Orthodontics

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the area of dentistry that is concerned with the growth of the teeth, jaws and face and about improving the harmony of the mouth and jaws of adults and children alike. The health benefits of improving and correcting your bite allows you to eat more comfortably and care for your teeth and gums more easily.

The benefits of private orthodontics include:

• The experience of the orthodontist
• Wide choice of solutions available tailored to individual preferences – including discreet braces (Invisalign), and ceramic braces
• Fixed AND removable retainers available
• A good amount of time to discuss the treatment with the orthodontist

Private Orthodontic treatment options

• Invisalign
• CFast Braces
• Ceramic Braces
• Metallic Braces
• Removable appliances
• Mouth guards

What happens at the first consultation?

Our dentist Harris Smeyatsky will take the time to have a detailed talk with you, during which you'll be able to tell him exactly what it is that bothers you about your smile and how you would like to have it improved.  Harris will explain all your options; you'll learn about the different types of braces available to you, the time commitment for each method of treatment and you'll have a chat about your budget.

We recommend that children are accompanied by an adult for this appointment and adults are also welcome to bring an accompanying relative or friend along if they would like.

During this initial consultation, Harris will take photographs and x-rays of your mouth and you'll get to see photos of other cases.

In very complex cases, there may be a need for a second consultation prior to treatment.

At what age can orthodontic treatment begin?

Orthodontics treatment can begin from roughly age seven onwards.  It's around the time that your child will develop their first adult molars which form the bite towards the back of the mouth.
It is once this has started to happen that an orthodontist can check for the positioning, size and shape of the individual teeth and how they form the overall bite and smile.  Any problems identified this early are usually easier to fix, rather than left to establish a poor bite or wonky smile.

At Clinic 95, we strive to follow the non-extraction approach.  We will, whenever possible, preserve the pre-molars rather than remove them.  In some circumstances, removal of the premolars is unavoidable.  However, we do not use this extraction method unless absolutely necessary, which in most cases, is not.  Instead, we always try to find a solution to use and position all the healthy teeth into a position for optimal bite and smile.

As with many things, the sooner treatment is started, the better.  It is often the case that early orthodontic treatment can alleviate problems that are far more difficult to fix in later life.  And early diagnosis of teeth and mouth growth problems can dramatically lessen the time to solve and improve the quality of the result.  If you have any concerns at all about your child's mouth or teeth, give us a call.
So, the sooner the better.  But what if you think it’s too late? 

Adult braces

Bear in mind that orthodontics can correct many smile problems even in much later life.  Missing an opportunity to have braces as a child, doesn't mean you've missed your chance for straighter teeth.  Adult braces can have transformative effects.  So if you think your chance has passed, why not come in for a chat and explore some options with us?  We're sure to find a solution for you that'll deliver the smile you've always wanted.

Orthodontic treatment advice

Remember to continue to see your usual dentist throughout your orthodontic treatment.  Our orthodontist and your usual dentist will liaise about your treatment and will keep each other informed of your progress. 

Due to the presence of braces in your mouth, you will have to take care to keep your mouth and teeth very clean.  You'll be given full details of exactly how and when to clean your teeth by the orthodontist as part of your treatment plan and both the orthodontist and your usual dentist will keep a check on how you're doing for the duration of your treatment.

Is it all worth it?

Yes.

But once you have your braces fitted, you may find the first few days a little uncomfortable.  It's quite common to feel that your teeth are sore and sensitive.  This can also re-occur after you have the braces adjusted as part of your treatment plan.  However, this mild discomfort is usually only a few days, and soon disappears.  If you find yourself troubled with soreness from your braces, paracetamol should settle the pain.

On average you'll need to come in for an adjustment to the braces every month or two.  Exactly when will be worked out in advance, as part of your treatment plan, so you'll know exactly what to expect and when you'll have to attend the clinic.

Your treatment plan will be worked out to deliver the optimal result in the shortest period of time possible.  Usually, treatment lasts up to about a year, although it may take up to two years, depending on individual circumstances.

Orthodontic treatment options

CFast braces

What is CFast?

CFast is a system that uses aesthetically pleasing clear brackets to correct front tooth alignment. The average treatment time is 6 months. It is a very reasonably priced option.

CFast can correct front teeth issues such as:-

• crowded teeth
• gaps between teeth
• gummy smiles (gingival display reduction).

How does CFast work?
CFast are clear brackets and tooth-coloured nickel titanium wires which when placed on the front teeth work to correct issues quickly and discretely.  You will complete treatment in just 6 months.  However, CFast can affect eating.

Ceramic braces

Exactly the same as traditional metal braces, ceramic braces offer a more aesthetically pleasing appearance for the duration of your treatment.  You will need to clean these braces very carefully in order to avoid staining, but otherwise these braces deliver exactly the same result as metallic braces.

Metallic braces

These are generally what most people think of when you mention braces.  However, unlike some of the older-style appliances, most modern braces are now far less noticeable.  They can even come with heat-activated archwires which use your own body heat to help the teeth move into position quicker, and versions for children can be fitted with coloured bands for a funky look.  Metallic braces remain the most cost effective solution.

Removable appliances

In some cases, we may advise on a removable brace, where you require a single tooth or multiple teeth to be moved or held in a certain position.  You remove the brace to clean it, and if you are playing sports.  Otherwise, it is kept in place as much as possible with quicker results occurring with maximum wear.  Treatment using removable devices is generally complete in under two years.

Mouth guards

We are happy to fit you with a mouth guard for wear during contact sports.  If you participate in rugby, boxing, or any of the traditional contact sports, or if you rollerblade, ice skate, skate-board or breakdance, a mouth guard can give your teeth vital protection.

TMD

A poor bite can sometimes lead to problems with the joint(s) of your jaw, a condition known as TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder).  A common way to treat this is by using the orthodontics that we offer here at Clinic 95.  To find out more about TMD, click here.

NHS Orthodontics

Here at Clinic 95, we provide private orthodontic treatment.  Orthodontic treatment via the NHS is quite limited. 

There are a few facts to consider about NHS Orthodontics (available elsewhere) vs private orthodontic treatment (available with us).

This is from the NHS on the orthodontic services they offer:-
“The demand for straight teeth and orthodontic treatment increases, but the funding for NHS care has remained the same in recent years and there is only a limited amount to go round.
NHS orthodontic care isn't available to everyone, and only under 18s (or students aged 19) who require treatment to improve their dental health because it is clinically necessary are eligible for treatment.
NHS orthodontic care is not usually available for adults, but may be approved on a case-by-case basis if needed for health reasons.
Increased demand combined with restricted funding has resulted in waiting lists, so treatment usually can't begin immediately.
It is important for younger people that treatment starts as soon as possible once the need for treatment has been identified/prescribed. The optimum time period to begin treatment is from age 7 in order to dramatically reduce the amount of treatment needed.
An alternative to NHS care, is orthodontic treatment on a private basis. Private orthodontic treatment is not only available to patients of all ages, but it also offers a number of other benefits above and beyond NHS care including improved comfort, visibility (aesthetics) and choice.”

Orthodontic treatment costs at Clinic 95

Each orthodontic treatment plan we create is unique.  So the cost of treatment varies with each patient.  Which braces you choose, the length of the treatment and the complexity of your case will all be taken into account when discussing the cost with you.

And we do offer finance plans which will help you spread the cost of your treatment.

All our costs are on our treatment costs page.