Start your journey to a straighter smile by finding your local Bupa orthodontic dentist and getting in touch. 

What is orthodontic treatment?

Types of braces

What happens when you get braces?

How much do braces cost in the UK?

How Invisalign aligners helped Lucy

Invisalign case study | Watch in 1:15 minutes

Hear how Lucy straightened her smile with Invisalign at the Parade Specialist Dental Centre in Cardiff.

How we've helped others

Straightening teeth with Invisalign clear aligners

Before and after Invisalign treatment, whitening and composite bonding at Bupa Dental Care Stamford.

Before
After

Before and after treatment with Colchester Ipswich Road

Before image show a crowded and crooked smile prior to treatment at Bupa Dental Care Colchester Ipswich Road Before
After image shows a less crowded, straighter smile following Invisalign treatment at Bupa Dental Care Colchester Ipswich Road After

Common questions about braces

An orthodontist is a specialist who focuses on teeth straightening and bite correction. Specialist orthodontists first qualify as dentists before undertaking full-time study in orthodontics.

At Bupa Dental Care, we have both experienced orthodontists and dentists who carry out teeth straightening. All our dentists are fully certified in the orthodontic systems they provide.

For adults and children, orthodontics can correct a range of concerns, including bite issues, speech difficulties and problems with eating. Crooked or wonky teeth may affect your confidence and can lead to oral and general health issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

According to the NHS, one third of children require orthodontic treatment.1 In severe cases of crowded, protruding or missing teeth, overbite or underbite, or anything that prevents teeth from growing normally, a dentist will refer a child to a specialist orthodontist. The specialist orthodontist will use a scale called the IOTN (Index of Treatment Need) to assess if the child is eligible for NHS care.

If your child isn’t eligible for NHS orthodontics, private treatment is available, which includes more discreet brace and aligner options.

Orthodontics can treat most overbite concerns. During your initial consultation the dentist or orthodontist will carry out a full assessment of your teeth and recommend suitable treatment options.

After braces are fitted and adjusted, and when you change aligners, you can expect initial discomfort, until your mouth adjusts. In some cases, the aligner edges or brackets on your braces can rub onto the gums and cheeks.

These symptoms are only temporary, and you should quickly adjust to your brace. You can also use remedies to ease any discomfort.

Fixed braces are small brackets that are attached to each tooth and joined by a wire. The wire is tightened during your treatment to gently move your teeth until they reach their new position.

Clear aligners are worn in a series to gradually realign your smile. Your dentist will fit the first set, when ready, and check they’re comfortable. Every six to eight weeks, your clinician will check progress and provide you with a new set of aligners.

There is no upper age limit to having braces fitted. Children usually have treatment around age 10 to 15, but younger children may be accepted in certain cases.

If you have fixed braces, it’s best to avoid foods that could damage the wires, including sticky, hard or crunchy foods, such as toffee, raw carrot and nuts. If you have removable braces or aligners, your diet isn’t impacted, but your braces should be removed for eating and drinking, and you should avoid sugar between meals. Find out more about caring for your braces or aligners.

To access NHS orthodontic care, you’ll need a referral from your usual dentist to a specialist orthodontist, who’ll determine your suitability.

If you or your child isn’t eligible for NHS care, or would prefer a private option, contact your nearest practice to book an orthodontics consultation. They'll examine your smile, discuss your needs then recommend the best treatment options.

*1. Free initial consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. Subsequent clinical examinations and diagnostic tests required, and any associated costs will be discussed prior to treatment commencing. 2. Consultations subject to availability.

**Finance applicant must be aged 18 or over, a UK resident, have a UK bank account and be in permanent employment. All loans are subject to eligibility, status, affordability and a credit check. T&Cs apply. Finance is available on private dental treatments only.

The minimum spend for finance is £250 and the maximum is £50,000. 0% APR representative is available on repayment terms of up to 36 months subject to the amount of credit. Finance taken at repayment terms of 48 or 60 months is subject to 7.9% APR representative.

Bupa Dental Care is a trading name of Oasis Dental Care Limited, Vantage Office Park, Bristol, BS16 1GW, whose company registered number is 00478127. Oasis Dental Care Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FCA registration number 710559. Oasis Dental Care Limited is a credit broker and not a lender.

Finance is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register no. 704348. Registered Office: Novuna House, Thorpe Road, Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW18 3HP. Registered in Cardiff under company no. 1630491. The register can be accessed through www.fca.org.uk.

1. LaingBuisson, Dentistry UK Market Report, 5th ed. If you require verification, please email [email protected]

^ We may record or monitor our calls.

2 Source: LaingBuisson, Dentistry UK Market Report, 5th ed.

Bupa Dental Care is a trading name of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England and Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.

Oasis Dental Care Limited has a number of trading names including Bupa Dental Care. For a list of all our different trading names please follow this link.

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Bupa Dental Care is a trading name of Oasis Dental Care Limited, Vantage Office Park, Bristol, BS16 1GW, whose company registered number is 00478127. Oasis Dental Care Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA registration no: 710559.  Oasis Dental Care Limited is a credit broker and not a lender. 

All loans subject to eligibility, status, affordability and a credit check. Finance applicant must be aged 18 or over, a UK resident, have a UK bank account and be in permanent employment. Oasis Dental Care Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA registration no: 710559. Oasis Dental Care Limited is a credit broker and not a lender. Finance is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register no. 704348. Registered Office: Novuna House, Thorpe Road, Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW18 3HP. Registered in Cardiff under company no. 1630491. The register can be accessed through www.fca.org.
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