Does your child qualify for orthodontic treatment on the National Health Service?

Here at Weybridge Orthodontics we offer treatment on the National Health Service, according to the government guidelines, which were introduced by the Department of Health in 2006.

The good news is that Weybridge Orthodontics can offer every child under the age of 18 a free assessment to find out if they are in need of orthodontic treatment, and also if they qualify for treatment on the National Health Service.

The Department of Health has issued an Index of Orthodontic Needs (IOTN) in order to help us at Weybridge Orthodontics find out if each child is eligible for treatment on the NHS.

Firstly, treatment on the NHS is only for children whose dental health will be improved by orthodontics. It is not given to children who want orthodontic treatment for purely cosmetic reasons.

If your child is missing a tooth, or has impacted teeth, has significantly crowded teeth, abnormally prominent teeth, or something wrong with their bite that is causing problems in some way, then there is a good chance that they will be able to receive treatment on the NHS. Please bring them in to Weybridge Orthodontics for a free assessment.

Sadly, even if your child does have a clear clinical need that qualifies them for treatment with Weybridge Orthodontics, there is only a limited amount of funding available for orthodontic treatments on the NHS. This restriction means that even if your child qualifies for treatment, they will likely have to a join a waiting list before treatment can start. At Weybridge Orthodontics, we do our best to keep waiting lists as short as possible, including continual consultations with the NHS local area managers.

If your child does qualify for NHS but you do not want to wait keep them waiting on a list, then we also offer private treatments for children. Prices start at £1354.00 for Clarity or Damon Q braces. We offer a 0% interest monthly repayment scheme and if you got to our prices page, we have a calculator to help you work out how much the treatment you think is best for your child is likely to cost.

No matter where you started your orthodontic treatment, if you have recently moved to the United Kingdom to live, you can count on Weybridge Orthodontics to be able to help you complete your treatment.

Here at Weybridge Orthodontics we make it our business to be up to the minute in orthodontic treatments from all over the world. And we are always delighted to be able to help people who need to transfer their orthodontic treatment, whether in the active phase or the retention phase, from another country.

At Weybridge Orthodontics, we are already a referral centre for general dentists in the UK who want to make sure their patients get excellent quality orthodontic care.

We have a large team of very experienced orthodontists, and we can support all modalities of orthodontics. In fact, Dr James Stubbs, did some of his orthodontic training in the United States, as part of an exchange programme between Guy’s Hospital in London and the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

At Weybridge Orthodontics, we already take care of several students who attend local international schools.

If you would like to transfer your treatment to us when you arrive from another country, here is what you need to do:

• Please bring as many of your dental records as you can from your previous orthodontist.

• Ask your orthodontist for a copy of your treatment plan and any special conditions pertaining to your case.

• Book an initial appointment with us, and then come in, so that we can discuss your treatment so far and draw up a plan to complete it.

• Try not to leave too long a period of time between your last visit to your orthodontist back home, and your initial consultation with Weybridge Orthodontics.

We will also do our best to continue with your original treatment plan. In most cases, Weybridge Orthodontics can continue your treatment with the orthodontic appliances you had fitted at home, but we may need to use different wire, brackets or appliances.

The cost of completing your treatment can vary, but we will you give a clear idea of how much you can expect to spend with us.

And yes, we are very happy if you want to seek a second opinion.

The term orthodontics is defined in the dictionary as ‘the branch of dentistry concerned with preventing or correcting irregularities of the teeth’. At Surrey Braces, Our practice in Weybridge, orthodontics is our core business. We see many forms that these irregularities can take.One area of irregularity occurs with a patient’s ‘bite’.

In dental terminology, the bite is the alignment of the rows of teeth when they are resting against each other. If a bite is not properly aligned it can lead to all sorts of problems. It can affect chewing, which might encourage uneven wear of the teeth aswell as discomfort. People can also find their speech is impaired by a misaligned bite. Over time, bite issues can lead to general oral health problems such as gum disease and tooth loss. There are different types of bite to consider.

