Frequently asked questions about orthodontics

Orthodontics is a specialist area of dentistry that uses braces or aligners to straighten your teeth. Orthodontic treatment aims to correct the jaw position and function of crooked or badly positioned teeth. This treatment is carried out by a Specialist Orthodontist.

A specialist in orthodontics has already become a dentist, and then completed at least three years of postgraduate study in orthodontics. Specialist Orthodontists also obtain further training from the Royal College of Surgeons. Their name will appear on the specialist list of the General Dental Council.

The most common time to start orthodontic treatment is at 11 to 14 years of age. It’s helpful to see children earlier though to lessen the need for more comprehensive orthodontic treatment in their teenage years. We can start early intervention treatment as early as age 7-8, and recommend your child sees an orthodontist for a consultation by at least the age of 9.

There is no age limit for orthodontics – it can be done at any time of life. We have successfully treated many adult patients with braces and Invisalign® clear aligners.

As well as enabling you to have 'The Perfect Smile' Orthodontic treatment can also improve the function and health of your teeth and, in some cases, improve associated structures such as jaws and joints.

Sometimes, removing teeth is required to achieve the best orthodontic result, particularly in the case of overcrowded teeth. However, orthodontic technology is always advancing and in many cases extractions are now not necessary.

Orthognathic surgery is an operation on the jaws to correct their position and improve the alignment of the upper and lower teeth.

No, it is not necessary to have a referral from your dentist. If you have concerns about the appearance of your teeth, you can contact us directly.

If you need to book an orthodontic appointment for yourself or your child, you can contact us by phone on 020 8364 8038 or 020 7580 2786, by email at info@origin-orthodontics.co.uk or directly through our website.

The cost of braces depends on a number of factors, such as the type of brace and the complexity of your case. Once your Specialist Orthodontist has done a clinical assessment of your smile, we will be able to give you a full quote on your custom treatment.

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You can view estimated costs of braces and aligners at our treatment costs page.

Yes, we have a variety of financial options available to suit your budget including a 0% in-house payment plan with monthly interest-free payments. We can discuss your payment options during your free consultation with our Treatment Coordinator.

The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the individual case. Treatment usually takes around 12-18 months, however simpler orthodontic cases can be completed in less than a year.

At Origin Orthodontics, we offer a variety of braces options for all ages. We provide fixed braces attached to the front or back of your teeth. Fixed braces come in stainless steel, ceramic and gold depending on the appliance.

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Functional appliances are used in children to correct jaw positions, and are made of acrylic.

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Invisalign® treatment uses sets of clear removable aligners to move your smile into position.

Yes, lingual braces (Incognito™) are attached to the back of the tooth surface and cannot be seen. Invisalign® clear aligners are also virtually invisible since no brackets or wires are involved.

A functional appliance is a type of brace used in children and adolescents to correct the position of the jaw while they are growing. This treatment is usually followed at a later date by treatment with braces or aligners.

Invisalign® treatment uses a series of removable clear aligners to straighten your smile. The Invisalign® clear aligners are removable and custom made for your exact smile.

Yes, our Invisalign® patients can enjoy the benefits of Dental Monitoring, a smartphone app that enables us to track the progress of your treatment and communicate weekly with you, all via your phone!

We recommend that the majority of patients see their Specialist Orthodontist every 4-6 weeks. However, appointments are scheduled according to the individual’s needs. They can be more or less frequent as necessary.

If your appliance is lost or broken, or you experience trauma to your mouth, please contact us immediately for advice on 020 8364 8038. We may schedule an emergency appointment with you, or help you address the issue over the phone.

Yes, it is very important to continue to visit the dentist regularly whilst wearing braces. The success of your orthodontic treatment may also be affected if good oral hygiene maintenance is not maintained.

It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day while wearing braces. You can also gargle (with water, mouthwash) after meals, or snacks to dislodge any lingering food. We will provide you with more tips for keeping your teeth clean in your aftercare booklet.

If you are wearing fixed braces, you should avoid hard foods, such as raw vegetables, hard sweets, nuts and crusty bread. You should also steer clear of sticky foods such as chewing gum and toffee, as these can loosen the brace and damage the wires.
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In addition, tea, coffee, red wine and curry can stain aligners and elastics (on fixed appliances). If you wear Invisalign® clear aligners, there are no dietary restrictions as they can be removed before eating and drinking.

Yes, you can continue to play sports as normal. If you are undergoing treatment with braces, we recommend using an orthodontic mouthguard to protect your mouth and appliance from injury during contact sports.

A retainer is used to keep your teeth in their final positions after orthodontic treatment. Retainers can be removable or fitted to the back of the teeth.