FAQs

FAQs (GENERAL)

What is Orthodontics & how does it work?
Put simply, Orthodontics is the Treatment of irregularities in the teeth and jaws. An Orthodontist is the professional who diagnoses and treats these irregularities. In most cases Orthodontic appliances (commonly known as “braces”), exert gentle pressure on the teeth. In turn this causes them to move and ultimately align and straighten.

Why would I have Orthodontic Treatment? 
Keeping things simple, you would visit an Orthodontist with a view to having your crooked teeth or jaw alignment corrected: in other words… TO STRAIGHTEN YOUR SMILE!
The benefits of Orthodontic Treatment are personal, aesthetic and clinical. You feel better and happier about the way you look and your oral hygiene and ongoing dental care is much easier to manage.

Are there different Treatment Options available?
For private Patients there ARE a number of Treatment Options available. These range from state of the art removable and nearly invisible Treatment Options to less visible ceramic or traditional fixed metallic braces. Your Orthodontist will discuss the most suitable Option for you. For Private Patients we have FAQs on this point. Private Ortho (Options)Private Ortho (Costs)

Can Orthodontics work for Adults as well as Children?
Absolutely! A significant number of our Patients in Treatment are adults. The results obtained for them are excellent. Their only regret was not starting Treatment sooner. Children can also commence Orthodontic Treatment from 10 years of age. We will always advise you if Treatment is not appropriate.

How long will the Treatment take?
Your Treatment time will depend on a number of factors including: your diagnosis (what needs fixing) and severity of your irregularities; the Treatment option you decide on; and how well you look after your teeth and braces during your Treatment. Following your Orthodontists instructions to the letter is crucial, for the intended result to occur as quickly as possible.

How much will Treatment cost?
For our Private Patients, a full quote and repayment options will provided during your first appointment.  You can also see specific Treatment costs here: Private Ortho (Costs) or FAQs on this point. FAQ’s

Does is hurt having braces put on?
No. There are no needles or drills. You will have your teeth cleaned and then your appliance fitted. At worst you will need to have your mouth wide open for approximately 45 minutes. Your braces are glued to your teeth and the wires attached to the brackets. Our friendly nursing staff will explain how to clean your teeth and take care of your braces.

How will it feel when I am wearing braces?
Initially there may be some discomfort for the first 48-72 hours as your teeth start to move. That can also be experienced after each wire adjustment throughout your Treatment.. Your lips, cheeks and tongue may also take some time to get used to them being in your mouth, but those sensations stop being noticed fairly quickly.

Will I be able to brush my teeth when I am wearing braces?
Yes, of course! It is very important that you brush thoroughly so that you do not develop gum problems and cavities in your teeth.
Regular care is crucial but easy to undertake. It requires you to be thorough and consistent with brushing and oral hygiene for the whole time of your Treatment. If you are letting yourself down in this area you will be reminded of the best behaviour when you visit: it will be important for you to pay attention to that professional advice. Responsibilities.

Will I have to change my diet while in Treatment?
We will recommend a few important but necessary changes and give you some instructions on what to do, not to do and to avoid. Basically, we will tell you to stop consuming sugary foods and drinks for the duration of your Treatment. We will advise you on how to conduct regular and thorough oral hygiene maintenance, including brushing, rinsing after meals, flossing and lip & gum care. We will also tell you which foods to avoid completely during Treatment: basically, those that are hard and crunchy and very sticky or chewy.

Will I be able to bring someone (mom, dad, etc) along?
Any time any Patient of ours feels more comfortable to bring someone along to an appointment they should do so.

All Patients under the age of 16 will need to have their parent or guardian (or responsible, close family adult member) come along with them. That is because there are often important Forms to be filled out as well as fundamental information to be shared and understood – certainly during the early part of your Treatment. Towards the end of the “braces on” Treatment period (as advised by your Clinician) Patients under 18 should be accompanied by a suitable adult.

English is not the main language I use to speak or read. Does that matter?
No. It doesn’t mater a single toothpick to us. You will, though, have to organise a translator if we believe that you are not able to understand the paperwork and the discussions by yourself.