1. Open bite. This describes the condition where the patients’ front teeth do not meet when the jaws are shut. Inevitably the back teeth will suffer excessive wear and tear compared to the front teeth, and ultimately deterioration.
2. Cross bite. This is when the upper set of teeth sit either inside the bottom teeth or just outside. This makes it difficult for the patient to chew.
3. This term describes a situation where the lower teeth project further forward than the upper teeth.
4. This happens when secondary teeth grow in a small space within the dental arch.
5. This occurs when people have teeth that are missing or particularly small teeth that leave larger than normal gaps between them.

So what happens to people who are diagnosed with a bite that is not aligned and must be corrected? The two principal appliances used in this situation are retainers and braces. Both work by applying pressure on the teeth to move them into the required position. So what’s the difference?

Braces can be either fixed or removable. Contrary to popular belief, a removable brace is not a retainer. A retainer, as its name suggests, is an appliance specifically employed to maintain the position achieved by braces once they have been removed.Many patients looking for orthodontics in Weybridge will receive braces and/or a retainer as part of their treatment.

Are you having an issue with misaligned teeth? Would you like to have a bright, confident smile? Do you have concerns about visiting the dentist to address the issue? We can help with all of these things.

At our practice in Weybridge, orthodontics is one of the things we offer to help specifically with these issues. We can give you guidance on what you might need to make your dream of correcting your dental misalignment come true.

What is Orthodontics?

That is a good question to start with. Orthodontics is a particular branch of dentistry that deals with aligning and straightening the teeth. Normally, brackets are fixed to the teeth to gently move them back into place. This is a long term procedure and we support you at every turn.

You will need to take special care of your teeth as good oral hygiene is essential whilst you are undergoing treatment. The brackets are periodically adjusted as the teeth shift to ensure that they continue to move into the desired position.

After the treatment is finished, a permanent, invisible retainer is put in place to ensure that the teeth do not return to their original positions.

Does it hurt?

There can be some discomfort associated with the treatment. This is generally after fitting and when the adjustments are made. However, at Weybridge Orthodontics, we do everything we can to minimise discomfort and to keep you informed about the sensations you can expect to feel so that you are prepared. We also offer tips on caring for your orthodontic work so that everything stays clean and healthy.

Why Weybridge Orthodontics?

We believe in working in partnership with our patients to ensure that everything we do is shaped by your individual needs. At our practice in Weybridge, orthodontics is a specialty and we have a team of highly skilled professionals ready to work with you and offer you the right advice and information.

We understand that long term dental treatment can seem a bit daunting at first but can reassure you that this is a great investment in the future of your smile and your overall oral health. Give yourself the opportunity to feel more confident and have a brighter, healthier smile by booking a consultation appointment with us.

Many people know that orthodontics are a great solution to the problem of having overcrowded, gappy, misaligned or crooked teeth, but did you know where it all started?

The history of orthodontics

As far back as 400 BC historical figures like Hippocrates and Aristotle were considering different ways to straighten teeth, amongst trying to fix other dental conditions. It might sound really disgusting but the first braces were made by early dentists from animal products and though primitive, worked much in the same way that wires do today, to pull the teeth into the desired position. It just goes to show that even then people would go to extraordinary lengths to create the perfect smile!

Orthodontics as a scientific discipline really took off in the 18^th century when a Frenchman called Pierre Fauchard published a book called “The Surgeon Dentist” which referenced a horseshoe-shaped piece of iron that helped expand the arch of the mouth.

It wasn’t until 1819 however, that anything like braces as we know and recognise them today, started to appear. Another French dentist named Delabarre introduced the “wire crib”, marking the birth of contemporary Orthodontics.

Gum elastic was added later to make the braces more efficient. The bands were made from rubber tubing and in 1858 the first official article was written on Orthodontics in a book called “Treatise on Oral Deformities”, published in 1880.

This was the beginning of the movement of orthodontics, the science of using force to realign teeth and create straighter smiles!

Modern Orthodontics in Weybridge

At Weybridge Orthodontics, we are glad that we have come a long way since those early days of animal guts and iron retainers! These days braces are made from the highest quality plastics, metals and elastic, as well as using a variety of other high tech materials and equipment to make the process as hygienic, easy, and efficient as possible.

You can search our website for the full range of treatments available, browse our staff information, testimonials and smile gallery. You can also give us a call on 01932 831 825 or email us at tc@weybridgeortho.com to find out more or book an appointment.

