Orthodontics in Cockfosters, Heston, Muswell Hill, Palmers Green and Richmond.
At The Smile Studios, we provide orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages who would like to straighten their teeth and improve their smile. Whether you are concerned about crowding, gaps, or bite issues, orthodontics can gently guide your teeth into a healthier and more balanced position. Our practices across Cockfosters, Heston, Muswell Hill, Palmers Green and Richmond make it convenient to access care closer to home.
Modern orthodontics focuses not only on appearance but also on long-term oral health, comfort, and function.
Meet Our Specialist Orthodontist – Dr Samaneh Shams
Dr Samaneh Shams is a registered specialist orthodontist at The Smile Studios. She has extensive experience managing a wide range of orthodontic cases and undertakes regular professional development. Dr Samaneh is trained in contemporary orthodontic appliances and is a member of the British Orthodontic Society.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialised type of dentistry that focuses on straightening teeth and aligning jaws to help you bite, chew, and smile with confidence. Treatment isn’t just about appearance—it can also improve overall oral health. Whether it’s for a child or an adult, understanding how orthodontic care works and what to expect can help you make the right choices for your smile.
How Orthodontics Works?
Orthodontic treatment works with your body’s natural ability to remodel bone. By applying gentle, steady pressure, teeth gradually move into healthier, more aligned positions as the surrounding bone adjusts around them.
The Role of Braces and Aligners
Whether you choose fixed braces or removable aligners, the principle is the same: gradual, controlled movement over time. Traditional braces use brackets and wires that are adjusted little by little to guide each tooth. Clear aligners work through a series of custom-made trays, each slightly different, gently nudging the tooth into place step by step.
What Are Common Bite Problems and Crowding?
Bite problems, also called malocclusions, can affect both the appearance and function of your teeth and jaws. Understanding the most frequent issues can help you spot when professional advice is needed.
Types of Bite Problems
- Overcrowding: When there isn’t enough space in the jaw, teeth may overlap or twist.
- Overbite (Deep Bite): Upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth too much, sometimes causing gum or palate irritation.
- Underbite: The lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw, creating a prominent chin.
- Crossbite: Upper and lower teeth don’t meet correctly, which can affect chewing and tooth wear.
- Open Bite: Upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the jaws close, potentially causing speech difficulties.
How Can Bite Problems Affect Daily Life?
Malocclusions can make chewing, speaking, and smiling more challenging. Untreated bite issues may accelerate tooth wear or cause gum problems. Early consultation with an orthodontist at The Smile Studios can prevent complications, restore balance to your jaws, improve oral function, and boost confidence in your smile.
Benefits and Suitability of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment can benefit both teenagers and adults. Straightening teeth is not just about improving appearance; it can also support better oral health.
Benefits include:
- A more natural-looking, confident smile.
- Easier brushing and flossing due to improved alignment.
- Reduced risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Improved bite function and comfort.
Orthodontic appliances are designed to be comfortable and are adjusted gradually. Your suitability for treatment will be assessed during a consultation.
Orthodontic Options at The Smile Studios
We offer a range of orthodontic treatments that can be tailored to suit your lifestyle, preferences, and dental needs, ensuring the best possible results without disrupting your daily routine.
Fixed Metal Braces
Fixed metal braces are a tried-and-tested orthodontic treatment, valued for their reliability and effectiveness. They consist of stainless steel brackets attached to the teeth, linked by arch wires that are periodically adjusted to guide teeth into their correct positions.
Key Benefits
- Durable: Built to withstand daily wear, making them a good choice for children and teens.
- Cost-effective: Generally more affordable than aesthetic alternatives.
- Versatile: Can address a wide range of dental issues, from mild misalignment to more complex bite problems.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are attached to the inner (tongue-facing) side of the teeth, making them almost invisible when you smile. Each bracket is custom-made to fit the shape of your teeth, allowing precise and effective treatment.
Key Benefits
- Discreet: Virtually invisible in everyday life.
- Effective: Suitable for treating complex orthodontic cases.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign clear aligners have transformed modern orthodontics by offering removable, nearly invisible trays that gradually shift teeth into their ideal positions.
Key Benefits
- Flexible for your lifestyle: Invisalign can be removed for eating, brushing, or special occasions.
- Discreet and comfortable: Nearly invisible, with a smooth fit that rarely irritates.
- Consistency is key: To achieve the best results, aligners should be worn 20–22 hours a day.
Six Month Smiles
Six Month Smiles is a short-term orthodontic treatment designed to straighten teeth quickly and discreetly, focusing primarily on the visible front teeth. It uses clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires, making the braces less noticeable while achieving results in an average of six months.
Key Benefits
- Fast results: Most patients see a straighter smile in around six months.
- Discreet appearance: Clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires blend in with your teeth.
- Comfortable treatment: Gentle forces are applied, reducing discomfort compared with traditional braces.
- Targeted correction: Ideal for correcting cosmetic concerns rather than complex bite issues.
Your dentist or orthodontist will explain which option may be suitable for you.
