Frequently Asked Questions
What age should I schedule my child an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
Orthodontic treatment can be done at any age, however it is easier to complete when the patient is young. We recommend bringing your child in for an orthodontic screening at age 7. At this age, several permanent teeth will have erupted, which means we can evaluate whether there is a need for orthodontic treatment.
Is it too late for orthodontic treatment if I’m an adult?
It’s never too late. Around 25% of orthodontic patients now are adults; as people become more image conscious, those who never received orthodontic treatment as a child, or whose teeth have reverted to their original positions, are opting for adult braces to straighten their smile. There’s also new discreet orthodontic options available for adults worried about the impact of wearing visible braces.
Do I need a referral from the dentist to book an orthodontic appointment?
Patients under the age of 17 who wish to have their treatment covered by the NHS will need a referral from a dentist. However, all other patients may contact the practice directly as no referral is required.
How do I schedule an appointment?
If you need to book an orthodontic appointment for yourself or your child, you can request an appointment via the Hampstead Orthodontic Practice website. You can also contact us by phone or email. How much do braces cost?
How much do braces cost?
This depends on the type of braces used, and the severity of the case, so we will not be able to give you an exact figure until you have been for a consultation. For more information, visit our article about braces costs.
What financing options are available?
If you are under 17, you may be able to receive orthodontic treatment on the NHS. For adults, we have a variety of flexible finance options available offering 0% finance, and can be split into monthly, or quarterly, payments over 24 months.
Will I need to have teeth extracted?
At our practice we prefer non-invasive treatment methods. Sometimes, removing teeth is required to achieve the best orthodontic result, particularly in the case of overcrowded teeth. However, orthodontic technology is advancing, so particularly with newer forms of braces such as Damon,tooth extractions are not always necessary.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment time varies from patient to patient and type of braces used. Treatment time for children is around 18 – 24 months. Adult treatment is on average approximately 16 – 18 months.
How often will my orthodontic appointments be?
Most patients will see their orthodontist every 8-10 weeks. However appointments are scheduled according to the patient’s needs and the appliance used, so can be more or less frequent if it is required.
What should I do if I require an emergency appointment?
If you require an emergency appointment, for example if your braces are causing you discomfort, call our office when you can. Some issues we can address over the telephone, however, sometimes an appointment may be necessary in the allocated timeslots.
Do I still need to visit the dentist while wearing braces?
Yes, it is important to continue to visit the your dentist every 6 months, as normal, while wearing braces.
How often should I brush my teeth while wearing braces?
It is recommended that you brush your at least twice a day while wearing braces. And it may be advisable to gargle (with water) after meals, or snacks. You can find out more information about keeping your teeth clean on our oral hygiene page.
Are there any foods I can’t eat while wearing braces?
If you are wearing fixed braces, you should avoid hard food, such as raw vegetables, hard sweets, nuts and crusty breads and sticky food such as caramel, chewing gum and toffee, as these can loosen the brace over time and damage the wires. However if you wear aligners, such as Invisalign, there are no dietary restrictions as they can be removed for eating and drinking.
Can I still play sports?
You can still play sports, however, we recommend using a mouthguard when playing contact sports.
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