Frequently Asked Questions
Orthodontic FAQs
Who are we?
Straight Talk Orthodontics is a Cosmetic Dentistry specialist based in the heart of West London, and we receive a lot of questions about ourselves and about orthodontics in general. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, and if you have any other queries, please feel free to contact us.
What happens on the first appointment?
At Straight Talk Orthodontics, we make our patients our first priority. When you attend Straight Talk for your initial consultation, you will meet with Dr. Gupta, the specialist orthodontist.
Dr. Gupta will take the time to discuss your reasons for attending, as well as addressing any concerns and listening to any requests that you may have regarding your treatment. We have found that most of our patients reside from the Ealing, Acton, Hanwell and Northfields districts of West London. However, this is by no means a requirement to be a patient at Straight Talk Orthodontics.
During the visit, she will personally carry out a thorough examination of your teeth, and you will receive a personalised and detailed diagnosis. Dr. Gupta will then create a treatment plan tailored to your individual dental needs and your lifestyle, and she will then guide you through your treatment options and explain what these will entail.
You have no obligation to proceed with any treatment that is proposed in your free initial consultation.
Where is Straight Talk Orthodontics based?
Straight Talk Orthodontics are based on Gordon Road, West Ealing, W13 8PT.
We have found that are patients live across the whole of West London, including areas such as Ealing, Hanwell, Acton and Northfields.
Why would I need to see a specialist orthodontist?
Specialist orthodontists are formally trained and certified in the field of orthodontics. They are able to offer the full range of orthodontic treatment options, allowing you to achieve the best possible result.
What types of braces are there?
Braces can be removable or fixed onto the teeth. They can be metal, ceramic (white) or plastic (clear). They can be placed on the outer or inner surfaces of the teeth. Here at Straight Talk we offer the full range of orthodontic services- see Treatments.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of the treatment and ranges from 6 months to 18 months.
How will I know what I need?
Treatment starts with Dr Gupta conducting a detailed examination, supplemented with x-rays and an ‘impression’ of your teeth. This will allow a correct diagnosis, enabling her to create an accurate course of treatment specific to you.
What happens when the teeth are straight?
When treatment has finished it is important to hold the teeth in the corrected position while the surrounding gum and bone settles. This is called retention. Retainers are the type of brace provided at the end of treatment to maintain these corrected positions. Retainers can be removable or fixed. The type of retainer needed and duration of wear depends on the original position of the teeth.
Can braces damage my teeth?
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a speciality of dentistry concerned with the straightening of teeth.
Who can have orthodontic treatment?
Dr Gupta will assess your suitability for treatment free of charge and discuss possible options to suit your needs and lifestyle. Orthodontic treatment can be done at any age. There is no upper age limit for adults. You are never too old for braces!
For children, comprehensive treatment usually starts from about 11 years of age. We do however like to see patients as early as possible, ideally from 7 years upwards, so that we can plan future treatment at the correct time.
How does it work?
Orthodontic treatment typically involves 2 phases, both using either a fixed or removable brace. The initial or ‘active’ phase of treatment deals with the straightening of teeth. This is followed by a ‘retentive’ phase that aims to keep the teeth in their corrected position with a retainer.
Fitting a brace is a relatively straightforward procedure and involves limited discomfort.
The fixed brace comprises of individual brackets fitted onto the teeth and then connected by a wire that allows the teeth to be moved. Your fixed brace will need to be adjusted every 4 to 8 weeks.
The clear aligners (Invisliagn) are fitted and replaced every 2 weeks. You will typically be seen by Dr Gupta every 6-8 weeks.
Are there other benefits of orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment will straighten crooked or poorly positioned teeth by moving them into a better position. It can improve your smile and appearance, the way your teeth bite together and your gum and tooth health by distributing the biting force evenly over your teeth.
Will the braces hurt?
There should be no pain. At the initial fitting and at each adjustment there may be some discomfort, but you will be advised on how to manage this. Rest assured, any minor discomfort is very short lived.
Can I keep my teeth clean with braces stuck on them?
Yes. You will be advised by us, and given aids to help keep your teeth clean. It becomes second nature very quickly! It is very important to keep the teeth around the braces clean to prevent damage to the teeth.
How successful is orthodontic treatment?
Will I have to have teeth out?
In some cases you may need to have teeth taken out to make room for straightening. However, current advanced orthodontic technology means that we are able to achieve excellent results without removing teeth. There are also other ways that we may be able to make space to achieve straightening without the removal of teeth. You will be advised regarding this at the consultation.
Is orthodontic work permanent?
How Do I Get Started?