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Frequently asked questions

Have questions about dental implants, braces, Invisalign® treatments, or just orthodontics in general? You’re not alone. Most people have a question (or three!) for us - and we’ve compiled some of the most common ones here.

  • what is orthodontics?

    Orthodontics is an arm of dentistry which focuses on the correct alignment of a patient’s teeth and jaws in relation to their overall facial symmetry. A specialist orthodontist must undergo additional training to be able to diagnose and treat dental misalignments.

  • What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?

    Both a specialist orthodontist and a dentist have a five-year Bachelor of Dentistry. A specialist orthodontist has then embarked on three further years of study to achieve a Master’s of Orthodontics and may elect to complete additional training for specific orthodontic solutions.

  • Do I need orthodontic treatment?

    Healthy teeth are important for good oral health. If you or your child have crowding or spacing issues or suffer from an under or overbite, orthodontic treatment could help improve your overall oral health.

    The only way to really know if you need braces is to book a free consultation and undergo an orthodontic assessment of your teeth and jaws.

  • Do braces or Invisalign® treatments hurt?

    No! Although you may experience slight discomfort for the first few days after your orthodontic appliance has been fitted - and again each time your appliance is tightened - this discomfort is only minor and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relief.

  • What if I’m too embarrassed to wear braces?

    Traditional metal braces are certainly an effective treatment method, but we have great news! The technology behind these braces has been adapted to other, more discreet solutions. And we offer ceramic braces and Invisalign® clear aligners to our patients who would like to forego the metal brackets.

  • What are Invisalign® clear aligners?

    Invisalign® treatment is a nearly-invisible way to straighten your smile, using a series of clear plastic aligners instead of metal brackets and archwires to move teeth into position. Clear aligners can be removed to brush and floss and Invisalign® treatment is compatible with the Virtual Care app, allowing for remote check-ups.

  • Why is orthodontic treatment so expensive?

    Orthodontics is a specialist arm of dentistry. Therefore, those who work in the field are highly trained and have years of experience. Orthodontic treatment costs slightly more than dental treatment because you are paying for this expertise. But the results are well worth it - check out our before and afters here.

  • Do you have finance plans available?

    Yes! At Allsopp Smile, we work to make orthodontic treatment as affordable as possible with flexible payment plans and 0% interest finance options. See if you qualify today.

  • What are dental implants?

    A dental implant is a titanium metal rod which is placed into the jawbone. It is used to fill in any gaps left by missing teeth and provide support for one or more false teeth. At Allsopp Smile, we use Straumann implants and the ‘bone’ is man-made with either Fortoss vital or Straumann bone ceramic.

  • Are implants safe?

    Yes, dental implants are a well-established and effective dental treatment. Additionally, our principal Specialist Orthodontist , Dr Allsopp, has over two decades of experience working with dental implants in patients of all ages.

  • How long do implants last?

    Once fitted, most implants will last for at least 15 years. We chose to offer Straumann implants because of their known quality and durability.

  • Can I still have implants if I have my own teeth?

    Yes. We can fit individual implants or a complete set of implants. The best way to know what your exact needs are is to contact us for a complimentary consultation.

  • Do implants hurt?

    Fitting implants does require us to conduct a small operation. That being said, the procedure itself will be painless, as it is done under local anaesthetic with sedation. You can also elect to receive IV sedation. Your mouth will be tender for about a week after surgery but once the tooth has healed, the pain will go.

  • How long does treatment take?

    Dental implant treatment takes about 12 months, though every case is different. It isn’t an overnight process. Each implant needs to bond to the bone before your new teeth can be fitted.

  • Will it be noticeable that I have implants?

    No. Once fitted, your dental implants will look and feel like normal teeth. This also means you must care for them like normal teeth and follow a daily brushing and flossing regime, with regular, twice-yearly hygiene visits.

  • Are dental implants expensive?

    Dental implants do need to be inserted by a qualified and experienced dental professional, so you are paying for this expertise. To make this treatment more affordable, we have finance options and payment plans available.

**This information has been provided by the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF). For more answers to commonly asked questions about dental implants, click here.

Did you know your first visit is free?

We want you to feel confident about your choice to move forward with orthodontic treatment. That’s why we offer free consultations for children, teens, and adults.

Book a free consultation