At Weybridge Orthodontics, we have spent many years refining our philosophy, practice and staff to create the best experience possible for patients who visit us at our practice in Weybridge. Orthodontics is the art of straightening and correcting the position of teeth, usually with a range of treatments and/or braces.

Braces in the 21^st century are very different from the wire braces of old, however you can still receive wire braces at our practice. You will be given the option of having clear brackets though, which can make all the difference to someone who is self-conscious about their smile and how their teeth are perceived by others.

Alternatively there is a range of clear braces available to our patients. These can be clear aligners, or invisible, lingual braces (braces which go on the inside of your teeth so they out of sight completely!) To find out which braces will suit you, it is worth considering the following factors.

What should I be asking myself?

What is your budget? How much can you afford to spend correcting your smile and giving yourself renewed confidence and functionality?

What is the minimum/maximum amount of time you are willing to wear braces for? Treatments can take anything between 4 months and upwards of two years depending on the scale of the problem and the work that may need to be carried out.

What result are you looking for? Are you attached to having the perfect straight smile or are you content to just make your bite slightly better aligned. Are you aiming for improved functionality or an enhanced aesthetic from a cosmetic viewpoint?

What are you looking for in terms of aftercare? Are you happy to wear a retainer? Most orthodontic treatments require you to wear a retainer to make sure that your smile stays in place following the treatment.

Our treatment coordinators can discuss this with you at our practice in Weybridge. Orthodontic treatment is perhaps the best and easiest way to improve your smile, it is non-invasive and you get to see the improvement gradually over time, eventually leaving you with the smile you have always wanted.

Orthodontics can be beneficial for patients of any age. At Surrey Braces dental centre in Weybridge, we offer a wide selection of orthodontic appliances designed to meet the needs of children, teenagers, and adults. Whatever type and amount of correction you need, at our Weybridge dental centre we will find the perfect appliance to suit your needs.

An increasing number of men and women are showing an interest in orthodontics later in life, and adult orthodontic treatment is becoming ever more popular, as people start to realise the true value of a beautiful, nicely aligned smile.

It might be that you had orthodontic treatment as a teenager only to experience adult relapse, or you may never have visited the world of orthodontics until now. Whatever your past experiences and present requirements, at Surrey Braces dental centre in Weybridge, we can help.

At our Weybridge dental practice we know that adult orthodontics need to be subtle as well as effective. Metal braces may be a badge of honour among teenagers, part of the transition into adulthood and a way of making a fashion statement now that the brace elastics can be colour-customised, but for adults the thought of a noticeable fixed metal appliance can be enough to put them off orthodontics for life.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Our Weybridge clinic offers both subtle fixed braces and clear, removable aligners, designed to straighten adults’ teeth without the whole world having to know that you are having treatment.

We are also always keen to point out that orthodontics have more than just aesthetic benefits. It makes your teeth easier to keep clean when they are properly aligned, with fewer gaps where dental plaque can build up. This cuts your risk of gum disease and tooth decay, the two main causes of tooth loss.

Problems with your bite can also affect your diet, and in some cases can cause jaw problems, head or shoulder aches, and excessive wear on certain teeth. Adult orthodontics can bring your teeth into better alignment quickly and discreetly. It can also help in some cases of bruxism – night time tooth grinding.

As an increasing number of adults are turning to orthodontics, so the number of ways to discreetly straighten your teeth is steadily rising. At Surrey Braces dental clinic in Weybridge, we offer a wide selection of orthodontics options for patients of all ages, including several subtle yet effective methods of realigning adult teeth.

Modern orthodontics may involve the use of a fixed brace or a removable aligner to alter the position of your teeth. We offer several of both types of appliance at our Weybridge dental centre, and an orthodontist will talk you through all of your treatment options following a detailed consultation.

It’s worth remembering the health benefits of orthodontics as well as the aesthetic ones: by making it easier to keep your teeth clean and free from dental plaque, you can reduce your risk of both tooth decay and gum disease. Correcting issues with the bite – that’s how your jaws meet each other – can make it easier to bite and chew food, can help in some cases of bruxism (night time tooth grinding) and can even help in some cases of migraines and persistent headaches.

Weybridge orthodontics: your treatment options

The best appliance to suit your needs will be discussed during your consultation with an orthodontist here at our Weybridge dental clinic. Among the options you may be offered are:

Incognito lingual braces

Braces remain synonymous with orthodontics for many people, but Incognito braces have some notable differences from standard fixed appliances.

