Orthodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry that exists to correct problems with the positioning of both the teeth and jaw. Orthodontics typically apply to issues such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
Orthodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry that exists to correct problems with the positioning of both the teeth and jaw. Orthodontics typically apply to issues such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
An orthodontist is a dental professional who has studied the field beyond the requirements of general dentistry. An orthodontist diagnoses and treats misaligned teeth and jaws, occlusion and overcrowding, among other things.
When an orthodontist fixes the position of the teeth or jaw, benefits can include:
You may need braces if you notice one or more of the following issues:
Orthodontic treatment can commence at any age. It is easier to avoid serious complications and orthodontic surgery if problems are detected and treated earlier. Every child should visit an orthodontist by the age of seven, but don’t hesitate to bring them in sooner if you, your dentist or your doctor suspect an orthodontic issue.
Orthodontists often refer to treatment as “two-phase.” Phase one relates to any treatment that happens before all the patient’s permanent teeth have erupted. Phase-one treatment is aimed at making space for permanent teeth or correcting problems like crossbites, underbites, and overbites with conservative devices like expanders or partial braces. It commonly takes place between the ages of six and ten. Phase-two orthodontic treatment is more comprehensive and occurs after all the permanent teeth have erupted. It is typically only performed after age eleven.
A two-phase treatment plan produces results that are more likely to remain stable throughout the patient’s life. An early start to treatment may yield better results, including a functional, healthy and aesthetically pleasing set of teeth.
Orthodontic treatment deals with issues that can significantly affect dental function. Waiting for permanent teeth to erupt could compromise the long-term stability of treatment. It may also compound the problem, making it more complicated to adjust
Orthodontic devices straighten teeth, while orthodontic surgery straightens the jaw. The two are used together to properly align the mouth and improve a patient’s ability to speak, chew and breathe correctly. It can also enhance their facial appearance.
Pedro will only consider orthodontic surgery after the jaw is fully grown. Generally, this means that it will only be performed on girls over the age of 16 and boys over 18. Orthodontic devices help to straighten teeth while the jaw is still developing.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform orthodontic surgery under anaesthetic. Patients can usually go back to work or school two weeks after the procedure. The orthodontist provides follow-up treatments to fine-tune your new smile after the patient has properly healed, which typically takes four to eight weeks.
At least a quarter of orthodontic patients are adults. Treatment can be successful at any age and may simply require more follow-up orthodontist visits to ensure the initial results remain stable throughout a patient’s life.
Braces help straighten teeth with brackets and wires. The brackets are bonded directly to the teeth, and the wires are then connected to the brackets. Together, they apply gentle pressure to the teeth and gradually pull them into the proper position.
You may experience soreness and discomfort for a short while after they are fitted due to pressure being exerted on your teeth. You may also feel discomfort in your lips and cheeks until the soft tissues in your mouth adapt to the device. All associated discomfort often subsides within the first two weeks of having braces fitted, and patients can use pain medication and orthodontic wax to minimise any initial soreness during this time.
The treatment timeline depends on the severity of your condition, your growth rate, and how well you follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Maintaining regular appointments and practising good oral hygiene all help to keep treatment on schedule.
Having braces should not interfere with sporting activities. If you do take part in sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and your mouth’s soft tissues in case of an impact. Mouthguards are comfortable and inexpensive.
Braces shouldn’t interfere with musical endeavours. You will need to give yourself a few weeks to get used to your braces and let your lips and cheeks adjust to the feeling of them. A brace cover can help with any discomfort you might experience when singing or playing.
Yes. Visits to your dentist are crucial for maintaining your oral health. While an orthodontist will check your treatment progress, they will not perform the same dental checks as a dentist. It is advisable to visit your dentist every six months for a check-up, so you can have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined.
A dentist is concerned with your overall oral health. They carry out routine cleaning and dental health examinations and perform treatments like fillings, sealants and root canals. A dentist makes sure your mouth, teeth and gums are healthy. An orthodontist is a specialist who makes sure your teeth and jaw are properly aligned and administer any treatment required to fix abnormalities. Both a dentist and orthodontist must possess the correct qualifications for their separate fields and be registered with the relevant associations, such as the General Dental Council, in the case of orthodontists.
