Am I too old for orthodontics?

Almost certainly not! We have plenty of patients in their 40s and 50s at Swords Orthodontics, and really there’s no reason why you couldn’t have treatment even older than that if you and your teeth and jaws were in good health.

Are there any payment plans available to make it easier to pay?

Yes – there are a variety of ways you can structure your payments over the course of the treatment – and at no extra cost. In fact, some of our plans involve substantial discounts; for example, if you arrange to pay by standing order, there’s a reduction of €150.

At what age should you get orthodontic braces?

That depends on a few different things; different orthodontic problems are best treated at different ages. Sometimes we get the best results by treating young patients as the teeth come through into the mouth, sometimes during a growth spurt, and sometimes we want to treat when a patient has completed most of their growth. We can give you the information you need to make a decision about treatment when we carry out an orthodontic examination and assessment, but the earlier you come to see us, usually the more options we have.

Can you sum up what Swords Orthodontics is all about?

Swords Orthodontics aims to provide our patients with great smiles using effective, modern orthodontics, gently delivered in a friendly and healthy environment.

Couldn’t I just get some crowns and veneers done?

Crowns and veneers (where teeth are covered by a layer of specially made porcelain) are ideally intended to solve problems with the structure, shape, size or appearance of individual teeth. They wouldn’t usually be the ideal treatment for teeth that are crowded or in the wrong position, or many of the other typical problems that an orthodontist would treat. Although crowns or veneers might rapidly give the appearance of nicely aligned teeth, the teeth beneath them are still in the wrong place and treating them this way might mean: Loading the teeth with bite forces in a way that’s not healthy for them Removing more natural tooth material (enamel) than usual to prepare them for the crowns to fit Putting a much thicker layer of porcelain on the tooth in certain areas, which is much more difficult to clean thoroughly and more likely to trap germs Plus crowns need very careful maintenance and review. Essentially this is trying to disguise poor tooth position by changing the tooth shape. Dr Murray has have seen cases where this has been attempted and it isn’t pretty. He would prefer a patient to keep their own teeth in a healthy state and use orthodontics to put them into a better position. If you do need crowns or veneers for more conventional reasons, using orthodontics to align the natural teeth to a more ideal position first may well help with the success of providing the crowns.

Do I need a referral from my dentist to see you?

Not at all – we are happy for you to get in touch with us directly – just give us a call on 01 810 7622.

Do I need to have a regular dentist as well as an orthodontist?

Swords Orthodontics just does orthodontics, so we don’t do other dental treatments. You should have a general dentist for looking after any other dental needs you might have, before, during, and after treatment. We like to see that all the teeth are healthy before we begin, or if they’re not, then we’d need to know from a dentist what their condition is. During treatment, you might need routine dental care, and we usually advise a check-up with your dentist after the treatment too. Often, we need to work in conjunction with your own dentist for certain treatment plans.

Do you do anything apart from orthodontics?

No. Well, not while we are at work, anyway. Swords Orthodontics is a specialist practice and just concentrates on orthodontics. We have the entire practice set up to examine, diagnose, and treat orthodontic problems, so even though our orthodontists are fully qualified to do other areas of dentistry like implants, dentures, crowns, fillings, extractions, or tooth whitening, they don’t. That’s why our orthodontic treatment is gentle, effective, and up to date. Incidentally, if you are interested in tooth whitening, there have recently been some changes in the laws regarding it, so please do go to a registered dentist to discuss the correct approach for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Adult Orthodontics

What is orthodontics?
Who would benefit from orthodontics? Would it be useful to me?
At what age should you get orthodontic braces?
Isn't orthodontics just for kids?
Am I too old for orthodontics?
Couldn’t I just get some crowns and veneers done?
I’d like straight teeth, but I really don’t want to wear braces. Is there anything you can do for me?
Do you do anything apart from orthodontics?
What’s the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
Why should I go to Swords Orthodontics instead of a dentist for my orthodontics?
Why should I go to Swords Orthodontics instead of some other orthodontist?
Why should I go to Swords Orthodontics instead of a clinic that does orthodontics?
Do I need a referral from my dentist to see you?
I don’t actually have a dentist – can you recommend one to me?
How long will my treatment take?
How much are your fees?
Will I have to have teeth taken out?
I started orthodontics with another orthodontist. Can I transfer from them to you?
I’m getting married next year. How can you help me?
What about six month orthodontic treatments?
What is Invisalign?
My friend got a retainer at the end of her treatment. Will I need one?
I had some orthodontics when I was younger, but my teeth have crowded up again. Can you help me?
What kinds of orthodontic braces do you do?
What if I forget my appointment?
How do you keep the fees so low? Is this still quality treatment?
Is there any way I can pay lower fees?
Are there any payment plans available to make it easier to pay?
Will my wisdom teeth make my teeth crowd up? Will I need them taken out?
Can you sum up what Swords Orthodontics is all about?
Do I need to have a regular dentist as well as an orthodontist?
Do you have a text messaging service to remind me about my appointments?
How much will my first visit be?

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