There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. More and more adults are having treatment these days – both for simple tooth straightening and more complex bite correction.

The cost of treatment will depend on the complexity of your case and the type of treatment undertaken. Inspire Orthodontics offer various payment options to help make your treatment more easily affordable.

We are able to offer Invisalign and ceramic (tooth coloured) fixed appliances, which are both far less visible.

We like to see our patients every 6 to 8 weeks, on average.

Treatment is not painful. Your teeth will feel tender after the appliance is fitted and after each adjustment, but over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol will be sufficient to alleviate any discomfort.

Acidic foods and drinks that can damage tooth enamel when consumed frequently or when sipped over extended periods of time. Most of us are well aware that sugary foods and drinks can lead to tooth decay. Starchy foods, such as potato chips, can also stick to teeth for long periods of time and cause tooth decay. Fizzy drinks and diluting squash, even diet and no added sugar versions, are especially hard on teeth because they not only contain acidic flavour additives, but also includes 10–12 teaspoons of sugar, which further increases your chance of developing cavities.

There are also foods that can loosen, break or bend wires and bands when you are wearing braces. Avoid hard foods such as nuts. Foods such as apples and carrots should be chopped into small pieces before eating to reduce the stress on your braces. Avoid sticky foods such as caramels, toffees, muesli or fruit bars. No chewing gum.

Habits such as nail biting, pencil chewing and nervous picking at your wires can also break braces. Be aware of these and make an effort to stop them. Remember that damaged braces mean extra appointments, inconvenience and extended treatment time. If you do break your braces, be sure to make an appointment with us immediately. Broken braces are not correcting your teeth.

While you are wearing orthodontic braces, it is essential that you take care of your teeth and gums. The brackets and wires have many nooks and crannies that can trap food and plaque. This means your risk of tooth decay and gum problems may be higher while you are wearing braces.

You need to pay special attention to cleaning your teeth after every meal and to your diet. Permanent damage to tooth enamel can occur if the teeth and appliance are not kept clean.

Areas on the enamel surface may begin to lose minerals (the early stage of tooth decay), leaving unsightly white spots. You may also develop inflamed, bleeding gums (gingivitis). Gingivitis and the early stages of tooth decay can be reversed by taking extra care with your cleaning and diet. If left untreated, they can lead to bigger problems that will require treatment and have life-long effects. While you are having orthodontic treatment, you need to continue to have regular check-ups with your General Dental Practitioner.

Yes, but it is essential to wear a retainer at the end of brace treatment in order to maintain teeth in their new position. Age changes also mean that teeth move over time. These can be in various forms - clear mouthguard-style retainers, those made from wire and plastic, or it may involve a thin wire fixed to the inside of the teeth.

Everybody reacts differently to braces but if this happens any speech impediment is temporary and soon goes away, particularly with simple exercises.

At this session, our experienced dental hygienist will discuss your general oral health and give you oral hygiene advice. They will also:

Check your gums and teeth for any signs of problems, such as receding gums or tooth wear.

Show you how to care for your teeth and gums by using a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to maintain good oral health.

Show you how to clean in between your teeth with floss, tape or interdental brushes and demonstrate an effective tooth-brushing technique.

Give you advice on the types of toothbrush, toothpaste and other cleaning aids, such as mouthwashes, that are best suited to your needs.

Remove any calculus or stains by scaling your teeth and then polishing them.

Good oral hygiene ensures a healthy mouth and teeth. It is important for your overall health as bleeding gums or bad breath is not only difficult to live with but could be a sign of other issues. It is recommended you see your dentist regularly.

For a comprehensive oral hygiene routine, you should include a session with an oral hygienist as well as your regular check-ups. The benefits of an oral hygiene session are:

A hygienist can help to remove the stains appearing on your teeth, which regular brushing and flossing won’t be able to.

A hygienist can floss in those hard to reach places.

A hygienist can look for signs of gum disease or plaque buildup and help to keep this at bay.

Your teeth will also receive a comprehensive clean tailored just for you!

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Please contact the practice by telephone on 07925 665651 and advise us which tooth and the date you propose to undertake this. We can then arrange to see the patient just prior to your appointment to remove the bracket and wire. We can then see the patient soon after to replace the appliance.

If you have a panoramic (OPG) radiograph we would appreciate you sending this with the referral. We will take a copy of this radiograph and return it to you.