FAQ

Here are some of the questions we are often asked by our patients and our simple answers to help you feel fully informed before starting treatment.

What will the final results be like?

Dentist can undertake orthodontic treatment but here at Overleigh our Specialist Orthodontists have had an additional 3 years full time training. If you would like the best results, we recommend you look for a provider that has the letters MOrth after their name.

Your Specialist Orthodontist will be able to give you a very good idea of your final smile and will explain the best treatment options available for you.

We offer 0% finance over 12 months to help you spread the cost of treatment, as we firmly believe that financial considerations shouldn’t be an obstacle to a beautiful smile. Please see our plans & fees page for further details. All our charges are all inclusive with no hidden fees.

  • If you have a fixed brace please use the wax provided. It may be helpful to take your normal painkillers for the 1st day or two.
  • If you experience more severe discomfort please contact the surgery for advice.

Your treatment plan and smile are individual to you. As specialist providers you can be confident you will be recommended the treatment that will give you the best results in the shortest possible time. Comprehensive treatment to correct the bite and alignment, usually takes 18 months – 2 years.

  • Fitting the brace should not be painful. For a fixed appliance the brackets are simply glued to the faces of the teeth; metal bands may also need to be cemented round the back teeth. No anaesthetic is needed.
  • A degree of discomfort is likely to start with. You can expect some aching and tenderness in the gums as the teeth start to move, but this mostly wears off after a few days.
  • As the biological processes gets under way around the tooth roots to allow the teeth to move, you can expect some aching and the teeth will be tender to bite on. This usually settles down after a few days, although some patients do experience a degree of tenderness for a longer period. The amount of discomfort varies enormously from person to person. It may be helpful to take your normal painkillers for a day or two.
  • Some further discomfort may be experienced when the brace is adjusted subsequently, but this depends very much on what adjustments have been made.

All treatment includes retainers. Results will only remain stable if retainers are worn long term and you follow the advice given. A small amount of movement or settling is normal after treatment.

Please call reception as soon as possible. We will be able to advise if we need to book you in for an emergency appointment. Please note there is a charge for lost or broken removable appliances that can’t be repaired.

Retainers

All treatment prices at Overleigh include removable or fixed retainers. Results will only remain stable with a patient’s full co-operation and if retainers are monitored and worn long term.

Overleigh Orthodontics offer a large discount on an additional set of retainers and on sports mouthguards at your debond appointment (when our brace is taken off), to help retain your new smile.  Please ask your receptionist for more information.

Moving healthy teeth and gums is generally not risky. Unfortunately, some patients do experience problems during treatment, particularly if the teeth have had previous trauma. Your orthodontist will talk to you about the common risks of treatment and about those that might particularly affect you. Most problems are preventable if you take care of your teeth and gums.