Frequently
Asked Questions
If
there are any questions you would like to ask that are not
included here please contact
the practice, where we will be happy to help.
Why has my dentist referred me
for orthodontic treatment?
If your dentist has referred you to us it’s because
they’d like specialist advice about the position of
your teeth or the way they are growing. We’ll work with
your dentist to recommend the best treatment for you and you’ll
be able to talk through any queries you may have with them,
as well as with us of course.
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What will
happen on my first visit?
When you come for your first visit, we’ll begin by asking
you to fill in a confidential medical history sheet and a
new patient questionnaire so we can find out more about you.
Next, our orthodontist will give your teeth a thorough assessment
in order to decide on the best treatment, if any. This assessment
may involve taking X-rays, photographs or impressions (moulds)
of your teeth but we’ll discuss everything with you
fully before we begin.
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Will
I have to pay for my treatment?
We treat both NHS and private patients. Treatment is free
for children up to 18 years if we consider treatment is necessary
and to adults in certain circumstances. However, in many cases
private treatment may be the best option for you.
If you’d like to discuss your options in more detail
please feel free to call us on
01509 261 006 or email enquiries@hajat.co.uk
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Are
orthodontic treatments just for children?
It’s never too late to improve your smile or correct
problems with your teeth. We treat adults of all ages and
will tailor a treatment to suit your lifestyle depending on
the results you’d like to achieve.
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Will
it hurt when my braces are tightened?
You may feel some slight discomfort when the orthodontist
tightens your braces and for a couple of days afterwards.
As your brace gets to work and pushes your teeth into the
correct position, it’ll gradually get loser, which is
why it needs tightening regularly. Any discomfort will soon
disappear however and can easily be treated by taking a mild
painkiller if necessary.
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Will my brace damage my teeth?
When you wear a brace, your teeth can be more at risk from
decay and permanent staining so it’s essential to really
take care of them. We’d recommend you avoid foods which
contain excessive amounts of sugar such as sweets and fizzy
drinks, brush your teeth after meals with an interdental toothbrush
to help reach all those awkward places. Pay particular attention
to your gum line and brace brackets, and use disclosing tablets
to reveal any plaque left behind after brushing. If you look
after your teeth properly, wearing a brace shouldn’t
result in any permanent damage.
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Will my teeth go back to their
original position once I stop wearing my brace?
Once your treatment is complete and your teeth are
in the correct position, we’ll provide you with a retainer.
Retainers are removable and are designed to help keep your
teeth in their new position. We’ll also advise you on
when to wear your retainer and for how long as this varies
from patient to patient.
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Will my brace cut my lips?
It’s unlikely that your brace will cut your
lips but it may make your mouth feel sore for the first few
days after it’s fitted. We can provide you with orthodontic
wax to prevent your brace brackets catching on your lips or
mouth. Most patients find that after a few days they get used
to wearing a brace and any soreness disappears. If your brace
continues to catch or dig into your lip or mouth please get
in touch with your orthodontist.
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I have a fixed brace, is
it best to use a manual or electric toothbrush to clean my
teeth?
Either is fine as long as you remember to clean around your
fixed brace brackets carefully. Ideally, we’d recommend
you use an interdental toothbrush (available from reception)
because they’re specially designed to help you clean
under your fixed brace wire/s.
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