Every smile is different, so some questions are best answered in person. Book a free consultation with our team in Kingston Upon Thames for advice tailored to you.
£300 OFF Clear Aligners or Fixed Braces + Up To £900 In Bonuses
£300 OFF Clear Aligners or Fixed Braces + Up To £900 In Bonuses
Thinking about orthodontic treatment? We’ve answered some of the questions we hear most often from patients in Kingston Upon Thames and across South West London. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch with the Smartdontics team – we’re happy to help.
I live outside of Surbiton, can I still get orthodontic treatment?
Yes, while most of our patients come from Surbiton and Kingston upon Thames, we also welcome patients from further afield, including Esher, Wimbledon and Epsom. Visit our Areas We Cover page for more information on locations we serve.
How much do braces cost?
Brace treatment at Smartdontics starts from £2,000 for Damon Ultima metal braces, from £2,250 for Damon Combo braces, and from £3,850 for Lingual braces, depending on the complexity of your case. Visit our Costs page for a full price breakdown, or book a free consultation to get a personalised quote.
How much do clear aligners cost?
Clear aligner treatment with Angel Aligners at Smartdontics starts from £2,350 for single arch treatment, £3,550 for dual arch, and £5,350 for more complex cases. Visit our Costs page for a full price breakdown, or book a free consultation to get a personalised quote.
Can I get NHS orthodontic treatment?
NHS orthodontic treatment is available to under-18s with significant clinical need, assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Referrals are made via your NHS dentist. Smartdontics is a private practice, so if you’re not eligible for NHS treatment, book a free consultation to discuss your private treatment options.
How long is the waiting list for NHS orthodontic treatment?
Waiting times for NHS orthodontic treatment vary depending on local capacity and demand, and can range from several months to over a year. If you’d prefer not to wait, private treatment at Smartdontics offers a faster route to starting treatment, book a free consultation to find out more.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, we offer flexible, interest-free payment plans over a period of up to 24 months, helping to spread the cost of your treatment. Third-party finance may also be available for patients who need to spread payments over a longer term. Visit our Costs page for more details, or speak to our team to find the right option for you.
What types of braces are available at SmartDontics?
We offer Damon Ultima metal braces (durable and cost-effective), Damon Combo braces which combine ceramic and metal brackets for a more discreet option, Lingual braces fitted to the back of the teeth (virtually invisible), and Angel Aligners for removable clear aligner treatment. The best choice depends on the complexity of your case, lifestyle, and budget, Dr Darsh will recommend the most suitable option at your consultation. Visit our Damon Braces page to find out more.
How long will I need to wear braces?
Most brace treatments take between 12 and 24 months, though simpler cases can be completed sooner and more complex cases may take longer. Damon braces, which we offer at Smartdontics, can reduce overall treatment time thanks to their self-ligating design. Your orthodontist can give you an accurate estimate after an initial examination, book a free consultation to find out how long your treatment might take.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Treatment time depends on the complexity of your case: mild crowding or spacing may be corrected in as little as 3–6 months, while moderate to complex cases typically take 12–18 months. Wearing aligners for the recommended hours per day and remote monitoring via Dental Monitoring are the biggest factor in keeping treatment on schedule.
Can adults get braces?
Yes, there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth and gums can be moved at any age, and treatment for adults is increasingly common. Adults may take slightly longer to respond than adolescents, and gum health must be assessed first, but clinical outcomes are comparable. We offer Damon braces, Lingual braces, and Angel Aligners, all suitable for adult patients, book a free consultation to find the right option for you.
What food can I eat with braces?
Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods, such as toffees, hard crusts, popcorn, and whole apples, as these can break brackets or bend wires.
How do I keep my teeth clean with braces?
Brush carefully after every meal using a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste, and use interdental brushes or a water flosser to clean around brackets and under wires. Good oral hygiene is critical during treatment to prevent white-spot lesions (early decay) around the brackets.
What happens after my braces come off?
Once braces are removed, your teeth are polished and you’re fitted with a retainer, typically a removable clear plastic retainer for night-time wear and/or a fixed wire bonded behind the front teeth. Retainers are essential: without them, teeth will naturally shift back towards their original position. Dr Darsh will advise on a long-term retainer schedule, and retainer checks are recommended at least annually. Visit our Retainers 4 Life page to find out more about keeping your smile in place.
Do I need a dentist referral to see an orthodontist?
No referral is needed for private treatment, you can book a free consultation with us directly, with no obligation to proceed. If you’re hoping to access NHS treatment, a referral from your NHS dentist is required.
Are braces or Invisalign better?
Traditional braces are generally the more affordable option and are highly effective for complex tooth movements, while Invisalign offers greater discretion for mild to moderate cases but requires discipline to wear aligners for the recommended hours each day. At Smartdontics, we offer Damon braces from £2,000 and Angel Aligners, a comparable clear aligner system, from £2,350. Your orthodontist can advise which option will achieve your desired result most efficiently at a free consultation.
What is the difference between Invisalign and other clear aligner brands?
Invisalign is the market-leading brand with the largest clinical evidence base, using proprietary SmartTrack material for complex tooth movements. Other brands, such as Angel Aligners (which we offer at Smartdontics), Spark, and ClearCorrect, offer comparable technology at competitive price points. The skill and experience of your treating orthodontist matters as much as the brand chosen, book a free consultation to find out which option is right for you.
Can I get braces if I have crowns, implants, missing teeth, or gum disease?
Having crowns, fillings, or missing teeth does not automatically rule out orthodontic treatment, but it does require careful planning, for example, braces cannot be bonded to implants in the same way as natural teeth. Active gum disease (periodontitis) must be treated and stabilised before braces are fitted, as moving teeth in unhealthy gums can accelerate bone loss. A thorough clinical assessment, including X-rays and possibly a periodontal review, is essential before starting treatment, book a free consultation to get started.
What are lingual braces and how do they work?
Lingual braces are fixed orthodontic brackets and wires bonded to the inside (tongue-side) surface of your teeth, making them invisible from the front. They work on the same principle as conventional metal braces, applying continuous gentle pressure to move teeth into alignment, but are custom-made to fit the contours of your individual teeth. Because every bracket is bespoke, they are one of the most technically precise orthodontic appliances available. Visit our Lingual Braces page to find out more.
Do braces hurt and how long does the discomfort last?
It is normal to experience mild soreness or pressure for 3–5 days after braces are first fitted and after each adjustment appointment, as the teeth begin to move. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen and orthodontic wax on any sharp brackets will help manage discomfort. Most patients find the soreness reduces significantly after the first couple of adjustment cycles.
Here at SmartDontics, we work together with a team approach which is very beneficial to our patients, enabling more convenient appointments. All treatment is prescribed and overseen by Dr Darsh.
Why do you need a retainer after braces or invisalign?
Once your orthodontic treatment ends, teeth naturally want to drift back towards their original positions – this is a process called relapse. A retainer holds them in their corrected position while the surrounding bone and periodontal fibres stabilise, which takes at least 12 months and ongoing support indefinitely. Without a retainer, measurable movement can begin within weeks.
What does a full aftercare routine look like once my braces or Invisalign are removed?
On the day your appliance is removed, Dr. Darsh will fit or issue your retainer and provide written aftercare instructions – wear it full-time initially, remove only for eating and tooth-brushing, and clean both your teeth and retainer thoroughly twice daily. Attend all scheduled retention reviews and continue six-monthly dental check-ups with your regular dentist. Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods with a removable retainer in place, and store it in its protective case when not worn to prevent loss or damage.
Every smile is different, so some questions are best answered in person. Book a free consultation with our team in Kingston Upon Thames for advice tailored to you.
