Frequently asked orthodontic questions
At Pallant Orthodontics we get lots of questions, and we’re happy to answer them. We want to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your treatment. To help with this we’ve put together a list of our most frequently asked questions about braces and our treatment programs, plus a few pieces of useful information about orthodontics in general.
For most of us, the first encounter we had with a dentist was at school, but not all of us have met with an orthodontist. At Pallant Orthodontics, we are the first orthodontic practice that many of our patients have stepped into, so we understand when they have questions about what exactly it is that we do. Orthodontics is a specialty within the field of dentistry, which focuses on tooth and jaw irregularity. Orthodontics aims to straighten teeth and correct issues with the tooth and jaw alignment.
As Specialist Orthodontists, we want to make sure your teeth are sitting properly in position for a number of reasons. One of these is to ensure you chew your food properly, as poor teeth alignment can contribute to digestive issues and affect your overall health and well-being.
We've answered the most common question below but if there is anything we haven't covered, please contact us.
Both dental professionals started out studying dentistry and have a Bachelor of Dental Surgery to their name. However, after these five years of study, those wanting to embark on a career as an orthodontist pursue further study in this specialist field. Once they've completed an extra two-to-three years of study, they'll register with orthodontic associations, such as the British Orthodontic Society (BOS).
An orthodontist is a qualified dentist who has gone on to study in the field of orthodontics. While both an orthodontist and a dentist are trained to treat patients for dental requirements, such as fillings and overall oral health, an orthodontist concentrates on a patient’s overall facial profile, correcting the misalignment of teeth and jaws.
As orthodontic professionals we are committed to ongoing professional development within the orthodontic industry. This is to ensure we understand the latest techniques and technology being used in orthodontic treatment and how it can benefit you - our patients.
As part of this professional development we have joined The Invisible Orthodontist (TIO), a network of orthodontists throughout the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand who are passionate about seeing the full effect of invisible orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign.
Pallant Orthodontics is located at 11 North Pallant in Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1TQ. Our treatment rooms are in a beautifully renovated Georgian Grade ll listed building. We also have a practice in the centre of Bognor Regis, located at 60-62 London Road, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO21 1PT.
No, orthodontic treatment doesn’t hurt, though at times it can cause mild discomfort. This usually occurs when the teeth are entering a new phase of movement throughout the treatment process. Over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, should be all you need in these instances.
Braces are made up of brackets which are attached to the surface of your teeth and an archwire that connects these brackets together. They are generally made of metal or ceramic and can fit to the front or back of your teeth. Using gentle force, the archwire moves through these brackets to guide your teeth into position. Invisalign aligners look like very thin mouthguards which sit over your teeth. These also use gentle force to move your teeth. Both are effective methods of orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment which uses aligners to move your teeth into the desired position. It is a popular treatment option among many patients because the aligners are made from clear plastic material which makes them virtually invisible. At Pallant Orthodontics we are highly experienced in the use of Invisalign®. This experience has been recognised by our Diamond Invisalign® provider status.
Not usually. Most people only need one type of treatment and Invisalign® is an effective method of treatment, producing great results. It is very rare that you will need braces and Invisalign® aligners.
As a guide, traditional braces and Invisalign usually cost between £120 - £210 monthly, monthly payments can be spread across the duration of your treatment. The typical overall cost varies from £3500 - £5000. More information about our fees is on our costs and finance page.
The first step in your orthodontic treatment process will be an initial consultation with us so we can determine what treatment you require. Only once you are happy with our recommendations will treatment commence.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any more questions about orthodontic treatment.