There are two main reasons to consider orthodontic treatment. The first is to improve your dental aesthetics and enhance your smile. The second is to improve your overall dental function and allow you to use your jaw and teeth properly.
Your smile is a big part of your identity. It can affect how you feel about yourself and how other people perceive you. Orthodontic devices can help you achieve a straighter, more beautiful smile. Straight teeth can also improve overall oral health because they are easier to keep clean and healthy.
Having a poor bite, which occurs when your upper and lower jaw does not meet properly, can cause a range of problems. Your chewing function won’t be as effective as it should be. Ineffective chewing can lead to stomach problems. A poorly functioning bite also puts a strain on your jaw muscles, which affects their opening and closing mechanisms. This has a knock-on effect on your jaw muscles, neck and back. It can even result in chronic headaches. If misalignment causes your front teeth to protrude, you’re at a higher risk of trauma to these teeth while playing sports or if you are involved in an accident. You may not feel as if your bite is enough of a problem to see an orthodontist, but a visit is highly recommended to prevent long-term complications.
The NHS provides free orthodontic care under certain conditions for children under the age of 18. The case of each child patient is rated on a system called Index for Orthodontic Treatment Need, or IOTN. Your child will typically need to have an IOTN of 4 or 5 to qualify, but in some cases, an IOTN of 3 is accepted. All other cases will require private treatment. Contact Pedro for more information about special rates and payment plans for young patients.
The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on the type and severity of the problem, the treatment required and the estimated treatment period. It is impossible to determine a general cost, but treatment costs can range from £3,000 up to £11,500. Pedro provides patients with a treatment plan and costs during their initial assessment. He also offers interest-free financing options to make your orthodontic journey as affordable as possible.
Your treatment timeline is dependent on several factors. Mild orthodontic issues will generally take between 6 and 12 months to correct. Moderate cases usually take 12 to 18 months and severe cases 18 to 24 months. Treatment lasting longer than 24 months is generally only necessary under special circumstances.
Pedro recommends following a diet of soft foods for the first two weeks, during which the teeth are still tender from the fitting process. Soft foods will exert less pressure on your teeth, minimising any discomfort. After the first two weeks, patients must be careful with how and what they eat so they don’t damage the braces. Hard foods can harm the braces, and sticky foods can loosen them from the teeth. Foods that push on the braces when you bite like raw carrots and apples must be cut into small pieces before being eaten. If you have a removable device, it will need to be removed before eating.
Braces that are on the outside surface of the teeth will not affect your speech. Only devices that cover the inside surface of your teeth could affect the way you speak, but this will only last for a couple of weeks until the tongue adapts to the appliance
No. Many modern, discreet orthodontic devices are barely visible to others. Invisalign® is an excellent example of a popular treatment method used by teenagers.
Pedro offers several popular alternatives to wire braces. The Invisalign® system is a clear plastic aligner that fits over your teeth to pull them into the right position. Damon® braces follow the same principle as traditional braces, but they are made from clear materials. Lingual braces are fitted to the inside surface of your teeth, providing the same straightening effect without being visible.
It is critical you clean your teeth after every meal if you wear braces. Remnants of food can become stuck around the brackets, causing tooth decay, white marks, staining, bad breath, and gum problems if the device is not kept clean. It is advisable to keep a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste on hand, so you can clean your braces each time you eat. You will be taught how to brush and floss your teeth with braces once they have been fitted.
A removable device is not kept in the mouth while you eat. This means your teeth will have direct contact with food and remnants may become lodged between the teeth. Clean your teeth thoroughly before replacing your appliance.
Call Pedro if you experience any abnormal pain or discomfort when wearing an orthodontic appliance. Contact Pedro immediately if you notice any damage to your device to avoid any injury to the mouth’s soft tissues.
A dental implant is an excellent option for replacing one or more missing teeth. A titanium rod is implanted into the jawbone where the natural tooth root used to be. A prosthetic tooth is bonded to the rod once the gum has healed and the rod has fused with the bone. The structure looks and feels like a real tooth.
