What to expect

Your journey to straighter teeth will start with a consultation with a dentist or specialist orthodontist.

During your consultation, they’ll talk through what you'd like to achieve and examine your smile, to advise the best brace or aligner options for you. They’ll explain each solution in depth, including the treatment duration, maintenance, and cost involved. If your practice offers payment options, these will also be discussed.

During the consultation, your dentist or orthodontist may use a 3D dental scanner to take images of the inside of your mouth. The scanner creates a 3D simulation of your smile and allows a preview of how you could look after treatment. Alternatively, they may take impressions of your teeth, to help custom-make your orthodontic appliance.

Get in touch with your nearest Bupa practice. They can help you book an orthodontic consultation and answer any queries.

The next step involves discussing and agreeing your bespoke treatment plan with your dentist or orthodontist. The treatment plan is tailored to your needs and includes the series of appointments required, as well as a breakdown of the costs involved.

Braces or aligners are then custom-made to fit your mouth. When they’re ready, you’ll have an appointment to fit them and check they’re comfortable.

As specified in your plan, your dentist or orthodontist will see you every few weeks or months, to track your progress. Depending on the type of brace you have, your dentist or orthodontist may adjust your fixed brace, give you a new set of aligners or adjust the bows on your Inman Aligner.

Towards the end of your journey, your dentist or orthodontist may suggest treatments to boost your new straighter smile. These may include professional teeth whitening or composite bonding which can correct chipped edges or discoloured teeth.

Once your treatment is complete, your clinician will provide you with a retainer to keep your teeth in their new straighter position. They’ll advise when and how long the retainer needs to be worn.

Find out what you can expect first-hand, from some of our orthodontic patients. Access video testimonials, patient Q&As, reviews and more...

It’s important to take care of your brace to avoid breakage and prevent delays to your treatment. This includes keeping your brace clean and avoiding damage from foods and drink.