• BDS (Hons) Edinburgh 1994
• FDS RCS Edinburgh 1997
• MSc Manchester 2000
• Morth RCS Edinburgh 2000
• FDS (Orth) RCS Edinburgh 2002

What treatments are on offer?

I offer all types of Orthodontic treatment on a private basis.  Mainly, I use ceramic (tooth coloured) fixed braces.  I also provide Invisalign®, removable and functional braces to straighten teeth and improve the bite.

Treatment is available to children and adults.

Tooth coloured fixed braces	Invisalign® braces

Why private treatment?

Treatment for adults over the age of 18 is generally not available on the NHS.  Many adults missed the chance to have brace treatment when they were younger or perhaps need braces to move teeth into a better position if their dentist plans implant or bridgework. It’s never too late!

  Many parents opt for private treatment for their children because:

·        their teeth are not bad enough to be treated on the NHS

·        they prefer not to have to miss school for appointments

·        they would like to have ceramic or ‘tooth coloured’ braces

  When is the best time to get started?

Fixed braces are not usually started until all the adult teeth are through (12-14 years).  Teeth move fastest in the teenage years but still move at any age.

Functional braces work best if used during the growth spurt.  In girls this is around 11-13 years and in boys a little later.  It’s therefore best for children to have an assessment around 10-11 years old. 

How long will it take?

An average course of upper and lower brace treatment will take between 18 and 24 months.  This will be followed by a further 12 months with a retainer (although often it is necessary to continue with retention for longer).  A retainer is a removable brace that hold the teeth steady, it is normally only worn at night. 

If a functional brace is needed this is worn before a fixed brace and this will add another 9-12 months onto the plan.

Your brace will need adjustment every 4-6 weeks to keep the teeth moving at the correct rate.

Will brace treatment hurt?

For 3-4 days after braces are initially fitted and for a couple of days after they are adjusted each time your teeth may ache.  This may affect what you can eat and most people stick to soft foods during this time.  The brace may rub on the insides of your lips and cheeks to begin with, I will provide you with some wax that will reduce the rubbing, and this should get better as you become accustomed to the brace.

How much will it cost?

The cost of an initial consultation is £65.  This is a chance me to take a look at your teeth and give you a broad idea of the type of brace you require and how much this will cost.  Following this visit I will send you a report of the consultation and a written quotation of costs including a payment schedule.

This table will give you a rough idea of costs but prices do vary from individual to individual.

The fee quoted includes all treatment required, irrespective of how long it might take.  It also includes the supervision of retention for the first 12 months.  It does not include:

·        Extraction of teeth – this is carried out by your own dentist

• Any treatment undertaken by another dentist or specialist for example bridgework or implants where teeth are missing

·        Supervision of retention beyond 12 months.  Review visits thereafter are either annual or every 2 years and are charged on a visit-by-visit basis.

When are appointments available?

Appointments are booked on a Tuesday evening between 5.30 and 7.30pm.

How do I book an appointment?

Your own dentist will write to tell me that you are interested in treatment.  I will then contact you to explain when appointments are available and how to book one.