Looking for a way to straighten your smile as an adult but don’t know where to start?

In modern times, adult orthodontic care has skyrocketed, in part due to the array of treatment options available and the affordability of aligners and other appliances. However, if you are new to the world of all things orthodontic, it can feel a bit daunting to know where to look.

At Ashlow Orthodontics, our team has extensive experience in this area (hence our name) and knows exactly how and what will get you that gleaming straight smile.

But what are some of the most frequently searched questions on the internet relating to both orthodontics and seeing an orthodontist Stoke-on-Trent?

What is the difference between an orthodontist Stoke-on-Trent and a dentist?

When you are referred to see an orthodontist Stoke-on-Trent, there is likely an underlying concern about the position and alignment of your teeth. When patients are referred to our team at Ashlow Orthodontics, we can determine the kind of brace or aligner that will be suitable for them, thanks to our expertise in this area.

A dentist can refer you to see our team, but, generally speaking, they will not have the additional training required to use braces or aligners.

Are braces expensive for an adult?

They can be. However, the cost of wearing a brace is dependent on many things, such as how long you need to wear it, how often you will need to have it tightened or adjusted and whether any complications arise when you are wearing it.

Luckily, at Ashlow Orthodontics, we acknowledge that money doesn’t grow on trees and so we can offer you financing options to help you pay for any brace or aligner that we prescribe to you.

What are the different types of orthodontic options?

In the UK, there is the standard metal brace, which is known for its use on teenagers and children.

Past that, other options include clear braces, invisible braces such as lingual braces and invisible aligners like Invisalign.

When you see our team at Ashlow Orthodontics, we will aim to fit your treatment to what you want; if you have a more complex case of misalignment, we will use lingual braces to resolve it. But we will always base the brace or aligner we choose on its suitability to correct the issue you are currently experiencing.

What are the advantages of wearing braces as an adult?

There are numerous benefits to wearing braces in your adult years, including clearer speech, better oral health, improved general health and, of course, an appreciation for wearing a brace which is lost on most children that we see in our practice!

Are all braces uncomfortable?

Even with the most modern techniques and advances in orthodontic care, there is still no such thing as a perfectly comfortable orthodontic process.

While fitted braces can cause discomfort after they have been tightened or adjusted, invisible aligners, also tasked with moving your teeth, can feel a bit tight during the first few days of wear.

To manage any associated orthodontic discomfort, our team recommends using over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.