We will provide you with the information so you can contact and organise a translator, who will have to be at appointments with you. There may be a cost involved, which is something you will have to address.

IF THERE IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW BUT IT’S NOT LISTED HERE, PLEASE CALL US OR SUBMIT A QUESTION VIA EMAIL. THANKS

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FAQs (PRIVATE PATIENTS)
What is Orthodontics & how does it work?
Put simply, Orthodontics is the Treatment of irregularities in the teeth and jaws. An Orthodontist is the professional who diagnoses and treats these irregularities. In most cases Orthodontic appliances (commonly known as “braces”), exert gentle pressure on the teeth. In turn this causes them to move and ultimately align and straighten.

Why would I have Orthodontic Treatment? 
Keeping things simple, you would visit an Orthodontist with a view to having your crooked teeth or jaw alignment corrected: in other words… TO STRAIGHTEN YOUR SMILE!
The benefits of Orthodontic Treatment are personal, aesthetic and clinical. You feel better and happier about the way you look and your oral hygiene and ongoing dental care is much easier to manage.

Are there different Treatment Options available?
For private Patients there ARE a number of Treatment Options available. These range from state of the art removable and nearly invisible Treatment Options to less visible ceramic or traditional fixed metallic braces. Your Orthodontist will discuss the most suitable Option for you. For Private Patients we have FAQs on this point. Private Ortho (Options)Private Ortho (Costs)

Can Orthodontics work for Adults as well as Children?
Absolutely! A significant number of our Patients in Treatment are adults. The results obtained for them are excellent. Their only regret was not starting Treatment sooner. Children can also commence Orthodontic Treatment from 10 years of age. We will always advise you if Treatment is not appropriate.

How long will the Treatment take?
Your Treatment time will depend on a number of factors including: your diagnosis (what needs fixing) and severity of your irregularities; the Treatment option you decide on; and how well you look after your teeth and braces during your Treatment. Following your Orthodontists instructions to the letter is crucial, for the intended result to occur as quickly as possible.

How much will Treatment cost?
For Patients treated under the NHS, there is no Treatment costs involved. All Children under the age of 18 may be eligible for NHS Treatment. For Private Patients we have FAQs on this point. FAQ’s

Does is hurt having braces put on?
No. There are no needles or drills. You will have your teeth cleaned and then your appliance fitted. At worst you will need to have your mouth wide open for approximately 45 minutes. Your braces are glued to your teeth and the wires attached to the brackets. Our friendly nursing staff will explain how to clean your teeth and take care of your braces.

How will it feel when I am wearing braces?
Initially there may be some discomfort for the first 48-72 hours as your teeth start to move. That can also be experienced after each wire adjustment throughout your Treatment.. Your lips, cheeks and tongue may also take some time to get used to them being in your mouth, but those sensations stop being noticed fairly quickly.

Will I be able to brush my teeth when I am wearing braces?
Yes, of course! It is very important that you brush thoroughly so that you do not develop gum problems and cavities in your teeth.
Regular care is crucial but easy to undertake. It requires you to be thorough and consistent with brushing and oral hygiene for the whole time of your Treatment. If you are letting yourself down in this area you will be reminded of the best behaviour when you visit: it will be important for you to pay attention to that professional advice. Responsibilities.

Will I have to change my diet while in Treatment?
We will recommend a few important but necessary changes and give you some instructions on what to do, not to do and to avoid. Basically, we will tell you to stop consuming sugary foods and drinks for the duration of your Treatment. We will advise you on how to conduct regular and thorough oral hygiene maintenance, including brushing, rinsing after meals, flossing and lip & gum care. We will also tell you which foods to avoid completely during Treatment: basically, those that are hard and crunchy and very sticky or chewy.

Will I be able to bring someone (mom, dad, etc) along?
Any time any Patient of ours feels more comforTable to bring someone along to an appointment they should do so.

All of our NHS Patients will need to have their parent or guardian (or responsible, close family adult member) come along with them. That is because there are often important Forms to be filled out as well as fundamental information to be shared and understood – certainly during the early part of your Treatment. Towards the end of the “braces on” Treatment period (as advised by your Clinician) Patients under 18 should be accompanied by a suitable adult.

