Welcome to The Independent Dental Practice

Frequently asked questions

• What happens if I lose my Invisalign®

  If you lose or break one of your aligners, the best thing to do is move on to your next aligner which should fit and carry on as normal

• How long will I need to wear my braces?

  On average, a full treatment with fixed braces takes around 18 months, followed by a period of time where you will need to wear a retainer. But because every treatment is different, your orthodontist will tell you what to expect.

• Will I need a retainer after having my braces removed?

  Yes, you will be required to wear a retainer overnight for a period of time after having your fixed braces removed. Your orthodontist will explain this in full to you during your appointments.  Please watch this video featuring the BOS expert on retention, Dr Simon Littlewood as part of the #HoldthatSmile campaign. 

  https://youtu.be/P5FxothkHMg

  In addition there is a separate animated video for our patients

  https://youtu.be/5wCIFjlStzc

• Will wearing braces hurt?

  You might experience some discomfort for the first few days after your braces are fitted. You can take painkillers such as paracetamol if this is the case. Sometimes the appliance may rub against the side of your cheek or lip and cause some soreness or ulcers. Dental wax can be used on the brace over any sore spots to alleviate the discomfort.

• How often will I need appointments?

  You will need to come into the practice for regular appointments, typically once every 8 – 10 weeks, but this may vary depending on your treatment plan. Your orthodontist will advise you on how often you require check-ups.

• How much will my braces cost?

  The cost of treatment will depend on the treatment package and type of brace you choose. Your treatment coordinator will explain all costs and available payment plans when you discuss treatment options.

• What do I do if my brace breaks?

  Call the practice and make an appointment as soon as possible. Don’t wait for your next scheduled check-up if your brace breaks, as a broken brace may slow down your treatment or, potentially, damage your teeth.

• What happens if I miss an appointment?

  Please try to attend all of your scheduled appointments as it may be a while before you are able to book another. Missing appointments will prolong your treatment and repeatedly missing may result in you being discharged.

• How long will each appointment take?

  The longest appointment you will need will be when we fit your brace and explain how to look after it. This will take approximately 30 – 40 minutes. Routine appointments will last around 10 minutes.

• Do you offer payment plans?

  Yes, we offer monthly payment plans for each of our treatment packages. Your treatment coordinator will talk you through the payment options available to you.

• Will I need any teeth out?

  It is sometimes necessary to have certain teeth removed to create sufficient space for the treatment to be effective. If you need to have a tooth removed, this will be discussed with you during an appointment and arranged with your dentist.

• Will I get marks on my teeth?

  If you keep your teeth clean as you are shown and avoid excess sugar there should not be any marks left on your teeth.

• Can I chew gum while wearing braces?

  You should avoid chewing gum, and all other sticky or chewy sweets, while wearing braces or removable aligners.

• Can I book appointments after work?

  Available appointment times are dependent on your treatment package. Patients on the Complete package can book appointments between 8.30am and 7.30pm Monday to Friday (late surgery is 2 days a week), or 9am to 12.30pm on Saturdays (twice a month).

• Will braces or invisalign® affect my speech?

  Any orthodontic appliance may temporarily affect your speech, so you may have a lisp for the first few days. As you get used to the aligners, this will improve.

• Will Invisalign® hurt?

  Invisalign® aligners are very light, with no metal brackets or wires. You may feel some discomfort and tightness in the first few days after beginning treatment. If this is the case, you can take paracetamol or similar painkillers.

• Can I eat and drink wile wearing Invisalign® aligners?

  We recommend that you remove your aligners when eating, and do not drink anything hot, acidic, coloured, or with a high sugar content while wearing your Invisalign. Do not chew gum while wearing your aligners.

• Can I smoke while wearing Invisalign®?

  Remove your aligners to smoke as they will stain – but remember you need to wear your aligners for 22 hours per day.

• How often can I take my Invisalign® out?

  You should remove your aligners to eat, for hot/sugary drinks, to smoke and to brush your teeth; however, you need to make sure you are wearing them for at least 22 hours a day.

• How often do I need to change Invisalign® aligners?

  You should change aligners after 7 days. You may wear it for longer if it still feels tight, but you should not move onto the next set before 7 days. You should also never skip an aligner.

• What if I play sports?

  If you play any contact sports, you should wear a mouth-guard over your braces to protect both the brace and your teeth. You can ask your orthodontist about the options available to you.