Orthodontics

Orthodontics deals with the growth and development of the teeth and jaws. We treat severe and complex problems using fixed and removable braces and work closely with specialties such as Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the Specialist and Special Care Dental service.

How to access this service

Your dentist can refer you by completing the NHS North East and Cumbria Orthodontic referral form and returning via post or email. We also accept referral letters from specialist colleagues.

Service locations

Alert

We are open and welcoming patients back to our service. We have put together this leaflet and video for your viewing before your appointment.

Conditions we can help you manage

We can help with the treatment of:

cleft lip and palate
developmentally missing teeth (hypodontia)
buried (impacted) teeth
obstructive sleep apnoea (via referral from the Respiratory service)
orthognathic (jaw) surgery
problems with dental development

How this service works

If you’re referred to this service, you’ll be invited in for an assessment with our consultant-led team. During the appointment we’ll discuss the reasons you’ve been referred to us and what treatment may be considered.

We’ll examine your mouth and teeth and take some measurements. We may also:

take moulds (impressions) of your teeth

take photographs of your teeth
take an X-ray

If you’re ready for treatment, we’ll discuss:

the advantages and disadvantages of treatment
how long treatment is likely to take
what you need to do in order for the treatment to be successful
when your treatment might begin

You may be discharged back to your own dentist if:

the risks of treatment outweigh the benefits
if you’re not ready for treatment and need to come back when you’re older
if your dental health requires improvement with the support of your dentist

Meet the team

Your visit or course of treatment will be under the supervision of one of the Orthodontic Consultants.

Peter Germain

Sarah Germain

Andrea Glover

Sally Walker

During your visit you may also be treated by dentists who are training to become orthodontists, orthodontists who are training to be consultants, orthodontic therapists, oral health educators, or one of our specialist nursing team.

Our reception staff will welcome you to the department and arrange your follow up appointments.

We work closely with colleagues in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Restorative Dentistry. (Hyperlink to service page)

We have a specialist on-site laboratory. Our specialist laboratory staff can:

cast up the moulds (impressions) of your teeth
make your removable braces
make parts for your fixed braces
make your retainers

We host dental students from the University of Central Lancashire. Interacting with patients is a key part of their training so they may be involved with your care.

Orthodontic treatment

Teeth must be moved gently and with careful attention to detail. Your co-operation is essential for success.

How long will my treatment take?

Many of our patients wear braces for 2 to 3 years. You’ll need regular appointments (usually every 6 to 8 weeks) to adjust the brace. Continue to see your dentist during treatment.

Your treatment may take longer if you:

have teeth buried under the gum
opt for braces and jaw (orthognathic) surgery
miss or cancel appointments
break your brace

When will my treatment start?

Your orthodontist will explain when you’ll start treatment.

You must have healthy teeth and gums before you start any brace treatment. You may have to wait until your adult teeth have come through.

There are waiting lists for certain types of orthodontic treatment. Where treatment is urgent you’ll be given priority. Some types of bite are best treated with braces while your jaws and face are still growing. Others types of bite are best treated with braces once you have stopped growing. We’ll advise you on the best time to start brace treatment.

Appointments

When are you open?

We’re open Monday to Friday at the Cumberland Infirmary and on Monday and Friday at West Cumberland Hospital. We’re closed on bank holidays.

Routine appointments start at 9am and finish at 4pm. You can only have appointments between these times.

Appointments to repair broken braces are at 1.30pm. Please ring the department on 01228 814225 as soon as possible if your brace is broken.

How often do I need to be seen?

You’ll need regular appointments (usually every 6 to 8 weeks) to adjust the brace. If you miss or cancel appointments or repeatedly break your brace, your treatment will take longer.

Please attend on time. If you’re unable to attend your appointment, please ring the department as soon as possible. Nearly 10% of appointments were missed last year. If you don’t attend regularly for your brace to be adjusted we may have to remove your braces early, even if your treatment is not complete.

What about school or work?

It’s not possible to always schedule appointments outside school hours, or limit appointments to holiday periods.

We ask schools and employers to respect your need to attend hospital appointments as required to meet your health care needs. We try to plan your appointments well in advance but this may not always be possible. We make every effort not to cancel your appointments unless this is unavoidable.