English is not the main language I use to speak or read. Does that matter?
No. It doesn’t mater a single toothpick to us. You will, though, have to organise a translator if we believe that you are not able to understand the paperwork and the discussions by yourself.

We will provide you with the information so you can contact and organise a translator, who will have to be at appointments with you. There may be a cost involved, which is something you will have to address.

IF THERE IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW BUT IT’S NOT LISTED HERE, PLEASE CALL US OR SUBMIT A QUESTION VIA EMAIL. THANKS

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FAQs (NHS PATIENTS)

OXFORD PRACTICE

Our Contract to provide Orthodontic services under the NHS ended on 31 March 2023.  This means we cannot take on any new NHS Patients, for assessment or Treatment.  Instead, from 1 April 2023 we commenced a new ‘Wind Down’ Contract.  This allows us to complete ALL NHS Treatment cases that commenced before this date. 

Patients who had been assessed by our Practice but not commenced Treatment, should have been contacted by NHS England, advising them how to contact the new NHS Orthodontic Practice in Oxford.

We continue to offer Orthodontic Treatment on a Private basis.  Parents who want their children and teenagers to avoid long waiting lists and have a range of different Treatment options can contact us to arrange an initial consultation.  There is no cost for this assessment for children under 18 years.  In this case your treating Clinician and our Treatment Coordinator will provide you with appropriate information on the choices you have.

Contact the Practice to day to arrange your child’s free Private Orthodontic assessment.

THAME PRACTICE

Our Contract to provide Orthodontic services under the NHS ended on 31 March 2023.  The ceased providing any Orthodontic Treatment to NHS Patients from this date.  There is no ‘Wind Down’ contract provision at this Practice. This Practice will close to all Patients on 30 June 2023.

Patients who had been assessed by our Practice but not commenced Treatment AND Patients already in Treatment, should have been contacted by NHS England, advising them how to contact the new NHS Orthodontic Practice in Thame.

Can adults have Orthodontic Treatment under the NHS?
In short, No.
Orthodontics on the NHS is only available to children who are under 18 years of age and who meet the appropriate IOTN assessment criteria.

What options do we have for my child?
There are a number of courses of action that can be taken:

1. Undertake Treatment Privately – Most children who do not meet IOTN requirements would still benefit from some Orthodontic Treatment. We are able to provide Treatment options: in these specific circumstances we provide it at discounted prices (between £250 -£1,750). We provide interest free repayment plans and our emphasis in these cases is making Orthodontic Treatment as affordable as possible.

2. Get referred 18 – 24 month later – Your child may be a borderline case. In a period of 1 – 2 years they may undergo significant growth and change to their jaw and tooth formation meaning that at their follow assessment they may pass the IOTN. You can ask your general dentist at that later time to consider referring you again.

Note, though, that it is possible that at the revisit appointment the IOTN score may not have changed enough for Orthodontic Treatment to be covered by the NHS. The NHS is currently considering reducing recall appointments in the future.

3. Second opinion – where the score is borderline we often consider a request for another clinician to re-assess and give a second opinion (which will be final). Some Patients have gone to a different Practice and asked a professional there to provide a second opinion (that may involve a cost to you).

At what age should my child start Orthodontic Treatment?
This is an issue that different Orthodontists will have different views, opinions and approaches towards. Given the perceived trauma’s and challenges faced by teenagers and young adults, we are very much of the opinion that Orthodontic Treatment for children should be a one off exercise. That is: treat them once and treat them completely.
That means usually (but not always) we will start Treatment if it is required, once all milk teeth have fallen out and children have started growing. Obviously this will vary from child to child. On average Treatment will start somewhere between the ages of 11 – 13 years. In some cases however it can be younger or older As a general Policy the NHS is not in favour of Treatment for Patients who are only 10 years old or under.

 

IF THERE IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW BUT IT’S NOT LISTED HERE, PLEASE CALL US OR SUBMIT A QUESTION VIA EMAIL. THANKS

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