FAQs about braces
Frequently asked questions
If you’re researching or planning to have orthodontic treatment, you’ll probably have lots of questions. Sarah Ramage, Clinical Director at Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care, answers the most commonly asked questions from our patients.
1. What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment, also known as teeth straightening, involves wearing braces or removable aligners to gradually move your teeth into a straighter position.
You can have orthodontic treatment for a number of reasons. You may have a common dental issue such as crooked teeth, crowded teeth or an overbite, or you may want them straightened purely for cosmetic reasons.
At Total Orthodontics, treatment is carried out by specialist orthodontists who first trained as dentists before going on to complete three years of specialist training in orthodontics.
There are a number of treatments available to straighten your teeth, from fixed braces to Invisalign aligners and cosmetic teeth straightening.
2. How much do braces cost?
The cost of your treatment will depend on your individual needs. To get an accurate quote, you’ll need to have a free* consultation with one of our orthodontists so they can assess your mouth and understand what treatment is suitable for you.
NHS care is also available for under 18s who meet a certain criteria.
3. Am I too old/young to have orthodontics?
Braces are often associated with teenagers, but it’s never too late to straighten your smile. If you’re concerned about how braces will look, we have discreet options including Invisalign treatment, Six Month Smiles and lingual braces.
If you’re interested in braces, the best thing to do is book a free consultation* at one of our Total Orthodontics practices. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss all your options with one of our orthodontists.
4. Are orthodontics available on the NHS?
NHS orthodontic care is available at some of our Total Orthodontics practices for under 18s who need braces for dental health reasons.
To find out if your child is eligible for NHS orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to visit your general dentist for an initial assessment. They will then refer you to us for a free NHS consultation to confirm you meet the eligibility criteria.
If your child is accepted for NHS treatment, they may need to join a waiting list before their braces are fitted. Your local practice will advise you how long this might be once you’re accepted.
If your child isn’t eligible for NHS care, we have alternative private options available, including Orthodontic Essentials – offering fixed braces from £2,500†.
5. Are there any reasons why I can’t have braces?
Most people are suitable for orthodontic treatment, but the type of treatment you can have will depend on your individual needs. You’ll need to attend a consultation with an orthodontist before you start treatment so they can make sure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for braces.
If you have tooth decay or gum disease, your orthodontist will advise you see your general dentist in the first instance to treat the problem. Once your oral health is in order, you can start your treatment. Occasionally, there are other problems that may need correcting before you can have your teeth straightened, such as bone loss.
The type of treatment you can have depends on your individual needs. For example, if you have severe orthodontic problems, you may need fixed braces rather than removable ones. Your orthodontist will explain everything when you see them for your free consultation*.
6. What are the alternatives to braces?
Orthodontic treatment is the only way to achieve straighter teeth. If you’re worried about how braces will look, we have a wide range of treatments beyond metal braces. These include discreet options like clear fixed braces, lingual braces, Six Month Smiles and Invisalign treatment.
Some treatments, such as the Invisalign system, use a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth instead of the metal wires and brackets used in traditional braces.
Sometimes, people consider other cosmetic treatments like veneers if they have misaligned teeth. Although they may cover your teeth, veneers aren’t a solution for a permanently straighter smile.
7. Do braces hurt?
Simply put, you can’t achieve a straighter smile without some level of discomfort. Teeth straightening gradually moves your teeth into a straighter position, which makes them temporarily more sensitive. As you wear your braces or aligners more, you’ll get used to them and they’ll feel more comfortable.
With fixed braces, the inside of your cheeks or your tongue may become a little sore for a week or so after you have your braces fitted and every time you have them adjusted. With aligners, your teeth may ache when you first start wearing them and each time you have a new set.
Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, will help to ease any initial discomfort. You can also attach orthodontic wax to any areas of your brace that start to rub, which you can get from your orthodontist.
If you need advice or support, your practice team will be there for you throughout your journey.
8. Is orthodontic treatment safe?
Orthodontic treatment is safe as long as it’s carried out by a registered professional with experience in teeth straightening.
