What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the art of moving teeth. We achieve this with a variety of different braces.

Clearstep the newest invisible way to straighten your teeth. An impression is taken of your mouth and a series of almost invisible clear braces are made to fit your mouth 2 weeks later. Great for adults and children.

Removable Braces are made from a print taken of your mouth.  A dental technician makes the brace and then it can be fitted to your mouth 2 weeks later.  They can be taken out for cleaning and are very useful for certain types of tooth movement.

Fixed Braces or "train tracks" as they are often nick named are glued directly to your teeth.  They consist of little metal or porcelain squares stuck to the teeth with a thin metal wire joining them all together.  They can only be removed by your dentist.

Functional Braces are similar to removable braces in that they are made from a print of your teeth.  Unlike removable braces they not only move teeth but also encourage favourable jaw growth, often to the point that dental extractions are not needed.  The braces can appear quite bulky at first and require a keen, cooperative patient for best results.

Head Gear can be added to any of the above braces to help move the teeth more efficiently.  It is usual to wear it when you are at home and over night when you are asleep.

Retainers are provided at the end of your orthodontic treatment to ensure that your new straight smile stays nice and straight.  Retainers can be made so that they are removable or glued invisibly to the back of your front teeth.

Do I have to pay for Orthodontic treatment?

Children under the age of 18 are entitled to free care on the NHS providing that your teeth fall in one of the new assessment categories. Teeth are graded from 1 to 5 with 4 and 5 automatically being given NHS treatment. Grade 3 is a grey area with an additional weighting. Grades 1, 2 and some 3's are not available on the NHS from any provider and as such would only be available privately. A free NHS assessment will determine what grade your teeth are.

Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

No! Most orthodontic treatment is started on children around the age of 12,  however we are treating increasing numbers of adult patients even in their sixties.  Adult orthodontics can be a treatment on its own or in combination with cosmetic treatments like veneers, crowns, bridges and Implants.