- Is it required that my family dentist refers me to the orthodontist?
- At what age should I first have an orthodontic assessment?
- Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
- How do I arrange an appointment for an initial exam?
- What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
- What will I learn from the initial examination?
- Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
- How long will it take to complete treatment?
- How much will braces cost?
- How often will I have appointments?
- Can I arrange all of my appointments after school?
- Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
- Do braces hurt?
- Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
- Do you give injections?
- Do you use recycled braces?
- Can I still play sports?
- Do I need to see my family dentist while I have braces?
- Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
- How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
- What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
- Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
- Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
- Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
- Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?
1. Is it required that my family dentist refers me to the orthodontist?
No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to arrange an examination themselves. However, Dr Taylor specialisees exclusively in orthodontics, and it is important that you continue to see your general dentist for routine dental care while you are having orthodontic treatment. If any extractions ar required as part of your orthodontic care, Dr Taylor will liaise with your dentist about this.
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2. At what age should I first have an orthodontic assessment?
Your dentist may refer you or your child at any time that a developing orthodontic problem becomes apparent. Most patients do not need treatment until most of the adult teeth have erupted, usually between 10 to 14 years old, but if your dentist feels there is an urgent need for an orthodontic assessment at an earlier age, we are happy to arrange this.
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3. Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.
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4. How do I arrange an appointment for an initial exam?
If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply 'phone our receptionists on 01422 345984. or ask your dentist to refer you. We will be happy to arrange an appointment for you. When you call to arrange your appointment, our reception staff will request some basic information from you.
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5. What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
At your first visit we will examine your teeth and the shape of your face and jaws. We will take some detailed notes and we will take some radiographs ( X-rays ) of your mouth. We will usually also take some impressions so that we can make some models of your mouth. Photographs are usually taken at either your first or second appointment.
Dr Taylor will then discuss with you ( and your parents, if you are under 16) what treatment is possible, how long it is likely to take, and the best time to start., and answer any further queries you may have .
To read more about your first visit, see our First Visit Page.
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6. What will I learn from the initial examination?
There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination:
- Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
- What must be done to correct the problem?
- Will any teeth need to be removed?
- How long will the treatment take to complete?
- How much will the treatment cost?
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7. Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.
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8. How long will it take to complete treatment?
Treatment time obviously depends on each patient's specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The "average" time frame a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.
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9. How much will braces cost?
NHS treatment is usually available for patients under the age of 18, with a moderate to severe need for orthodontic treatment. Private treatment is available for adults, children and teenagers with milder problems, and for patients who want less visible braces. It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you.If you require private treatment we will discuss the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination.
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10. How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are arranged according to each patient's needs. Most patients with braces will be seen every five to 10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will arrange appointments accordingly.
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11. Can I arrange all of my appointments after school?
Unfortunately, we cannot arrange all appointments during after-school hours for NHS patients. However, because most appointments are scheduled five to 10 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatment. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your appointment needs. There is a greater availability of after-school appointments for private patients, on our dedicated private treatment sessions.
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12. Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for all examination ad treatment planning appointments. Once treatment starts and appliances have been fitted patients can attend without parents, although we encourage parents to attend periodically for progress reports.
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13. Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not "hurt." After certain visits, teeth may ache slightly for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Parcacetomol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any discomfort at all!
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14. Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school after your orthodontic appointment.
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15. Do you give injections?
No. Injections are not necessary in routine orthodontic treatment.
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16. Do you use recycled braces?
Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.
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17. Can I still play sports?
Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.
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18. Do I need to see my own dentist while I have braces?
Yes! Regular checkups with your own dentist are important while you have braces.
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19. Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes. For most situations, common sense will tell you what to avoid. Hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided. You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions. For further information see Foods to Avoid.
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20. How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day - after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.
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21. What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our Practice for advice. If necessry, we will arrange an urgent appointment for you.
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22. Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient's growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.
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23. Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!
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24. Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
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25. Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?
Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialised training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalised treatments.
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