Resources

On average, a full treatment with fixed braces takes around 18 months, followed by a period of time where you will need to wear a retainer. But because every treatment is different, your orthodontist will tell you what to expect.

Yes, you will be required to wear a retainer overnight for a period of time after having your fixed braces removed. Your orthodontist will explain this in full to you during your appointments.  Please watch this video featuring the BOS expert on retention, Dr Simon Littlewood as part of the #HoldthatSmile campaign. 

https://youtu.be/P5FxothkHMg

In addition there is a separate animated video for our patients

https://youtu.be/5wCIFjlStzc

You might experience some discomfort for the first few days after your braces are fitted. You can take painkillers such as paracetamol if this is the case. Sometimes the appliance may rub against the side of your cheek or lip and cause some soreness or ulcers. Dental wax can be used on the brace over any sore spots to alleviate the discomfort.

You will need to come into the practice for regular appointments, typically once every 8 - 10 weeks, but this may vary depending on your treatment plan. Your orthodontist will advise you on how often you require check-ups.

The cost of treatment will depend on the treatment package and type of brace you choose. Your treatment coordinator will explain all costs and available payment plans when you discuss treatment options.

Call the practice and make an appointment as soon as possible. Don’t wait for your next scheduled check-up if your brace breaks, as a broken brace may slow down your treatment or, potentially, damage your teeth.

Please try to attend all of your scheduled appointments as it may be a while before you are able to book another. Missing appointments will prolong your treatment and repeatedly missing may result in you being discharged.

The longest appointment you will need will be when we fit your brace and explain how to look after it. This will take approximately 30 - 40 minutes. Routine appointments will last around 10 minutes.

Yes, we offer monthly payment plans for each of our treatment packages. Your treatment coordinator will talk you through the payment options available to you.

It is sometimes necessary to have certain teeth removed to create sufficient space for the treatment to be effective. If you need to have a tooth removed, this will be discussed with you during an appointment and arranged with your dentist.

If you keep your teeth clean as you are shown and avoid excess sugar there should not be any marks left on your teeth.

You should avoid chewing gum, and all other sticky or chewy sweets, while wearing braces or removable aligners.

Available appointment times are dependent on your treatment package. Patients on the Complete package can book appointments between 8.30am and 7.30pm Monday to Friday (late surgery is 2 days a week), or 9am to 12.30pm on Saturdays (twice a month).

Any orthodontic appliance may temporarily affect your speech, so you may have a lisp for the first few days. As you get used to the aligners, this will improve.

Invisalign aligners are very light, with no metal brackets or wires. You may feel some discomfort and tightness in the first few days after beginning treatment. If this is the case, you can take paracetamol or similar painkillers.

We recommend that you remove your aligners when eating, and do not drink anything hot, acidic, coloured, or with a high sugar content while wearing your Invisalign. Do not chew gum while wearing your aligners.

Remove your aligners to smoke as they will stain - but remember you need to wear your aligners for 22 hours per day.

You should remove your aligners to eat, for hot/sugary drinks, to smoke and to brush your teeth; however, you need to make sure you are wearing them for at least 22 hours a day.

You should change aligners after 7 days. You may wear it for longer if it still feels tight, but you should not move onto the next set before 7 days. You should also never skip an aligner.