If you are physically healthy enough to have a tooth extracted or bridge work done, then you are technically healthy enough to receive a dental implant. Pedro will always conduct a thorough examination before the procedure to make sure this is the case. Your dental health is also critical. The biggest consideration is that your jawbone is healthy enough to support the implant rod. Pedro will examine the area of your jaw to make sure it is strong, deep and dense enough for successful fusion with the titanium implant. He may recommend a bone graft or sinus lift to improve the condition of your jawbone before the procedure.
A dental implant is an extremely stable replacement option. Once it fuses with the jawbone, it typically won’t require any additional adjustments for the length of time it is expected to stay there. The new tooth will look and feel so natural and secure that you will be able to smile, speak and eat with confidence. A dental implant is also the only tooth replacement option that stimulates natural growth of bone in the jaw.
Dental implants involve a minor surgical procedure that requires an incision in the gum. Pedro generally performs this under local anaesthesia, the least amount of medication necessary for you to feel comfortable throughout. You do have the option of being sedated beforehand if you’re feeling anxious. The area only takes a few days to heal. During this time, you may feel some minor discomfort. Pain medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken, but it shouldn’t be necessary for any longer than two to five days afterward.
The length of the procedure depends on how many rods are needed and if your case presents any complexities. It generally takes between one and four hours. If more extensive treatment is required such as a bone graft or a sinus lift, it may take longer. However, Pedro will let you know how long you can expect the procedure to last before you book in for your implant fitting.
The total cost depends mainly on the number of implants you need. The cost is calculated per rod and per crown. You won’t always need a rod for every crown. For example, full-mouth restoration uses only six rods to support a full row of teeth. Pedro will give you a comprehensive quote after your initial consultation.
Pedro aims to make any treatment as affordable as possible to help his patients restore their smiles whatever their budget. That is why he offers financing options with 0% interest. You can discuss these with him during your initial consultation.
A dental implant is a minor, minimally invasive procedure, so the risk is low. There may be more risk for patients with medical conditions that affect the healing of bone or soft tissue. Pedro will discuss your medical history at your consultation.
Clinical studies on the success of single implants show they have a success rate of more than 95%. While the skill of the orthodontist is critical to the success of the procedure, long-term success will depend largely on how well the implant is taken care of. Your dentist or hygienist must examine the implant regularly. It needs to be taken care of along with your natural teeth to maintain your overall oral health.
A dental implant can last a lifetime. Although it’s common to tell patients to expect a lifespan of 20+ years, there is no reason why an implant can’t last much longer. Problems with implants occur mostly because of improper care and maintenance at home. Soft tissue health and the function of the implant must be evaluated regularly to make sure any issues are caught at the earliest point possible. It is very important that routine check-ups are upheld so Pedro can detect and fix any issues in its early stages.
A dental implant is not subject to the same risks that could be experienced with an organ transplant, for example. Since the rod is not made of a biological material, there is no risk the body will reject it due to a poor blood-type or tissue match. The human body doesn’t reject the placement of titanium within bone, which is why joint replacement surgery has such a high success rate. There are recorded cases in which an implant was not successful, but this is not because the patients’ bodies rejected them. Rather, these cases were ones in which either the patients in question were not good candidates for the procedure, necessary bone grafts were not done, or practitioners lacked the requisite skill. Another factor that could lead to implant failure is a patient’s inability to adhere to post-procedure care or attend follow-up appointments.
Care for your implant in the same way you care for a natural tooth. Brush and floss thoroughly at least twice a day, attend regular dental check-ups and keep your gums healthy. More teeth, including implants, are lost because of untreated gum disease than any other dental issue. How long does the entire dental implant process take? The total treatment time, from the first incision in the gum to the sign-off of your new crowns, can take between five to eight months. The timeline depends on the specifications of each unique case.
Yes. Pedro will recommend a soft-food diet that you should follow for about two weeks after the procedure. This will help relieve any unnecessary pressure on the gum incision while it heals.
During this time, you can wear a temporary bridge or denture. There are certain times — like while a bone graft is healing — when you may be unable to wear a temporary tooth. In these cases, Pedro will offer advice as to how to go about your normal day-to-day activities with minimal disruption.
No. There is a long history of success with dental implants, and it is one of the most thoroughly researched procedures. Orthodontists who treat patients with implants are carefully regulated and must be approved by the British Dental Association.
