WeLCOMe Blog

Yes absolutely! Having orthodontic braces fitted is quite a straightforward procedure. Your teeth are first polished, then a clear varnish applied onto the teeth. The fixed brace attachments called brackets are then placed onto the tooth surface. Finally a thin flexible wire is inserted onto the brackets. Following the actual brace fitting procedure, we discuss in detail all your after-care instructions to enable you to look after your fixed braces and ensure your orthodontic treatment is successful. We have short video clips on the website showing braces being fitted. The brace fitting often takes 30-40 minutes and there are no reasons why you cannot go back to work after the fixed braces have been fitted. We would probably advise you may want to quickly have your lunch first, then attend the orthodontic appointment to have your fixed braces fitted!

The most important stage of orthodontic treatment is wearing the retainers, often called the retention stage of orthodontic treatment. After your teeth have been straightened by removable or fixed braces, it takes time for the teeth to ‘settle-in’ into their new positions. The retention stage allows this settling. There are two types of retainers, fixed retainers consist of a very fine wire which is attached to the inner surfaces of the front teeth to prevent any movement of the front teeth. Removable retainers are often worn full-time for around the first six months followed by night-time wear. From current research, we now recommend long-term wear of retainers to maintain your beautiful perfect smile.

Thank you for your interest in our London orthodontic practice. We are really pleased to say we can offer you the full range of brace treatment. Our specialist orthodontist would provide a comprehensive orthodontic consultation to assess your needs and would be able to recommend a brace treatment suitable for your teeth. We have removable brace treatment including Invisalign braces. Our fixed brace treatment options range from the standard metal fixed braces, through to clear ceramic braces, innovative Damon self-ligating braces and the invisible hidden lingual braces. We look forward to seeing you very soon!

The trombone is a great instrument to be able to play. Fixed braces should not interfere with musical instruments and you should be able to obtain a lip seal to play the trombone. Initially the fixed braces may rub the inside of the lips. To help reduce ‘this rubbing’, we will show you how to place ‘wax’ which is a soft pliable material to place over the fixed braces. There is also a clear plastic covering which you can place over the fixed braces called a lip bumper, and we will show you how to use this. We will ensure that the orthodontic treatment will give him a fantastic smile and at the end of treatment, all we ask, is to hear him play some great tunes on the trombone!

There are certain types of removable braces which can be fitted at an earlier age to start correcting an overbite. Each case must be individually assessed and I would recommend that you arrange an orthodontic consultation with an orthodontic specialist for your daughter, to allow an orthodontic assessment to be carried out.

It’s fantastic you have decided to have brace treatment. All your appointments, from brace fitting, adjustment appointments through to retainer checks can be arranged after work. We have two evening clinics a week at our Winchester practice and we can easily accommodate you after 5pm when you finish work.

Orthodontic treatment with braces is generally suitable for all ages these days, definitely no longer the remit of children. At our London practice, more than 80% of our patients are adults seeking orthodontic treatment. A number of adults didn’t get the opportunity to have brace treatment to straighten their teeth when they were younger. Some adults may have had previous orthodontic treatment as a child and are seeking further treatment. And many adults having orthodontic treatment have noticed changes with their teeth over time. The most important aspect is having healthy teeth and gums, chronological age does not matter. Our oldest patient was in her seventies when she started her orthodontic treatment – she had no regrets starting orthodontic treatment in her seventies and was very happy with the great smile that resulted from her brace treatment.

You will be happy to hear that after your fixed braces are fitted, you can carry on with all your normal routines. Going straight back to work is no problem after the brace has been fitted. The brace fitting appointment usually takes around 45 minutes. We will provide you with all your after-care advice and recommend you may need a pain-killer like paracetemol later on the day. If you work only 20minutes from our Winchester WeLCOMe Orthodontic practice, then there should be little need to take time off work to have your orthodontic treatment.

Yes, absolutely, fixed train-track braces are no longer the big metal braces you may remember from your childhood. Brace treatment technology has improved greatly. You no longer need to feel self-conscious about wearing braces or having brace treatment. Truly invisible braces called lingual braces are available. Lingual braces are really the only invisible brace treatment as they are fitted on the inner surfaces of your teeth. None of your clients will know that you are wearing braces and the only thing your co-workers will notice is how great your smile is and wonder – how did she gain that fantastic smile!

I’m sorry to hear your last course of brace treatment did not result with the smile you were after. The first thing we need to assess is your dental health to ensure your teeth are suitable for another course of orthodontic brace treatment. I understand you did not wear your retainers for the required time and we need to discuss the type of retainers you had previously. This time round, we would consider fitting bonded retainers after the fixed braces are removed. Bonded retainers are very fine wires which are attached to the back of the teeth and are invisible. Having a bonded retainer means you do not need to worry about having to remember to wear your removable retainers. I hope you will be able to attain the straight teeth this time round.