Orthodontics

orthodontic FAQ

• Who will I see for my Consultation and Treatment?
  

  Gursharan Minhas is our Specialist Orthodontist and has been part of the Guinea Court team since 2012.

  Gursharan is an exceptionally highly qualified and experienced Orthodontist who can advise on and treat using the whole range of available Orthodontic techniques and appliances, often in combination.

  • Removable Appliances
  • Metal Fixed Appliances
  • Tooth Coloured Fixed Appliances
  • Lingual Appliances (WIN)
  • Invisalign

  After qualifying as a General Dentist for 5 years, Gursharan spent 3 years working in hospital and general practice before embarking on 3 years of Orthodontic specialist training at Guy’s & Kings Hospital.

  This was followed by an additional 2 years of higher specialist training at the Eastman Dental Hospital to become a qualified hospital Orthodontic Consultant.

  This role ensures Gursharan is at the forefront of her field being involved in research, teaching and examining Dentists and Orthodontists as well as providing advice to local specialists.

  Gursharan has now been an Orthodontic Specialist and hospital Consultant (Royal Surrey, Guildford) for over 14 years and has treated many adults and children, from cases requiring simple alignment to severe jaw discrepancies requiring more complex care including surgery.

  She also holds a degree in Psychology, an area in which she holds a special interest.

  Her personal commitment is to provide exceptional quality care for all her patients in a relaxed and friendly environment.

• What will happen in my consultation with Gursharan?

  At the initial consultation appointment you will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have and what you are hoping to achieve from Orthodontic treatment.

  Gursharan will ask you a series of questions and then undertake a full facial and dental examination.

  Following this she will explain what options are available and the appliance types that might be suitable.

  You will have ample time to ask any questions.

  Following the consultation, you will receive a follow up letter to confirm the options and costs.

  We allow 45 minutes for an adult consultation and 30 minutes for a child consultation.

• Why come to Guinea Court for your Orthodontic treatment?

  Many Orthodontic practices use Orthodontic therapists, therefore you may only see the Orthodontist for your initial consultation and treatment plan, with any treatment carried out by one or many therapists under their direction.

  At Guinea Court, you will be assessed, treated and cared for from start to finish by Gursharan Minhas personally*, enjoying the benefit of her considerable experience at every stage of your journey.

  (*In exceptional circumstances or for emergency appointments you may be seen by an alternative dentist)

  
• How can Orthodontics benefit me?

  For many individuals, orthodontics can be a life enhancing experience, increasing self-confidence and self-esteem. Social psychological research has shown individuals with certain tooth irregularities are more likely to be treated unfavourably in certain situations.

  Correction of tooth and bite irregularities can help to maintain a healthier mouth and achieve good dental health. Straighter teeth will be easier to clean and less likely to suffer from tooth decay and gum disease. Correction of bite problems can prevent irreversible damage to the teeth and gums and improve day-to-day function.

  
• Does age matter?

  Age is no barrier to orthodontic treatment. For younger children certain treatments may be indicated earlier known as “interceptive” treatment. Whilst some bite conditions are best treated at certain ages, the vast majority of individuals can have orthodontic treatment at any age as long as general dental health is good.

  
• Types of orthodontic appliances – child treatments

  All the systems listed under adult treatments can also be used with children.

  Removable Appliances

  These may be indicated for simple tooth movements and are effective in growing children. Success will depend on following the advice of the orthodontist. They may be used combined with fixed braces or a preliminary treatment prior to fitting a fixed brace.

  

  Functional Appliances

  These appliances can be successful in the treatment of adolescents with bite problems. The most common problem we see in the UK is an increased prominence of the upper teeth. The appliance we would commonly use consists of a top and lower brace, which have to be worn together to hold the lower jaw forward.

  
• Types of orthodontic appliances – adult treatments

  Metal appliances

  Commonly known as “train tracks”, these are the most common type of fixed appliance and are constructed of metal. Each bracket (the square attached to the tooth) is pre-designed to move the tooth and root into an ideal position.

  

  Aesthetic ceramic appliances

  Ceramic brackets are tooth coloured and less conspicuous than metal brackets and frequently the preferred choice for adult patients.