An implant can only be successful if the jawbone is dense enough to support the titanium rod. The bone in the jaw begins to deteriorate quickly after a tooth is lost. It is possible to lose as much as 40% bone width in the first year if a tooth isn’t replaced. The procedure will be less complicated and the treatment timeline much shorter if a missing tooth is replaced as soon as possible.
This may be possible, but it depends on several factors. Pedro must determine the amount and quality of jawbone available and if there is any infection present. An infection can mean a bone graft is required before you can have an implant fitted. If the conditions are favourable, then it may be possible to have an extraction and implant done during the same visit, which would certainly help to preserve the natural health of the jawbone. It would also save a lot of time, as you wouldn’t need to wait for the gum to heal after the extraction before placing the implant.
The jaw starts to deteriorate and shrink when there aren’t any surrounding teeth to stimulate natural bone growth. This shrinkage, as well as the pressure of dentures on the gums, can cause the soft tissue of your gums to become flabby. That’s why it starts to feel as if dentures are loose, even when an adhesive is applied.
Dental implants slow down the loss of density in your jawbone, as well as gum erosion. This is because they place pressure directly on the bone instead of on the gums, as dentures do. When you chew, the pressure exerted on the implant transfers directly to the jaw, stimulating the growth of new bone.
Yes, you can combine these two types of treatment. It is relatively common for a patient to replace their lower dentures with implants, as lower dentures are the ones that can cause wearers the most trouble. Lower dentures move far more than upper ones when you chew, and the movement of your tongue can disturb them. It is also difficult for someone with advanced bone loss to keep a lower denture in place. Pedro will do a thorough oral exam and other tests to see if you are a good candidate for implants.
Pedro usually recommends either a full-mouth restoration or “all-on-four” procedure when replacing a full row of teeth. A full-mouth restoration uses six implants to support 12 teeth, while an “all-on-four” procedure uses four implants to anchor a denture to the jawbone, as opposed to individual crowns. A thorough examination will show how many implants you need to support a full row of teeth. This will be anywhere between two and eight rods. The examination can help to determine if it would be best to use a bridge or denture and whether it should be removable or non-removable.
The original drive behind creating dental implants was to help patients eat properly and function socially without the limitations presented by dentures. Dental implants look, feel and function naturally because they are anchored to the jawbone in the same way as a natural tooth. The procedure provides patients with stable teeth and improves their overall health and quality of life.
Root canal treatment weakens the affected tooth and causes it to dehydrate, which makes the tooth extremely brittle and prone to fractures. It can be replaced with a dental implant if you are a viable candidate for the procedure.
While Invisalign aligners aren’t invisible they’re very inconspicuous. In most cases you’ll be able to have conversations with friends and family without them even realising that you’re wearing your aligners.
You may have a slight lisp at first, but you’ll quickly get used to your aligners and should be talking clearly and confidently within a few days.
Invisalign aligners have been designed with your comfort in mind using ‘transparent polycrystalline alumina’ – a clear, smooth material that incidentally was designed by NASA. Invisalign also has the benefit of having no metal wires or brackets, which can sometimes cause discomfort at the beginning of treatment.
You need to wear your aligners for around 20 to 22 hours a day, but you must take them out for eating, drinking, brushing and contact sports.
Invisalign attachments are small tooth-coloured buttons that are bonded to your teeth to help moving them in a particular direction.
Invisalign aligners are made out of transparent polycrystalline alumina (TPA), which was originally developed by NASA for missile tracking! Its smooth and transparent properties make this material an excellent choice for ‘invisible’ braces.
If you misplace one of your aligners, get in touch with us as soon as you can. In the meantime, you can wear the previous aligner to stop your teeth moving too far out of line. In some cases, we might suggest that you move straight to your next set of aligners.
No brace is suitable for everyone, but you’ll be pleased to hear that Invisalign can be used to straighten the majority of mild to moderate cases. You can find out if Invisalign is right for you during a free no-obligation consultation.
Invisalign treatment with us starts from £1500 for one arch, which can be split into affordable monthly payments. Also, don’t forget to keep an eye out for special offers.
Results will vary by patient, but your teeth will be dramatically whiter after treatment. Enlighten can whiten most teeth by up to 16 shades.
