Frequently Asked Questions
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What types of braces are there?
Please take a look at our Treatments section for more details on the braces we offer. What are the benefits? Oral hygiene is more difficult if your teeth are bunched up and teeth that are sticking out are more prone to traumatic damage. The main reason for treatment is to improve the way the teeth fit together for better function and the long-term well being of the teeth. One cannot underestimate the importance of a beautiful smile for increased confidence and self esteem. Why can’t I have NHS treatment? The NHS provides funding for those patients where dental health needs to be secured. In case of mild irregularity and where the teeth fit together normally, the main benefit is of a cosmetic nature. We are happy to provide this treatment under private or independent contract, should you wish to do so. Am I too old for orthodontics? Adult orthodontic treatment has become very popular with age no longer being an issue. Multiple treatment options are now available to serve the requirements particular to adults such as aesthetic appearance. What is involved in treatment? Please take a look at our What is Orthodontics section for more details on our processes of treatment. What kind of treatment will I need? Custom-made appliances are designed by the orthodontist according to the problem being treated. In many cases you will be able to choose from a range of options, but sometimes one type of treatment will produce more desirable results than another. They may be removable or fixed (cemented and/or bonded to the teeth), and made of metal, ceramic or plastic. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces can slowly move teeth through their supporting bone to a new desirable position. |
How long will my treatment take?
In general, active treatment time with orthodontic appliances ranges from 12 to 18 months. The actual time depends on the growth of the patient's mouth and face, the cooperation of the patient, and the severity of the problem. How often will I need to see the orthodontist? As a rule of thumb, we will need to see you every 10 - 12 weeks depending on the type of brace and the stage of treatment. The use of modern technology allows us to see patients less often, freeing up your valuable time. How much will it cost? The actual cost of treatment depends on several factors, including the severity of the patient's problem and the treatment approach selected. You will be able to thoroughly discuss fees and payment options prior to beginning treatment. We offer convenient payment plans to patients. Generally, treatment fees may be paid by lump sum (credit card, cheque or cash) or by standing order over the course of active treatment. Will my teeth stay straight? Once the positions of the teeth have been corrected, the braces are removed and retainers fitted. The modern approach to retention is that they are worn on an ongoing basis. Crowding of teeth is part of the ageing process, so you are fighting old age as well by wearing your retainers. Will it hurt? Treatment may be uncomfortable after the tightening of your braces for a few days, which can be controlled by painkillers, if needed. The tightness normally disappears quite soon after. Please contact the practice for advice or to book an appointment to see your orthodontist, if the discomfort does not subside. Book your appointment today. |
Patient Complaints Procedure
It is our aim to always have satisfied patients, to meet your expectations of care and service and to resolve any complaints as efficiently, effectively and politely as possible. We take complaints very seriously, we investigate them in a full and fair way and take great care to protect your confidentiality. We learn from complaints to improve our care and service. We will never discriminate against patients who have made a complaint.
If you are not entirely satisfied with any aspect of our care or service please let us know as soon as possible to allow us to address your concerns promptly.
If you do not feel you can raise a complaint about your NHS service directly with us, you can address your complaint directly to NHS England at england.contactus@nhs.net with ‘For the attention of the complaints team’ in the subject line.
Jessica Gibson is the Complaints Manager and will be your personal contact to assist you with any complaints. If your verbal complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction within 24 hours or if you complain in writing, the Complaints Manager will acknowledge it in writing within 3 working days and will aim to provide a full response in writing as soon as practical.
If the Complaints Manager is unavailable, we will take brief details about the complaint and will arrange for a meeting when the person is next available. We will keep comprehensive and confidential records of your complaint, which will be stored securely and only be accessible only by those who need to know about your complaint.
If the complaint investigation takes longer than anticipated the Complaints Manager will keep you informed of the reason for the delay, the progress of the investigation and the proposed date it will be completed.
When the investigation has been completed, you will be informed of its outcome in writing and invited to a meeting to discuss the results and any practical solutions that we can offer to you.
We regularly analyse patient complaints to learn from them and to improve our services. That’s why we always welcome your feedback, comments, suggestions and complaints. If you are dissatisfied with our response to a complaint you can take it further, please see the contacts below.
Contacts
For private dental treatment you can contact the GDC private dental complaints service within 12 months of the treatment or within 12 months of becoming aware of the issue by calling 020 8253 0800 or visiting www.dentalcomplaints.org.uk
If you are still unhappy about your NHS compliant, you can contact the Parliamentary Health Ombudsman (England): by calling 0345 015 4033 or visiting www.ombudsman.org.uk
You can also contact the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who regulates private and NHS dental care services in England. They can take action against a service provider that is not meeting their standards who may be able to help.
The General Dental Council is responsible for regulating all dental professionals. You can complain using their online form at www.gdc-uk.org contact them on information@gdc-org.uk or by calling 020 7167 6000.
For free and impartial advice the Oral Health Foundation centre is open between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. If you need urgent advice on any oral health issue please give us a call on 01788 539780 (local rate call in the UK)
It is our aim to always have satisfied patients, to meet your expectations of care and service and to resolve any complaints as efficiently, effectively and politely as possible. We take complaints very seriously, we investigate them in a full and fair way and take great care to protect your confidentiality. We learn from complaints to improve our care and service. We will never discriminate against patients who have made a complaint.
If you are not entirely satisfied with any aspect of our care or service please let us know as soon as possible to allow us to address your concerns promptly.
If you do not feel you can raise a complaint about your NHS service directly with us, you can address your complaint directly to NHS England at england.contactus@nhs.net with ‘For the attention of the complaints team’ in the subject line.
Jessica Gibson is the Complaints Manager and will be your personal contact to assist you with any complaints. If your verbal complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction within 24 hours or if you complain in writing, the Complaints Manager will acknowledge it in writing within 3 working days and will aim to provide a full response in writing as soon as practical.
If the Complaints Manager is unavailable, we will take brief details about the complaint and will arrange for a meeting when the person is next available. We will keep comprehensive and confidential records of your complaint, which will be stored securely and only be accessible only by those who need to know about your complaint.
If the complaint investigation takes longer than anticipated the Complaints Manager will keep you informed of the reason for the delay, the progress of the investigation and the proposed date it will be completed.
When the investigation has been completed, you will be informed of its outcome in writing and invited to a meeting to discuss the results and any practical solutions that we can offer to you.
We regularly analyse patient complaints to learn from them and to improve our services. That’s why we always welcome your feedback, comments, suggestions and complaints. If you are dissatisfied with our response to a complaint you can take it further, please see the contacts below.
Contacts
For private dental treatment you can contact the GDC private dental complaints service within 12 months of the treatment or within 12 months of becoming aware of the issue by calling 020 8253 0800 or visiting www.dentalcomplaints.org.uk
If you are still unhappy about your NHS compliant, you can contact the Parliamentary Health Ombudsman (England): by calling 0345 015 4033 or visiting www.ombudsman.org.uk
You can also contact the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who regulates private and NHS dental care services in England. They can take action against a service provider that is not meeting their standards who may be able to help.
The General Dental Council is responsible for regulating all dental professionals. You can complain using their online form at www.gdc-uk.org contact them on information@gdc-org.uk or by calling 020 7167 6000.
For free and impartial advice the Oral Health Foundation centre is open between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. If you need urgent advice on any oral health issue please give us a call on 01788 539780 (local rate call in the UK)