First and foremost is how they are fitted. Your Weybridge orthodontist will fit them to the rear (lingual) surfaces of the teeth, making them invisible in daily life unless someone is staring directly down into your mouth. Furthermore, they are made from gold alloy, thus perfect for those with nickel allergies.

Invisalign

One of the most popular systems in the world of discreet orthodontics, Invisalign treatment involves the use of a series of clear, removable aligners to gently guide your teeth into a better position.

The fact that they are clear makes them invisible to the untrained eye, whilst the fact that they are removable means they are excellent for dental hygiene.

More people are turning to orthodontics in adulthood, and are looking for subtle ways to straighten their teeth. At Surrey Braces dental clinic in Weybridge, we offer a wide selection of discreet orthodontic options, using either fixed braces or removable aligners.

Whether you missed out on orthodontics as a teenager or had treatment only to fail at the retention stage and suffer adult relapse, our Weybridge dental clinic can help. The first step is to join us for an orthodontic consultation.

Your Weybridge orthodontist will carry out a thorough clinical examination to determine the best course of treatment to suit your needs. Each system is best suited to different clinical situations, and your orthodontist will discuss the pros and cons of any relevant treatment options, so that you are able to make an informed choice.

Weybridge orthodontics

We offer several treatment options at our Weybridge dental centre. Whilst braces are the staple of orthodontics, giving maximum control over the movement of each tooth, modern aligners are also an effective option for many dental situations.

Treatment at our Weybridge dental clinic include:

Incognito lingual braces

Lingual braces are made from metal, but are attached to the rear (or lingual) sides of the teeth, meaning that nobody will see them as you go about your daily life. Unlike some cosmetic brace systems, lingual braces offer more advanced orthodontics, and are able to treat a wide range of clinical issues.

Clarity braces

Clarity braces are made from clear and tooth-coloured parts, and can be used for a number of orthodontic situations. The average treatment time is similar to standard orthodontics, between 18 and 24 months. However, treatment is barely noticeable. You will need to attend check-ups every eight to ten weeks at our Weybridge dental clinic.

Invisalign

One of the most popular options in modern orthodontics, Invisalign treatment involves the use of a series of clear, removable aligners to progressively move your teeth into a new position. You change your aligner every fortnight, and the exact number of aligners required and length of your treatment will depend on the type and amount of correction required.

An increasing number of adults are turning to orthodontics to straighten their teeth later in life. At Surrey Braces dental centre in Weybridge, we appreciate that the main barrier to treatment for adults interested in orthodontics is the thought of having to wear obvious metal braces for months or even years on end. That’s why we are pleased to offer a number of more discreet alternatives.

Discreet orthodontics is one of the most rapidly growing areas of modern dentistry. As more adults are looking for subtle ways to straighten their teeth, so an increasing number of appliances are being developed to enable them to enjoy all the benefits of orthodontic treatment without the hassle or embarrassment of wearing fixed metal braces.

At our Weybridge dental centre we offer treatment with both discreet fixed appliances and clear, removable aligners. Each system has its benefits and is suited to different types of correction. When you come into our Weybridge clinic for a consultation, your orthodontist will perform a thorough clinical assessment to determine the best course of treatment to meet your needs.

Benefits of orthodontics

The benefits of orthodontics are always more than just aesthetic, no matter which appliance you use. Straighter teeth are easier to keep clean, with fewer hard-to-reach areas where dental plaque can build up.

This means that with regular visits to your dentist and hygienist, and good dental hygiene practices at home, you can reduce your risk of both gum disease and tooth decay.

Weybridge orthodontics

Depending on your clinical need and any personal preference you may have for braces or aligners, your Weybridge orthodontist may recommend:

Invisalign

This popular system of clear, removable aligners fits comfortably over your teeth to guide them into a new position. You change your aligner every fortnight, and can take them out to eat, drink, clean, and to brush your teeth.

Damon Clear Braces

Braces remain the staple of orthodontics, and Damon Clear are both more discreet and more comfortable than their metal counterparts. They use a passive slide mechanism to maintain archwires within the bracket, enabling them to move freely, thus reducing friction and binding.