​With over 650 cases of straightening completed by Dr Thomas alone, our cases and results speak for themselves (just have a look below). A core part of any high quality ethical dentist's belief is minimal invasive dentistry. This means as little cutting or damage to natural teeth as possible. Where needed we can provide invisible white braces, clear aligners or lingual braces to make sure the process is as stress and pain-free as can be.

We want your smile to stay as your smile but only a better version that will last for years.

​Common Orthodontic Questions

Does it hurt?
Putting braces on does not hurt but as teeth move into a straighter position they will feel more tender and mobile. Eating may feel a bit sensitive initially and after adjustment appointments (normally carried out once a month).

Will it affect my speech?
If you have normal braces (ones that show), it does not affect your speech. You may get slight chaffing of your lips for the first week and we advise some lip salve or vaseline during this period to help. If you have lingual (hidden) braces or removable aligners such as Invisalign you may find your speech a little affected but after a couple of weeks once you have adjusted the majority of people do not notice. 

Will my eating be affected?
You will still be able to eat normally although we advised initially a soft diet until you get used to your orthodontic treatment. It is best to cut up vegetables and hard foods into smaller manageable pieces. Also we advise that you avoid sugary drinks and sweets during treatment as this can cause decay. Certain foods such as curries, red wine and highly pigmented foods can stain your teeth, we advise that you maintain your hygienist sessions during your orthodontic treatment. Cleaning your teeth with interdental brushes after each meal is also very important and we will provide you with a personalised oral hygiene regimen once you begin your treatment with us.

Do I have to wear my orthodontic appliance all the time?
The simple answer is YES. The more you wear it the better and quicker the result. We always tell patients that there is almost a 'no pain no gain' philosophy that needs to be adopted to get the best results. Hidden or white buccal braces are glued on to your teeth and removed at the end of treatment. Removable aligners such as Invisalign or Inman can be removed for eating and cleaning but as mentioned before this can become awkward for some patients. We advised that you arrange a consultation to find the ideal system or combination that suits your needs best. 

Will I need a retainer?
YES! If you do not want your teeth to move after treatment or suffer any relapse. In every treatment plan both removable ESSIX clear retainers (must be worn every night for 6 months and then alternate nights indefinitely) and bonded hidden retainers will be provided. A bonded retainer is a small hidden silver or gold chain placed behind the front teeth to prevent the teeth from moving and is placed there permanently. Please note we may charge a small fee for lost or damaged retainers. 

How long will it take?
Depending on the severity of your case it can range between 4-9 months. If your case is very severe and requires complex treatment or jaw surgery we may have to refer you to a specialist consultant. 

Will my bite change?
Yes and no. With cosmetically focused orthodontics we do not aim to change your bite although we do explain to patients that your bite may indeed change and take 6-12 months post treatment to feel settled. As mentioned previously if your bite is severely misaligned we may need to refer you to a specialist consultant. 

Will you need to remove any of my teeth?
In general, no. In extreme cases we may have to remove a tooth if the crowding is very severe or the tooth is heavily compromised. We create space by gently sanding in between the crowded teeth, which does not hurt and allows us to shape the teeth to the ideal symmetrical proportions. 

Will I need any extra work at the end of treatment?
Sometimes once orthodontic treatment is completed, we provide teeth whitening to really give your teeth that sparkle! Also in some instances if the teeth have been worn down or are misshapen we can add some white filling material or veneers to create the ideal proportions. This is discussed on a case by case basis. 

Can I spread the payments?
Yes of course you can. We offer monthly payment plans and finance. Please contact us for more information. 

How can I arrange a consultation?
Please visit the contact page or email us on [email protected]