FAQs

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a special branch of dentistry which is the study and treatment of malocclusions (poor alignment of teeth and or jaws).

What happens at my first visit?

On your first appointment arrive on time (if you are under 16 years please bring an adult) you will be given some forms to sign and then will be asked into a surgery where you will meet your orthodontist. An assessment will be carried out and then we will have a discussion on what’s the best plan for you. There may be a need for records to be taken in the way of moulds and an x-ray. This will all be explained and carried out by a professional member of staff.

Does treatment start straight away?

No. After your first assessment if you are ready and qualify for orthodontic treatment all information needs to be sent to the Dental Practice Board in Edinburgh, where the records taken will be assessed and approved. This can take usually anything up to 8 weeks to come back from the board. As soon as we have any information back we contact you and advise you on the next steps.

Will it be sore?

In general ‘braces’ are not sore there is a general feeling of tightness which can initially last between 2-5 days , this can be helped / avoided by taking what you would normally take for a sore head e.g. nurofen or paracetamol. Please read the leaflet careful before taking any tablets if you have any questions please contact a pharmacist

How is the brace put on?

The brace is applied by preparing the tooth surface first then a special bond (glue) brushed on; secondly the bracket is then carefully positioned onto the tooth surface and then set with a blue light. This process is repeated for every tooth necessary. Then the wire is positioned and fastened in place with a small band (ormalast) these come in a variety of colours which the patient can choose from.

How often do I attend?

This can vary between every 6-8weeks. At the follow up appointments, the orthodontist assesses what progress has been made and adjust the brace accordingly.

Should I still attend my dentist?

Yes .It’s very important you attend both Dentist and Orthodontist. At the orthodontist we take care of your brace treatment only, your dentist checks the overall health of your teeth and mouth.

How long will treatment take?

This is varied as every patients treatment is different, but on average treatment can last up to 2- 2 1/2 years.

What happens if the brace breaks?

Ideally the brace should never break or be broken. If this does occur then please contact the practice for the next available appointment. Breakages are primarily caused by what the patient has been eating this is why we strongly advise patients to keep hard chewy foods out of their diet while receiving brace treatment.

What happens if I’m in pain?

If you are in pain, please contact the practice.

Do I have to wear a retainer?

Yes. At the end of brace treatment the retention stage is just as important as the brace itself. Patients are within a high risk group for anything up to 12 months after getting the brace off in some cases patient can be of high risk for a period of time much longer.

What if I I’ve lost my retainer?

If you have lost your retainer please contact the practice as you will need to get another set of moulds taken for a new set of retainers. As a part of NHS treatment you receive your retainers for free any additional ones needed if lost or stolen will need to be paid for. These are approx £98.00.

N.B Please keep your retainers in a safe place for example a small box which will keep them safe. In order to keep your retainers clean we a have a range of cleaning products for the retainers which are available to purchase at the practice.

Am I too old for orthodontic treatment ?

No. There is no age limit on orthodontic treatment as long as you have healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Many adults did not get an opportunity to get a brace when they were younger or stopped wearing there retainer before the teeth had settled. Now they are unhappy with their smiles therefore get a brace in adulthood. Most adult recognise that taking care of your smile is a part of taking care of yourself. A healthy, beautiful smile can improve self – esteem at any age.