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Routine Fixed
Orthodontic FAQs |
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What is Orthodontics? |
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Orthodontics is the specialist branch of dentistry, which uses
braces to move teeth so that the bite and the cosmetic
appearance of the smile can be improved. |
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What is an Orthodontist? |
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Dr McCance and his
specialist team have devoted three years of full time
comprehensive orthodontic training at an accredited University
program in addition to five years of dental school and a further
three years gaining experience in the Hospital service of
Surgery and Children’s Dentistry. |
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Why have orthodontic treatment? |
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To improve the appearance of the
teeth and smile
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To enable easier tooth and gum
cleaning
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To improve the bite of the teeth
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Does treatment hurt? |
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Having a brace fitted is a painless procedure. It is likely to
ache for about 2 days following fitting. Your normal painkillers
can help this. Sipping iced cold water helps to lessen the
pulling sensation on the teeth. Most problems subside within 48
hours. |
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What does orthodontic treatment cost? |
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If the treatment is provided on the National Health Service,
then the treatment is paid for. We have two other groups of
patients. These are either totally Private patients or
Independent Fees for children under the age of 16 years. |
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How long does treatment take? |
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An 'average'
course of orthodontic treatment with fixed braces takes between
one and two years for the active treatment. There will then be a
phase of retention treatment depending on the nature of the
work. |
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How often are
the appointments ? |
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Fixed braces are generally adjusted every 8-10 weeks. Removable
braces may be seen more frequently. Appointments for National Health Service patients will be
restricted to school hours and will be limited during school
holidays. Private patients can be seen outside these times
wherever possible. |
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What do I do if my brace breaks? |
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If it is not painful, please contact the surgery on the next
working day to arrange a repair. Apply wax (supplied in the
starter kit) to any sharp areas which are sharp, including long
wires and broken brackets. Please telephone the surgery number
for advice on out of hours emergencies. |
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What can I do if my brace rubs? |
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The wax supplied in your starter kit can be applied to a fixed
brace. Try to dry the area first with a piece of tissue to help
the wax stick. If a removable brace is rubbing, wear it as much
as possible but contact the surgery as soon as possible to have
it looked at. |
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What can I do if the brace hurts? |
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Painkillers can be
taken if necessary in the first few days. Sipping iced cold
water helps to lessen the pulling sensation on the teeth. Most
problems subside within 48 hours. |
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Will treatment affect my speech? |
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It is likely that your speech will be affected for the first few
days. Most people have very few problems after this time. A
removable brace should be worn as instructed. If it is
continually removed, then it is unlikely that the speech will
adapt. Lingual braces take longer to adapt to, but as the
appliance is fixed, things should improve in a few days.
We can supply braceguard™ which is recommended for wind
instrument players. |
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I play a woodwind / brass instrument. Will it affect my playing? |
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The effect on playing is variable. Some people have no problems,
whilst others will be affected for the whole course of
treatment. Please ask your music teacher what they feel. If
music is to be your career then perhaps you should think of
ClearStep. It is removable and comfortable and would be the
ideal treatment for you. |
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If I need to have teeth removed, who will do this? |
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Your own dentist will arrange for teeth to be removed, usually
under a local anaesthetic. If the extractions are likely to be
more complicated, your Orthodontist may refer you to a
specialist dental surgeon (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon). Most
extractions are done at the dentist with injections to make
the procedure painless. However if you are very nervous tell
your dentist and they can refer you to the local sedation clinic
where they can give you a sedation so you feel nothing and all
the necessary extractions can be done at the same time. |
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Will I still need to go to my regular Dentist? |
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Yes, this is very important. Although we are seeing you
regularly, your own Dentist needs to monitor the health of the
teeth and gums throughout treatment. |
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Will the brace damage my teeth? |
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There are risks to teeth during
orthodontic treatment. Many of these can be reduced or
eliminated by following the advice you are given. This is
primarily related to oral hygiene and diet. |
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When can I start? |
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Your treatment can commence as soon as your teeth and gums are
healthy. Sometimes it is better to wait for baby teeth to fall
out before starting treatment with fixed appliances. |
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Will the shape of my face change? |
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There is a relationship between extractions and profile but this
is not usually significant if treatment has been planned
correctly and completed properly. Many of our patients have
treatment without the need for extractions. |
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Can I have braces that don't show? |
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The ClearStep Centres specialize in Invisible Braces and we
offer treatment with lingual braces and ClearStep. We can also
provide aesthetic braces which are less conspicuous than metal
braces. |
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What happens at the first appointment?
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At your first appointment your orthodontist may take x-rays,
moulds of your teeth and photographs. These are taken to measure
the size and shape of your teeth and jaws and help the
orthodontist to provide the best advice and the most appropriate
treatment. If treatment is needed you will be given the
opportunity to ask any questions you may have. |
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Will my teeth stay straight? |
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At the end of treatment the orthodontist will provide you with
retainers. These will
guarantee the stability of your teeth in their new position and
prevent relapse. |
