What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialist branch of dentistry that looks at a patient’s overall facial profile and how their teeth and jaws align. The goal of orthodontic work is to straighten teeth and improve the alignment of jaws, which greatly benefits oral and digestive health and self-esteem.
What qualifications does an orthodontist have?
An orthodontist first embarks on a five-year dental degree, just like your family dentist. However, an orthodontist then goes on to specialise in this field of dentistry, which requires another two-to-three years of postgraduate study in orthodontics. At Helix House, our doctors are Specialist Orthodontists, so you’re in the best possible hands.
Does orthodontic treatment hurt?
No, orthodontic treatment doesn’t hurt, but it can be a little uncomfortable at times. This discomfort usually arises after your appointments when our orthodontists have tightened your braces or changed your aligner. Some mild over-the-counter pain relief can ease this discomfort, which only lasts a couple of days.
How do I know if I need braces?
If you have crowded teeth, gaps between your teeth or problems with the alignment of your jaw, you could most likely benefit from orthodontic treatment. Your family dentist can refer you to an orthodontist, or you can book a free consultation with us to find out if orthodontic treatment is suitable for you.
Is orthodontic treatment expensive?
Orthodontic treatment isn’t cheap, but there's a good reason for this. Our orthodontists are exceptionally well qualified, which means they’re specialists in what they do. However, at Helix House Orthodontics, we want to ensure orthodontic treatment is affordable for everyone, so you can talk to our Treatment Coordinator about payment plans to help spread the cost of treatment.
Can anyone have orthodontic treatment?
Yes! Orthodontic treatment is suitable for patients of all ages, from children and teenagers up to adults.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
This depends entirely on your orthodontic problem. Some cases only need minor treatment and teeth could be corrected in as little as three months; other cases might be a bit more complex and take two or three years. We’ll give you a timeline for your treatment at your free consultation so you’ll know exactly how long your treatment will take.
Is there an easy way to fit orthodontic treatment into my lifestyle?
Yes, at Helix House, we use Dental Monitoring in conjunction with aligner treatment. Dental Monitoring is orthodontic software that enables us to monitor the progress of your treatment from selfies you upload to an app on your smartphone. This means you have fewer check-up appointments to fit into your diary!
What should I do if my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?
If your gums regularly bleed while brushing your teeth, you may have gum disease. It is important that this is treated before it leads to loose or lost teeth. At Helix House Orthodontics, we treat patients with gum disease all the time and have quick and effective treatments which can help you.