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Call us on: 01476 563 164
7 St Catherines Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6TS
Orthodontics and Invisible Braces Treatment

Orthodontics and Braces

NHS Orthodontics

We accept children under the age of 18 for NHS orthodontic treatment. Patients must be eligible and will be assessed to see if they meet certain criteria. If there is sufficient need for treatment, then this can be carried out at the practice under the NHS.

Braces for Adults

Many adults choose to wear fixed braces to straighten their teeth nowadays. This can be offered privately.

'Invisible braces'

We also offer private treatment with Invisalign Clear Braces, an orthodontic clear aligner system. This system offers the dentist and patient the opportunity to view their planned treatment using treatment planning software on the computer. Invisalign offers clear invisible, retainer-type braces - a series of which are worn full time (except when removed for eating and drinking) to achieve straight teeth.

A retainer needs to be worn long term to keep the teeth straight.

Find out more about Invisalign »

About Orthodontic Treatment

Please click on any of the questions below to see more information:

What is orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment involves straightening of the teeth and usually requires the wearing of braces (removable or fixed) and often the extraction of teeth.

Why might I need orthodontic treatment?

There are 3 main reasons for having orthodontic treatment:
  • To improve the appearance of the teeth and face
  • To improve the health of the teeth and gums
  • To improve function ie. to make it easier to eat

What types of braces are there?

There are those which can be removed for cleaning, known as removable braces. The second type of brace is fixed to the teeth and cannot be removed for cleaning.

When will the brace be fitted?

This depends very much on the teeth being present in the mouth and the stage of growth of the face and jaws.

How long will treatment take?

Treatment with braces usually takes between 18 – 24 months to complete.

What do our patients say?

Comment Patient Name

Very welcoming staff and Mrs Sloss was very professional whilst also giving care and consideration to my needs. I would definitely recommend the practice to others.

Anonymous

If teeth need to be extracted, who will do this?

Your own dentist usually does this.

Is it painful?

Having the brace fitted is not painful. However, it is common to have slightly tender teeth for 3 – 5 days after each fitting and adjustment appointment.

How often will I need an appointment?

Once your brace has been fitted you will need frequent and regular appointments for it to be adjusted.

Will the brace affect what I can eat?

In order to prevent damage to both your teeth and brace, you will need to:
  • Avoid eating toffees, boiled sweets, sugared chewing gum, chocolate bars etc.
  • Avoid drinking fizzy drinks (including diet drinks) and excessive amounts of fruit juice.
  • Take care eating hard foods which might damage the brace such as crunchy apples, crusty bread, etc. cut them up first.

Will orthodontic treatment damage my teeth?

It is important you brush your teeth well, three times per day and use a fluoride toothpaste. A fluoride mouthrinse should also be used last thing at night, after toothbrushing, to further protect the teeth. Failure to keep your teeth and brace clean will lead to permanent scarring of your teeth. Having orthodontics treatment to improve the appearance of the teeth will be pointless if such scarring is allowed to occur.

Will I still need to see my regular dentist?

Yes. It will be important you still have check-ups with your regular dentist throughout orthodontic treatment so that your teeth can be checked for decay.

Will I still be able to play contact sports?

Yes, but it is recommended you wear a gumshield when doing so. This will also be the case if you enjoy riding a bicycle, roller skating, or skateboarding. You will be advised about this.

What if I play a musical instrument?

If you play a wind instrument, particularly the flute or brass instrument, then a fixed brace may make it more difficult. You will need to discuss this with your music teacher.

What if my brace breaks during treatment?

You will need to contact the practice for an emergency appointment for the brace to be repaired. Repeated breakages will slow down the treatment and increase the overall treatment time. As a rule, every time the brace is broken 1 – 2 months is added on to the normal treatment time of 6 – 24 months. If you repeatedly break the brace, treatment may be stopped, leaving your teeth in a worse position that when you started.

What happens at the end of treatment?

Your teeth will try to return to their original positions. In order to prevent this you will be fitted with retaining appliances. These may be worn full time at first and eventually worn part-time.

How successful is orthodontic treatment?

This very much depends on your commitment to the treatment. As a general rule, patients who co-operate well with treatment get good results, whilst those who do not co-operate well, get poor results. Unless retainers are worn in the longer term some settling and growth changes may occur after treatment.

Get in Touch

For further information about Invisalign Clear Braces please contact the practice or alternatively you can email us via our online contact form »