Got Questions?

About Our Practice

Below are some common queries

Why do I need braces?
NHS or Private?
What about waiting lists?
What are the fees for private treatment?
Why have I been referred from my dentist?
Does my dentist have to refer me?
Can my dentist do the work?
What age can I have braces?
What types of braces are there?
Do I need to stay registered with my dentist?
Can I chose what sort of braces I have?
Can I have colours on my braces?
Can I have less noticeable braces?
I have been refused treatment on the NHS. Can I still have braces?
I don’t want braces, do I have to have them?
How long does treatment take?
How often will I have to see the orthodontist?
Can I still play contact sports?
I sing or play a wind instrument, how will this affect me?
Are there any risks of treatment?
What is a retainer?
How long do I need to wear a retainer for?

Your orthodontist will be happy to answer any questions you may have

Why do I need braces?
Usually it is because the teeth are overcrowded or bite wrongly. Braces can also help prominent or gappy teeth, or teeth that grow in the wrong place.

NHS or Private?
NHS Treatment is available for Children Only.
Any child, aged 17 or under when they reach the top of the NHS waiting list, qualifies for a free NHS consultation. At the consultation you will be told of the treatment required and whether or not the NHS will fund this treatment.

Waiting Lists

NHS Treatment

Presently patients wait approximately 12 months for their initial consultation, however most agree that the treatment offered was well worth the wait!  At the consultation they will be advised of the treatment available to correct their problem and whether or not the NHS will fund this treatment (please see ‘Will the treatment be NHS or private?’).

There is then no further wait for patients who fulfill the NHS selection criteria and their treatment will commence within the next few weeks.

Private Treatment

The waiting time for a Private consultation is typically between 2 and 4 weeks (please see ‘Will the treatment be NHS or private?’).

Following the consultation a private patient report will be sent to you outlining all matters discussed at the consultation and a complete costing for private treatment. On returning a signed copy of this private patient report, treatment can then commence at your convenience.

The NHS now only pays for treatment to correct the worst orthodontic problems.
If NHS treatment is not available, you have the option of various payment plans to proceed privately should you wish to.

Because of the long NHS waiting list, many patients choose to have a private consultation to be advised of the treatment required and whether or not they are eligible for NHS treatment. Those that are eligible can then choose between a further wait for NHS treatment or immediate private treatment. Those who are not eligible have not waited for 6 months unnecessarily.

Fees for Private Treatment

Initial Consultation

£145.00 for a child (under the age of 18) or £165.00 for an adult.
This includes a full consultation (outlining the problem, its causes and possible treatment options), study models, radiographs and a private patient report with complete costings.

Treatment Fees

Fees are individually assessed and depend upon the duration and complexity of treatment. As a result they can range from £400.00 to £8,000.00.

As a guide, full upper and lower fixed appliance treatment costs from £2950.00 followed by £270.00 for retention. There are, of course, many shorter and cheaper active treatment options (particularly in adults), but their suitability and cost have to be assessed on an individual basis.

Financial considerations should not be an obstacle to gaining a beautiful smile for the rest of your life. Therefore, we offer a wide range of payment options, including cheques, direct debit and payment plans.

As you will experience, we aim to deliver the finest orthodontic care at the most affordable cost to our patients.

Why have I been referred by my dentist?
Your dentist is trained to look for orthodontic problems, which don’t just include crooked teeth, but also the development of the teeth and how they bite together.

Does my dentist have to refer me?
Yes you have to be referred for NHS treatment but not for private treatment where you can refer yourself, either ring us or fill in your details on the contact page. However, we strongly advise you are registered with a general dentist. The orthodontist will keep your dentist informed about your treatment and any work they may need to do (e.g. extractions or fillings).

Can my dentist do the work?

An orthodontic specialist has received at least 3 years comprehensive training in orthodontics alone and is best placed to advise on and treat an orthodontic problem. A General dentist will refer work which is beyond their field of training.

Do I need to stay registered with my dentist?

Your orthodontist will not carry out routine dental care. It is important to keep your mouth healthy during treatment by seeing your dentist regularly.

What age can I have braces?

The usual age is once the adult teeth have come through, roughly the age of 12. However we do treat younger patients if there is a need and a clear benefit. Braces can be used on adults of all ages, there is no upper age limit!

What sort of braces are there?

Please refer to page ‘Services’ which details the available appliances

Can I choose what sort of braces I have?

The orthodontist will advise you which type of brace will work best for you. If you have a preference please discuss this at your initial visit, as we always try to tailor treatment to suit you.

Can I have colours on my brace?

Standard fixed braces use small elastics to hold the wire in. These can be plain or coloured and are changed every visit. Try the colours of your football team or your favourite colour!

Can I have less noticeable braces?

Tooth coloured braces can be used to make the brace less noticeable. We also use clear aligners and braces on the back (lingual) of the teeth. These are however only available on a private basis.

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I have been refused treatment on the NHS. Can I still have braces?

If your teeth are not severe enough for NHS treatment you can be treated privately if your orthodontist feels you will benefit.

I don’t want braces, do I have to have them?

In general, it is up to you to decide. However, the orthodontist will advise you about any risks that may occur if you don’t have a brace.

How long does treatment take?

This depends on your problem and can be affected by the type of brace you have. Most treatments take between 6 and 20 months. You will be given a guide to treatment time at your initial visit.

How often will I need to see the orthodontist?

Once your treatment starts you will usually visit every 6-10 weeks.

Can I still play contact sports?

Yes, but it is essential you wear a mouthguard for training and matches. This should be made to fit over fixed braces and are available to purchase at the clinic.

I sing or play a wind instrument, how will this affect me?

With some practice you will be able to carry on as before. Please talk to your orthodontist and your music teacher about this.

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Are there any risks of treatment?

Common problems include damage to the teeth if you don’t clean them properly or look after your diet (see Brace Care). Tooth roots also get slightly shorter during treatment, but usually it is almost undetectable. Other risks will be discussed if they apply to you.

What is a retainer?

Retainers are used after your teeth are straight to hold them in the new position. Without retainers your teeth would move again. They are usually removable clear covers, worn at night.

How long do I need to wear retainers for?

For as long as you want your teeth to remain straight. Your teeth will move a little all through your life. Keep wearing the retainers if you want to be sure of keeping straight teeth.

Please click here to read our latest CQC Inspection Report

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