FAQs

What is Orthodontics? 

It is a branch of Dentistry concerned with facial growth, development of the dentition and occlusion, and with the diagnosis, interception, and treatment of occlusal anomalies.

What is a Specialist Orthodontist? 

A Specialist Orthodontist has overall responsibility for the patients in their care. Their role is to assess the patient, diagnose any problems and suggest treatment options, explaining the risks and benefits, and then provide or supervise the care. To train successfully as a specialist Orthodontist usually takes at least ten years. The career pathway starts with a degree in dentistry, followed by at least two years vocational training and higher dental qualifications. A further three years of combined study and supervised clinical work on a university approved course leads to a specialist qualification and a listing on the General Dental Council’s specialist register.

What is a malocclusion? 

It is the technical term for crooked, crowded, spaced or misaligned teeth which do not fit properly. Literally, the word means “bad bite.”

What are the benefits of Orthodontic treatment? 

The appearance of your teeth can have a dramatic effect on your smile and how good you feel about yourself. The way your teeth bite together is also important, which is why specialist led care is required for high-quality, healthy orthodontic treatment. LSO can give you the life-long benefit of confidence and improved appearance.

Will I need to have teeth removed? 

Our experience and expertise with using the Damon system, (over 10,000 cases treated), has significantly reduced the need for extractions. However some people do need extractions as part of their treatment to achieve the best cosmetic and functional result. We will assess and discuss the options available with you at your consultation appointment.

How long does the average treatment take? 

Utilizing the newest technologies we now anticipate total treatment times averaging less than two years from start to finish. Obviously some more demanding cases can take longer and more basic cases can finish sooner, but we complete most of our cases in less than two years.

How much does the average treatment cost? 

Standard child case charges average between £1,700 and £3,500. Adult cases average between £4500 and £6000. All fees are agreed with you and confirmed prior to start of treatment. We also advise that you continue your regular schedule with your family dentist. Fees for any general dentistry are not included.

Is Orthodontic treatment painful? 

The fitting of braces is painless. Most of our patients tell us that their teeth are sore for the first three days. Simple over-the-counter pain medication usually is all that is needed. In addition we recommend soft wax and silicone to place on any rough areas of your braces to minimize mouth irritations. Warm, salty water is also a good home remedy for oral discomfort.

What are your practice hours? 

Our typical week is from Monday to Friday, 8.45am – 5.30pm. On Tuesdays we are open until 6.45pm for private patient clinics. We do not have weekend appointments as we are usually involved in postgraduate education, examining or delivering lectures and seminars.

How often will appointments be? 

We average 10-12 weeks between visits, however this varies on the appliance worn and the stage of treatment the patient is at.

What happens at a typical visit? 

The clinician reviews the progress and the clinical records to see what is planned for the day's appointment. This is then explained to you and, providing everyone is happy, the necessary procedures are performed. All questions are answered and comfort is assured prior to the patient leaving. Upon completion of the session’s work, the next appointment is planned. For our teenage and child patients, discussion with parents is welcomed during the visit.

How long is an average visit in the practice? 

Most brace adjustment visits are approximately 15-30 minutes in length. Appointments which require the application or removal of appliances will be longer. The initial bonding (i.e. the day braces are first placed) usually takes approximately 60 minutes.

What happens when treatment is complete? 

All of our patients enter a retention programme following completion of fixed orthodontic treatment. Retainers are delivered at the end of active treatment, final records are taken and reviewed and periodic follow up visits are scheduled to assure the beautiful result achieved with braces will last for a lifetime.

What happens if a patient is not ready for treatment? 

We place all patients who are not ready for treatment in our "Orthodontic Review Programme". This allows patients to be recalled periodically in order to assess their status in terms of orthodontic development. In an ideal situation, with no financial or political constraints, treatment is commenced at the most appropriate stage for optimum arch development. We want to be able to deliver the best care at the earliest opportunity and we have found that if we are able to see your child at around 7-8 years of age we will be able to give some indication as to when the treatment should commence.

What happens if an appointment must be missed or cancelled? 

We request our patients to contact us as soon as possible if a change in their schedule arises. This can be via our website or by calling us. If the practice is closed you may leave a message to cancel your appointment on our answering machine. You may then call back to reschedule or request the practice to call you at your convenience. If appointments are cancelled in adequate time, patients requesting earlier visits can often be accommodated. The sooner an appointment is rescheduled, the sooner a new appointment can be made which will keep treatment progress at the rate necessary for a speedy finish. One of the largest causes for extended treatment times is missing appointments. Delaying rescheduling of appointments slows progress. So if an appointment must be missed, please call to cancel and reschedule as soon as possible.

What should be done in an emergency situation? 

In the unlikely event of an Orthodontic emergency (preventing closure of the mouth) call our practice number 01926 883476. See patient Information for further advice.

What do I do to get started? 

Call us on 01926 883476 or email care@leamingtonspaorthodontics.com for a consultation appointment.When you come for the first appointment you will be met by one of our treatment coordinators, who will brief you about the visit. Then one of the specialist team will examine you (or your child), formulate a diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. If necessary, diagnostic records (digital photos, radiographs and intra-oral scans) will be taken as part of your evaluation.