New NHS Patients

All patients aged 17 and under are entitled to a free orthodontic assessment. Following the NHS reforms introduced in April 2006, patients who are 17 and under and whose orthodontic problem meets the new criteria, are eligible for treatment under the NHS (click here for more information). New NHS patients are currently seen for their first appointment approximately 12 weeks following referral. Please note that all NHS new patient appointments are scheduled in the mornings.

New Adult Patients

New adult patient private consultations are arranged at mutually convenient times on an individual basis. For information about the various treatment options and their respective costs, please click here.

Why might my dentist refer me to an orthodontist?

Your dentist may ask us to give you specialist advice as to whether you might benefit from orthodontic treatment. Most patients having orthodontic treatment will benefit from improvements in both the appearance and function of their teeth.

At what age do patients usually begin orthodontic treatment?

In most cases, when all the adult teeth have come through, from around 12 years of age. In some cases a brief course of earlier treatment, from around 8 to 11 years of age, can avoid or reduce the extent of treatment needed later. However, age is no barrier to having treatment and we treat many adults, some of whom started their treatment in their 50s and 60s.

How can I make certain that the orthodontist is fully aware of my child’s individual requirements?

Stevenage Orthodontics aims to provide each patient with care specific to their individual needs. If your child has any special needs, please speak with one of our Care Coordinators who will do their best to help.

What will happen at my first appointment?

We will take photographs of your face and mouth. The orthodontist will then examine your mouth and decide if you need x-rays or possibly impressions to make a model of your teeth. We will then discuss our findings with you and, if you are under 18, with your parent/guardian. At this point, we will explain whether you could benefit from orthodontic treatment and if so, whether the treatment would be covered by the NHS and also whether you are ready to begin. We will fully explain the proposed treatment and encourage you to ask questions before deciding if you want to proceed.

Taking an impression

What do I do if the NHS will not pay and I still want treatment?

We will explain the various private options to you and their respective costs. (please click here).

What will happen next if I decided to proceed?

If you require a brace, an appointment will be made for your brace to be fitted and, if it is a removable brace you can choose which colour you would like your brace to be made in (click here to see the choice of colours). You will then need to return regularly for adjustments and other procedures until the treatment is completed. If you need teeth removed, this will be done (or arranged) by your general dentist.

How long does treatment take?

Treatment lengths vary from 6 months for the simplest forms of treatment, to around 24 months for complex treatments.

Does orthodontic treatment hurt?

In general, procedures carried out in the orthodontic clinic do not hurt and so there is seldom a need to use a local anaesthetic (i.e. a needle). You may find that sometimes following your appointments, your teeth may feel a bit tender as they move into position. This tenderness is temporary and responds well to over-the-counter painkillers.

Can I continue to play contact sports?

Please click here for a comprehensive answer.

I play a wind instrument. Will orthodontic treatment affect my ability to practice and perform?

Please click here for a comprehensive answer.

Why might I not be ready to begin treatment?

You may need to wait for your adult teeth to come through before we can know for certain whether or not you could benefit from orthodontic treatment. You may need to stop a thumb sucking habit, improve your brushing or just need more time to decide whether you want to proceed with treatment. Whatever the reason, we would see you again at a later date to review the situation.

Will I need to continue to see my general dentist?

Yes. It is important that you continued to see your general dentist for regular check-ups throughout the course of your orthodontic treatment. We will keep your dentist informed about your treatment progress.

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