Specialist Orthodontics

BostonHouse-Dental-14

Orthodontic treatments

by DR NATASHA WRIGHT Consultant & Specialist Orthodontist

Orthodontic treatment is all about straightening teeth  –  gently moving them into the right place.

Straight teeth not only look better, but they function better too, and are much easier to keep clean.

Orthodontic treatment has changed enormously for the better over the years, and now rarely causes any discomfort.  Treatment duration is often shorter than it used to be too.

Natasha, our specialist orthodontist, re-aligns teeth with:

  • removable aligners – Invisalign
  • fixed natural shade ceramic brackets bonded to the lip side of the teeth
  • metal brackets bonded to the lip side side of the teeth

Your consultation

Your first appointment with Natasha will always be for a relaxed consultation and discussion.  There will be time for you to explain what you don’t like about your teeth and how you would like them to look, and she will explain what the treatment options would be for you.

She will take a low-dose digital panoramic x-ray to show all your teeth and the bone around the roots.

Natasha will advise which type of treatment she recommends, and most people are given the choice of treatment with aligners or fixed brackets.  As a guide, fixed brackets are usually the most effective when fairly major changes are needed, and give results in a shorter time period.  Treatment with aligners usually takes slightly longer, and is excellent for less complex movement.

dr-natasha-wright - Boston House Healthcare LLP

Orthodontic treatment with aligners is ideal for people who would prefer not to have brackets on their teeth.  When the aligners are in place they are invisible  –  they just make your teeth look shiny.  They need to be worn night and day except for meal times and for cleaning.

Impressions or 3 D-scans are taken, a technician then produces a computer generated assessment (called a ClinCheck) to show the potential results that may be achieved.  When you have seen this and are happy with the new computerised look the required sets of aligners are made by Invisalign and sent to us.

The aligners are made in a series, each set being worn for approximately 2 weeks until the treatment is completed.

The treatment duration will depend on the complexity of the treatment, and therefore how many sets of aligners are needed.

The brackets are usually natural shade ceramic ones and are bonded onto the lip side of the teeth.  The appearance is good as they blend with the colour of the teeth.  A wire connects all the brackets  –  it’s the wire that does the actual work of moving the teeth.

The treatment is carried out very gently and carefully and most people find the fixed brackets entirely acceptable with very little (if any) discomfort during the treatment.

You may experience some minor discomfort for a few days following your adjustment appointments or when a new set of aligners is fitted.  This is usually just a feeling of pressure and is a sign the treatment is active.

Excellent oral hygiene is essential during treatment, both in terms of your own home care and also regular treatment with your hygienist. We strongly advise for both regular visits to the hygienist and maintenance of your routine dental examinations.

As a guide treatment with Invisalign or ceramic brackets varies from approximately £4,300.00 – £5,800.00.  After the consultation the fees for the treatment options available to you will be provided.

Payment is usually made with a first deposit and the balance in instalments during the course of the treatment.

What is Orthodontics?

This is the dental speciality involved with straightening and moving teeth.

Why have Orthodontic treatment?

  • To Improve your smile
  • To straighten the teeth before further dental treatment.
  • Improving chewing ability.
  • Improving the way chewing forces are distributed between the teeth and so reduce risks of tooth fracture.
  • Improved gum health by making difficult to reach places more accessible to tooth brushing and flossing.

What are the estimated treatment fees?

Invisalign Full Treatment from £5,400

Invisalign lite Treatment from  £4,300

Upper /Lower Ceramic Braces from £5600

Upper Ceramic/Lower Metal Braces from £5,000

Upper /Lower Metal Braces from £4,600

What’s included?What’s not included?
·         The price quoted is what you will be paying for your brace treatment and includes the supply of the agreed braces and all necessary adjustment appointments.

         Necessary X-rays including Dental Panoramic Tomogram (DPT)

         Photos of your teeth

         Orthodontic Emergency appointments during treatment (at the practice)

         Fixed and Removable Retainers (Essix Type)

          2 review appointments within the first year of finishing your orthodontic treatment

        

Any dental procedures including:

         Early Removal of Braces (and/or attachments) and Delayed Re-fit

        Vivera Retainers

         Lost or Broken Appliances

         Fillings & Dental Restorations

         Tooth Extractions

         Gum treatment and Hygienist appointments

 

 

  1. You will need a Dental panoramic Tomogram (DPT) – This will help to assess pathology or periodontal condition, root size and morphology, existing restorations and possible dental decay.
  2. To ensure the long term success of orthodontic treatment you will need to be dentally fit. You are not dentally fit if you suffer from such conditions as gum disease, dental decay or have broken or inadequate restorations and fillings. If you have a regular dentist, the examination and any subsequent work can be carried out by them otherwise we can provide the required treatment at a reduced fee at Boston House.