No. Enlighten works on natural teeth but not synthetic materials. Any cosmetic dentistry may need to be updated to match the new whiteness of your natural teeth.
While you may experience some sensitivity after the procedure, the system provides desensitising wipes that work immediately when swabbed on the teeth. Pedro will provide these to take home with you.
Yes. The active ingredients in Enlighten have been used safely in the field of dentistry for more than a century.
It takes 15 days. The Enlighten whitening trays are worn every night for 14 days. On day 15, you will come in for your follow-up treatment with Pedro.
Results can last indefinitely with proper maintenance. Whitening trays should be worn for one night every week. You must also brush your teeth using Enlighten Tooth Serum® to prolong the results
No. Pedro has convenient financing plans available at 0% interest.
Your clinician will advise you on which type of retainer is best for you, but ultimately, it’s your decision. In most cases patients are advised to opt for both a fixed and removable retainer.
In addition to lingual retainers, which are also referred to as fixed retention appliances or simply fixed retainers, removable appliances are also available as an alternative. Following the active treatment period, removable retainers are to be worn at all times – during the day and at night – in the first few months. After around 3-6 months, the wearing time is reduced, and the retainers are to be worn only during the night. Removable retainers can stabilize the position of the teeth as well as fixed retainers, but only if they are worn every night. Scientific studies show that, after a period of 5 years, only a very few patients wear their retainers. Other authors insist that, upon completion of active treatment, every patient should be provided with a fixed retainer in order to ensure sufficient prevention against any undesired tooth movement.
Ensuring the long-term success and stability of the treatment results is a vital to every orthodontic therapy. This is important as teeth have a tendency to return to their original position even after corrective orthodontic treatment. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to ensure that the teeth remain in their post-treatment position. Remember: The longer retention devices are used for stabilizing the dental arches, the lower the tendency of the teeth to move back to their original position.
There is no simple answer to this question. As a general rule: The retention phase should be approximately twice as long as the active treatment period. Thus, if a patient has worn fixed braces for a period of two years, then a retention device should be used for a period of four years to stabilize the treatment results. The propensity for recurrence, however, varies depending on the different types of malocclusion and temporomandibular disorders. Owing to this, therefore, there is no hard-and-fast rule. The trend in modern orthodontics is to focus on the so-called "life-long retention" principle, i.e. to aim at the life-long stabilization of the treatment outcome. To ensure that the teeth remain stable in their corrected position for an entire lifetime, it is also necessary to ensure the life-long stabilization of this position. Life-long retention can also be beneficial, irrespective of the likelihood of an orthodontic relapse. Among many patients, we observe crowding in the anterior region, so-called "tertiary crowding" (also known as "late crowding", "post-adolescent crowding" or "late incisor crowding"), during the patient's lifetime. This occurs more frequently in the lower than in the upper jaw. This kind of crowding is so common that some researchers describe "tertiary crowding" as an "anatomical/physiological phenomenon".
Unfortunately, not! Tooth movement can occur throughout one's lifetime. In most cases, orthodontic relapse is almost unlikely after a sufficient retention period. Nonetheless, it is possible that teeth can move out of position again. During their lifetime, humans are generally prone to crowding in the anterior tooth region (after the process of permanent dentition is completed). This initially occurs in the lower jaw but can also extend to the anterior region of the upper jaw. The technical term for this phenomenon is "tertiary crowding". Wearing a retention device prevents both an orthodontic relapse as well as undesired tooth movement.
Since the 1970s, orthodontists have been using nitinol (an alloy of nickel and titanium) for intra-oral treatment. Thanks to its outstanding biocompatibility and corrosion resistance, nitinol is the ideal material for meeting the highest demands in orthodontics. Surface finish and coating are important factors that influence biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. They possess an extremely smooth surface and antibacterial properties. The induction of an allergic reaction following the intra-oral application of nitinol can be virtually ruled out. Studies show that patients suffering from a "nickel allergy" did not display symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction following oral exposure to nitinol. That is because the suspected "nickel allergy" is actually caused by an allergic response to nickel sulphide. Nickel sulphide can only originate if nickel reacts with sulphur. This happens regularly when, for instance, the nickel in designer jewellery reacts with human sweat to form nickel sulphide. Fortunately, there are no sweat glands or other sources of sulphur in our oral cavity and hence there is no formation of nickel sulphide that can cause an allergic reaction. Nitinol is thus a safe material which makes it suitable for its application in MEMOTAIN retainers. Nonetheless, there are isolated cases in medical literature that report about "nickel allergies" triggered by nickel in oral applications. Until now, there is no scientific explanation for these individual cases.
