Frequently asked questions about orthodontic treatment in Birmingham

Orthodontics is the specialist area of dentistry that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of irregular alignment of teeth, jaws and the face. Orthodontists seek to use various types of braces to improve alignment, function and aesthetics.

A Specialist Orthodontist undertakes an average of 10 extra years of specialist training after dental school. This includes a Masters degree and entry to one of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons in the UK by way of critical examination of knowledge and scrutiny of the standard of their treated cases (MOrth). This ensures they have had the highest standard of training.

‍

As their career is focused around this specialty, Specialist Orthodontists are in the best position to advise on appropriate orthodontic treatment, and are at the forefront of the latest techniques.

The ideal time to start orthodontic treatment is in the early teenage years when there is rapid growth. However, orthodontic treatment can be carried out successfully at any age. Some of Dr Preet’s patients are even in their 70s and 80s!

Absolutely not! There is no age limit whatsoever. Orthodontic treatment can be carried out successfully at any age if your teeth and gums are in good health.

As long as your oral health is good, then anyone over the age of 6 can be treated! If there is a need for cosmetic or restorative treatment in addition to orthodontics, we are always happy to work in conjunction with your general dentist to provide a holistic treatment plan.

Orthodontic treatment should never be painful, but you may experience some discomfort for a few days after fitting and adjustment appointments. There may also be some soreness of the cheeks or tongue as your mouth adjusts to your new appliance. This discomfort should subside within a week, but you can use over-the-counter pain relief as needed in the meantime.

As long as you follow our detailed braces care instructions there are very few limitations to what you can eat. We always recommend a healthy, balanced, low sugar diet. And, if you've been fitted with aligners, it's important you remove these for the duration of your meal.

If you have been fitted with lingual braces or a removable brace, you may experience a slight alteration to your speech. However, this by no means affects everyone, and is usually short-lived. It is very rare for this to continue more than a couple of weeks.

Yes, and it's one of our most popular treatment options for good reason. Invisalign® clear aligners are virtually invisible so no-one can tell you're having treatment. This makes them a great choice for professionals in a client-facing job, or teenagers who don't want to be seen wearing braces.

Absolutely! We have 0% interest, flexible payment plans, and competitive prices on treatment.

We try to avoid extractions whenever possible. That being said, some corrections are impossible without some dental extractions. We will never leave space where teeth have been removed, and when we are finished, no one will be able to tell you had a procedure.

Every individual’s treatment is different. The length of treatment depends on the type of misalignment and its severity, as well as the type of treatment chosen.

Orthodontic treatment may only take a few months for mild cases (fast braces) and up to two years for the most complicated. In general, most cases take 12-18 months for a full and comprehensive correction.

We will most likely ask to see you for 15-30 minutes every 6-8 weeks. If you sign up for Invisalign® treatment, however, we can reduce the number of in-practice appointments thanks to the Dental Monitoring app.

Yes! Retention is the most important step of any orthodontic treatment. If you want to keep your straight smile results long term, it’s crucial to wear your retainer as instructed by your Specialist Orthodontist.