay if they are not looked after properly.

Can I get braces on the NHS?

NHS treatment is free for under 18s. It covers any treatment that a child has a ‘clear health need’ for. This can include Orthodontics in some cases. These are assessed on a scale, which is defined by the British Orthodontics Society, from Grade 1 – perfect teeth – to Grade 5 for the worst cases. Only those cases in grades 4 and 5 will receive NHS treatment.

If you are not eligible for NHS treatment then it is worth thinking about Private Orthodontics.

How much does Private Orthodontics cost?

Costs will depend on the type of braces that you choose and what treatment is needed. Your Dentist will discuss the costs with you as part of your initial consultation. We offer interest free credit for treatments over £300 and you can find more information on our payment plans here.

How much do braces cost?

Children under the age of 18 can have orthodontic treatment on the NHS at no cost. Whilst there can be specific cases where adult orthodontic treatment may be covered by the NHS, it’s usually not available for free. Private orthodontic treatment often depends on the patient and their case but can usually cost around £2,500 and upwards.
 

How can you straighten teeth without braces?

In some instances, it may be possible to straighten teeth without the use of braces. For example, if your teeth are only overcrowded mildly, your orthodontist might advise using a retainer instead to rectify the issue. Furthermore, an undeveloped palate in a child (for example, where there isn’t likely to be enough space for future adult teeth to grow into properly) may be widened with the help of expanders rather than permanent braces.
As mentioned previously, using a clear aligner rather than a traditional brace may provide more discretion and flexibility to a patient, thereby providing greater confidence and comfort.
 

Do braces hurt?

There is usually minimal pain when braces are applied to teeth. Most patients feel some discomfort and need a little time to adjust to their braces as their teeth realign. For example, eating a meal might take a little longer at first and feel different than usual.

In cases where the discomfort caused by the braces is painful, it can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication.
 

Do I need braces / aligners?

Most children never require a brace. However, if a dentist feels that a child’s teeth and oral health would be improved by braces, they will usually refer them to an orthodontist (a specialist in straightening teeth). The orthodontist can then examine the patient’s teeth and advise on the best course of action.

Braces are usually fitted to straighten crooked teeth, close gaps and/or resolve protruding teeth. Braces are also used to correct a patient’s bite, so that the top and bottom teeth meet when the mouth is closed.

Most children receive orthodontic treatment between the ages of 12-13, when the jaw and mouth are still growing. Receiving orthodontic treatment older than this or as an adult, is likely to be a slower process.
 

How long do braces last?

There is no standard set time that it takes for braces to work but in general, treatment usually takes from 18 months to 2 years to correct the issue. During the treatment, the patient will require regular appointments with the orthodontist to check on progress and make any minor adjustments to the brace.
 

How long does it take to put braces on?

For most braces, the treatment lasts about 1-2 hours. The treatment usually starts with the orthodontist cleaning and drying your teeth. He/she will then apply a special adhesive to your teeth to attach the brackets (these are usually small ceramic or metal squares). Once attached, the orthodontist will then place the “archwire” (the wire that connects the brackets and teeth together) and ensure its secure with elastic bands.
 

What’s the difference between braces and a retainer?

Braces are applied to straighten the teeth into a new position by gluing brackets to your teeth and a wire attached in order to apply the necessary pressure to straighten your teeth.

A retainer is often used after braces have been taken off to ensure that your teeth remain position and prevent them from moving back to where they were before treatment. Where braces are not required to straighten teeth, a retainer may be an alternate option used.

Whilst braces are glued to your teeth, retainers are removable. In some instances, you might only need to wear your retainer at night.
 

Can you use an electric toothbrush with braces?

Yes. An electric toothbrush can be used safely with braces. Using an electric toothbrush may make it easier to brush ‘hard-to-get-to’ areas under the wires where food can get trapped.

How old do you have to be to get braces?

Both adults and children can have braces to correct crooked or unstraight teeth.

For children, most dentists advise that they get braces at around 12-13 years old as at this age, the jaw and mouth are still growing and is therefore more conducive for teeth straightening.

For adults, the results may take a little longer than children as it may require more time to correct the issue.
 

What can you eat with braces?

For the most part, patients with braces can continuing eating normally. However, your orthodontist will advise you to avoid certain foods that can get stuck in between brackets or potentially damage your braces, such as:

• Nuts
• Ice
• Popcorn
• Hard sweets
• Hard crackers
• Chewy food / sweets
• Pizza crusts
• Other hard or particularly crunchy foods

Your orthodontist is also likely to advise against drinking too much sugary drinks such as fizzy pop or energy drinks. These drinks create plaque, which could be harder to remove from your teeth with braces on.