If you misplace or break your retainer, get in touch with the orthodontist or dentist who carried out your treatment as soon as you can. Otherwise your teeth could start to move.
It’s probably a sign that your teeth are moving and you’re not wearing your retainer often enough. Wearing your retainer for longer and more frequently should resolve this problem.
Yes, we can organize a spare removable retainer to be made for your peace of mind. Invisalign Vivera retainers come in sets of 3 thus a good option to consider.
A fixed retainer should not affect your speech – they’re very unobtrusive. A removable retainer could give you a slight lisp, which will quickly disappear.
Yes, you’ll be able to clean in between your teeth using an interdental brush, superfloss or air floss. Your fixed retainer will only be attached to your front teeth, so you’ll be able to clean in between your back teeth using normal dental floss.
Yes. Insignia brackets have been designed to be small and comfortable. You can also opt for clear brackets if you’re looking for an inconspicuous brace.
Orthodontic treatment with fixed braces involves attaching small brackets to your teeth. Some types of brace use the same shape and size brackets for different patients, whereas customised brackets are designed and made just for you using the bracket system of your choice. Your brackets will fit the curves of your teeth perfectly, giving us better control and quicker results.
Insignia’s Advanced Smile Design software will give you an accurate representation of how your teeth should look at the end of your orthodontic treatment. However, we can’t guarantee that your end result will be exactly the same, as there can be influencing factors that change during your treatment. In most cases though, you should expect an end result very similar to the one predicted by Insignia’s software.
Yes, but only if you wear your retainers as instructed by your clinician. You’ll be provided with fixed and/or removable aligners, which are designed to keep your teeth in their new position once your braces have been removed.
Treatment starts from £2500 when using metallic brackets or £3000 for Damon clear brackets.
Yes. Damon braces are suitable for all ages and a popular choice among adult patients who want precise results from a discreet brace.
Unfortunately, we can’t provide a definitive answer to this question without seeing you for a free consultation*. In most cases treatment is completed in around 12 months. Damon braces have been designed to straighten teeth faster than traditional fixed braces and for some patients’ treatment can take just six months.
It might take you a few days to get used to your fixed brace and your teeth may feel a little tender just after your brace is fitted and after adjustments. Damon braces, however, use very light titanium wires to gently move teeth, so any discomfort is minimal.
Yes, although you will need to spend a little extra time brushing to make sure you clean carefully around your brace. When we fit your brace, we’ll give you advice on how to clean your teeth as well as the best tools for the job.
To avoid breaking your brace and slowing down your treatment, it’s important to be a little careful about what you eat but more important is how you eat it. In most cases it’s just a case of cutting things up but avoid anything hard or chewy that could damage your brace. You should also avoid foods and drinks that could stain your teeth, otherwise when your brace comes off you could be left with lighter patches where your brackets have been.
Treatment starts from £1750 (metallic) or £2000 (clear).
The vast majority of your friends, family and colleagues will have no idea that you’re wearing a brace unless you tell them. However, although hidden, lingual braces aren’t invisible and if someone goes to the effort to look inside your mouth they might be able to spot your brace.
Some patients have no problems at all, but you might find that you have a slight lisp to begin with. To help your tongue adapt to your brace, we recommend reading the Rainbow Passage – a famous passage that provides a good sample of English sounds. Practice makes perfect!
Some systems use gold alloy brackets, which are a great choice for anyone who suffers from a nickel allergy.
Lingual brackets have been carefully designed to hug your teeth closely, to minimize any potential discomfort. However, your tongue is very sensitive, so anything new in your mouth is going to feel a little strange at first, and you might find that initially your brace causes you some mild discomfort. To help with this we can give you some wax to cover any parts of your brace that are rubbing against your tongue.
Moderate to complex treatments with lingual braces start from £5,995. However, in mild cases where you only need your front teeth straightened, costs start from £2,995.