  

  Invisalign

  Aligner technology is continually advancing which is increasing the types of cases that can be treated with such systems. After your initial consultation you will be informed whether such treatment will be suitable for you. Invisalign aligners are clear and hence favoured by individuals who want to maintain discretion. Aligners need to be worn 22 hours a day and are changed every 2 weeks for the prescribed period to achieve the planned changes.

  

  Lingual Brackets

  These are truly “hidden” braces. They are attached to the inner surfaces of the teeth (tongue side). Initially they may be a little sore against your tongue and speech may take a little time to adjust. We use WIN (the next generation of the Incognito appliance) which are completely customised individual appliances. The pictures below are taken at the same time on the same patient showing the completely “hidden” nature of the lingual appliance.

  
• How much will my treatment cost?

  Costs will vary depending on the aims of treatment and the complexity of your case. As a general rule adult treatment will be more expensive than for children. As a guide removable braces cost from £600 and fixed brace treatment starts from £1,500. The cost of treatment will be provided for you in a written plan after your 1st consultation. The cost of treatment includes all appointments including emergency visits, all materials, retainers and a year of checking the retainers after the active phase of treatment is completed. There are no hidden costs. We offer flexible payment methods to help spread the cost of payments.

• How long will my treatment take?

  Treatment will vary depending on the complexity of your case and the objectives of treatment. Average treatment times are usually 12 – 18 months, however simpler cases may be completed in a small number of months and more complex cases may take longer. Following your initial orthodontic consultation an estimate of treatment time can be given.

• How often will I need an appointment?

  You will usually be seen every 6 – 8 weeks. At each visit the appliance will be checked and the progress recorded. The brace will be adjusted as necessary.

• Do I need to see my own dentist during orthodontic treatment?

  We recommend that you continue to see your own regular dentist for routine dental health check ups during treatment. The orthodontist will only be looking after your brace.

• Will orthodontic treatment be painful?

  Fitting of the orthodontic appliance is not uncomfortable. However, your teeth may ache for a few days after the fitting and any subsequent adjustments. Occasionally parts of the brace may rub the inside of your mouth. We will provide you with some wax to cushion the area until your mouth gets used to the appliance. We recommend that you use painkillers that you would normally take for a headache if needed to help reduce any discomfort.

• How will the brace affect what I can eat?

  For the first few days after a brace fitting we would recommend a soft diet to avoid damage to the brace. Once the brace is fitted it is best to avoid hard, chewy, sticky foods to prevent damage to the brace. We would advise avoidance of fizzy and carbonated drinks to reduce potential for dental decay and erosion to the teeth. Habits such as nail biting and pen chewing can also damage the brace.

• How do I clean with a brace?

  Having an appliance in your mouth increases the amount of plaque in your mouth and increases the opportunity for acid attack and tooth decay. Therefore excellent oral hygiene is essential to achieving a successful result.

  If you wear a removable appliance it can be removed for cleaning. We recommend you clean the appliance at the same time as cleaning your teeth using soapy water (toothpaste can discolour the brace).

  Cleaning around fixed braces is more time consuming and we recommend that this is done after each meal. We advise use of a daily fluoride mouthwash at a different time to tooth brushing to maximise protection to your teeth.

• What if my brace breaks?

  True orthodontic emergencies are rare. However, if you have a problem which cannot be answered by our website please call and speak to us and we will advise you as to whether we need to see you earlier.

  Common problems you may encounter are one of the squares of a fixed brace may come detached from the tooth and rub. The ends of the wire or parts of the brace may rub as teeth move. Application of wax may reduce irritation.

• Will I need to wear retainers?

  Yes. Everyone that has completed a course of orthodontic treatment will be required to wear retainers to help maintain the corrected position of the teeth. Retainers allow the tissues around your roots to adjust to their new positions. We recommend that retainers are worn on a reducing frequency (usually 1-2 nights a week) for as long as you want to keep your teeth straight. Retainers can be fixed (on the inside of the teeth) or removable (clear plastic mouth guards), your orthodontist will recommend which retainer will be best suited to you.

  

• Can I wear my mouthguard with a brace?

  Yes but you will need to speak to your dentist about getting a new one fitted. If you already have a mouthguard, it may not accommodate the brackets and wires of your fixed brace. Also as your teeth will be moving, the fit will start to change. We use OPro Orthodontic Mouthguards for patients with braces.

  Mouthguards