At Total Orthodontics, you’re in safe hands. Your treatment will be carried out by a trained, specialist orthodontist who is registered with the General Dental Council, and who will monitor your progress throughout your treatment journey.
9. How long does the whole process take?
The length of treatment completely depends on your individual needs. Your orthodontist will discuss the length of your treatment with you once you’ve had a consultation. Some treatments such as Six Month Smiles may take a matter of months, but others can take two years or longer.
10. Can teeth move back after orthodontic treatment?
During orthodontic treatment, your teeth are held in position by your braces or aligners. Once they’re removed, stretched fibres in your gums try to pull the teeth back to their original position. It takes time for these fibres to remodel and stop pulling on the teeth.
To avoid this movement once your teeth have been straightened, we’ll give you a retainer to wear. If you don’t wear it as instructed, your teeth will slowly revert back to their original position. Your orthodontist will talk to you about retainers when you’re nearing the end of your treatment.
11. What should I do if I lose my removable retainer?
Without retainers, your teeth will slowly move back into their original position. If you lose your removable retainer, get in touch with your local practice as soon as you can. There will be an additional cost to purchase a new one, so it’s important to keep it safe.
12. What is headgear and will I need to wear it?
Orthodontic headgear is an appliance that is worn partially outside of your mouth. It’s rare that someone needs headgear, but it’s sometimes used for children whose jaw bones are still growing. Generally, headgear is designed to be worn for around 14 hours a day. Your orthodontist will let you know if your child needs headgear and tell you everything you need to know before you start treatment.
13. When should children see an orthodontist?
Most children start orthodontic treatment around the age of 12 once all their permanent teeth have come through, but it could be earlier depending on their individual needs. If your general dentist has any concerns about your child’s teeth, they will refer you to an orthodontist.
In some cases, treatment isn’t needed immediately and your child will be invited back for a review appointment at a later date. Your orthodontist will also be able to assess whether you’re eligible for NHS treatment or whether you need to consider private options.
14. Can I choose different colours for my braces?
You’ll be able to change the colour of your elastic bands every six to eight weeks if you have traditional fixed braces. This is often a popular option for children but is available for adults too.
15. What should I do if my braces are broken?
If you experience any problems with a broken brace, contact your local practice as soon as possible for further advice. In the meantime, try to continue wearing the brace. If you have aligners which have broken or bent out of shape, you should continue to wear your last set until you can see your orthodontist..
16. What should I do if I’m interested in having orthodontics?
If you’re interested in teeth straightening, the best thing to do is book a free consultation* at your nearest Total Orthodontics practice. Your orthodontist will be able to talk through all your options with you and you’ll be able to ask any questions you might have. Use the form below to book your free consultation today.
What to expect
At your consultation, we will chat through your options and suitability for different teeth straightening treatments.
*Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
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Find out more
Find out more about Total Orthodontics, including the treatments available, costs and more.
About Total Orthodontics
Find out more about Total Orthodontics and why you might consider choosing us for your teeth straightening.
Types of braces
Learn more about the types of treatment available at Total Orthodontics, including fixed braces and discreet, removable options.
Cost of braces
Learn more about how much braces might cost and the different options available to you.
Braces for children
Find out more about the options available for children who need braces.
Find your local practice
Learn more about your local practice, including the services they offer and more about their team.
†Terms and conditions:
- £2,500 price point applies to Orthodontic Essentials at participating practices to patients aged 18 years or under.
- The price point only covers the orthodontic treatment required, in the form of traditional fixed braces, to straighten your teeth
- The price point does not include any applicable COVID-19 safety tariffs, which will be charged in addition if they apply.
- Prices and options for further treatment may vary depending on location and suitability.
- A COVID-19 safety tariff will not apply to the free consultation but may apply to specific appointments in your treatment, which you will be notified of beforehand.
- Price is subject to review and may be amended at any time.
Our orthodontists
*Terms and conditions:
1.Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2.Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
