Orthodontic FAQs

Orthodontics is a specialist branch of dentistry that focuses on creating alignment and symmetry in your teeth, jaws and facial profile. A Specialist Orthodontist uses appliances like braces and aligners to help them achieve this alignment.

Not everyone needs orthodontic treatment, but if you do, the benefits can be immense. Straight teeth are not only beautiful, they are easier to clean and protect, which means less risk of tooth decay, gum disease and injury. A straight smile can also aid speaking, chewing and digestion!

You are never too old for orthodontic treatment. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, we can straighten your smile.

Every smile is unique, and we provide personalised treatment for each patient. You won’t know the exact length of your treatment until your free consultation with us. However, comprehensive orthodontic treatment usually takes from 12 to 24 months on average.

No, braces shouldn’t hurt you. You can expect to feel some mild soreness or discomfort for a few days after fitting and adjustment appointments, but this can be treated easily with over-the-counter pain relief.

Absolutely! A retainer will prevent your teeth from sliding back into their original positions. If you don’t wear your retainer as instructed by your Specialist Orthodontist, you could undo all your hard work!

Just as the length of treatment varies from patient to patient, so does the cost. You can get an idea of average costs on our cost and finance page, or sign up for your free consultation to get a custom quote. Whatever the cost, rest assured that we have flexible payment plans to help!

At Lincoln Orthodontics, we are Diamond Invisalign® Providers, and treat more than 150 smiles a year with clear aligners. This means we have the experience to correct even complex issues with Invisalign® treatment. You can find out for sure at your free consultation.

No, you don’t need a referral to start orthodontic treatment. Just book a free online consultation with our team and we’ll start from there! That being said, we are more than happy to accept a referral from your dentist, and enjoy working closely with our colleagues.

Invisalign® is a type of brace which an orthodontist or dentist uses to move your teeth. The Invisalign® aligner is just a tool, the actual treatment is designed by the treating clinician: the Dentist or Orthodontist, based on their skill, experience and qualifications.

Absolutely not. Each treatment is unique to you, the patient. You come with an individual bite and smile, all of these things need to be taken into account when your treatment is planned.

No. A General Dentist is trained to provide care in the whole breadth of dental treatment; dentures, extractions, fillings, gum disease and if they have an interest, also braces. A Specialist Orthodontist has undergone a 3 year dedicated postgraduate degree in a teaching hospital to be able to diagnose and treat a wide variety of bite and smile problems by moving teeth using braces. They no longer do any of the other aspects of dentistry, but dedicate their entire professional life to gaining experience and skill in this particular specialty of dentistry. They then use this skill set to make a bespoke plan for you to fully achieve your treatment goals in the shortest amount of time.

Invisalign® aligners are like a tennis racket, it is the skill of the person on the other end of the racket that achieves the result, not the racket itself. Be careful of who you entrust to provide care for yourself or your family.

Contact us to get the answer! Our friendly team is always happy to help.