Consultation, Fees & Finance
At The Smile Studios, we believe in being transparent about orthodontic costs, so you can make an informed decision about your treatment. Orthodontic fees vary depending on the type of appliance, the complexity of your case, and the estimated treatment duration. All costs are discussed clearly during your consultation.
| Treatment |
Price |
| Consultation |
FREE (15-20mins) |
| Assessment (Clinician with special interest in Orthodontics) |
£65.00 |
| Lingual Incognito Braces (Lite-social Six) |
From £2,500.00 |
| Damon Braces (Self-Ligating Braces) |
From £2,000.00 |
| Damon Clear |
From £2,500.00 |
| Conventional Clear Aesthetic Braces |
From £2,500.00 |
| Inman Aligner |
From £1,000.00 |
| Fixed Lingual Retainers |
From £250.00 Per Arch |
| Removable Retainer |
£175.00 Per Arch |
We also offer 0% finance for treatments such as braces, to help you spread the cost of treatment. Contact our helpful and friendly reception team to enquire.
View All Fees
The Orthodontic Treatment Process
- Initial consultation – Your teeth, bite, and oral health are assessed, and your goals are discussed.
- Treatment planning – A personalised plan is created, including the type of brace and estimated treatment time.
- Fitting the appliance – Braces or aligners are fitted and explained clearly.
- Regular reviews – Progress is monitored, and adjustments are made as needed.
- Completion and retention – Once treatment is finished, retainers help maintain your new smile.
Aftercare and Long-term Maintenance
Orthodontic Aftercare
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy during and after orthodontic treatment is really important. With braces or aligners, food and plaque can build up more easily, so a few simple habits make a big difference.
Daily Care Tips
- Brush thoroughly after meals, especially around brackets or attachments.
- Floss or use interdental brushes to reach tricky spots.
- Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash to keep gums healthy.
Looking After Aligners
- Rinse and gently clean your trays every time you remove them.
- Avoid hot water to prevent warping.
- Keeping your smile perfect.
Even after your braces or aligners are removed, check-ups are important. Your orthodontist will check retainers, polish teeth, and make minor adjustments to ensure your bite stays comfortable. Regular care helps your smile stay healthy and confident for years to come.
If you are considering orthodontic treatment, booking a consultation is the first step.
Treatment Alternatives
While orthodontics, aligners, or other major treatments can correct alignment or aesthetic issues, less invasive cosmetic options may be suitable for some patients.
1. Composite Bonding
Cosmetic bonding involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to the surface of the teeth to close small gaps, reshape teeth, or improve minor alignment issues.
Advantages
- Quick and minimally invasive, often completed in a single visit.
- Cost-effective compared with veneers or orthodontic treatment.
- Can improve appearance immediately.
Disadvantages
- Less durable than veneers or crowns; may chip or stain over time.
- Not suitable for major alignment problems.
- May require replacement every few years, depending on wear.
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite material bonded to the front of teeth to enhance shape, colour, and overall smile appearance.
Advantages
- Can correct discolouration, chips, and minor misalignment.
- Long-lasting with proper care.
- Provides a natural, uniform appearance.
Disadvantages
- Requires some removal of natural tooth enamel.
- More expensive than bonding.
- Not suitable for severe bite or alignment issues.
Teeth whitening treatments lighten tooth colour to brighten your smile. Options include in-office treatments or professionally supervised at-home kits.
Advantages
- Quick, non-invasive, and generally painless.
- Can significantly improve confidence and aesthetics.
- Results are visible almost immediately in most cases.
Disadvantages
- Results may vary depending on natural tooth colour and staining.
- Not effective on crowns, veneers, or fillings.
- Needs maintenance as teeth can gradually darken over time.
At The Smile Studio, your dentist will discuss the benefits and limitations of each option, helping you choose the best approach for your smile based on appearance, comfort, and personal goals.
FAQs
1. How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
The cost depends on the type of brace, the complexity of the case, and the length of treatment. A full cost breakdown is provided after your consultation.
2. How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment time varies but typically ranges from several months to two years, depending on your needs and the appliance used.
3. Are braces painful?
You may feel mild discomfort after adjustments, but this usually settles within a few days and is manageable with simple pain relief.
4. Can adults have orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Many adults choose orthodontics, and there is no upper age limit as long as teeth and gums are healthy.
5. Do i need to wear a retainer after treatment?
Yes. Retainers help prevent teeth from moving back and are an important part of long-term results.
6. Braces vs aligners: which is right for you?
Both braces and clear aligners can effectively straighten teeth, but each has its strengths.
- Fixed braces: Highly versatile and able to treat mild to very complex cases efficiently.
- Clear aligners: Nearly invisible and convenient, making them ideal for mild-to-moderate alignment issues. More complex movements may require additional attachments, elastics, or other aids to achieve the best results.
Your orthodontist can help determine which option fits your smile goals, lifestyle, and treatment needs.
7. Can i straighten my teeth if i have gum disease, implants, or missing teeth?
In most cases, yes, but some precautions are needed.
- Gum disease: Active gum disease must be treated and stabilised before orthodontic treatment begins.
- Dental implants: Implants are fixed and do not move, so your plan will work around them.
- Missing teeth: Treatment can be coordinated with a periodontist or restorative dentist to manage spaces for future restorations such as bridges, implants, or dentures.
Working closely with your dental team ensures safe, effective results while protecting your oral health.
8. What should i do if i lose or break my retainer?
If your retainer is lost or damaged, contact our clinic as soon as possible. Even a short gap without the retainer can allow teeth to shift. Your orthodontist may provide a replacement retainer or recommend a temporary period of increased wear to restore the correct fit.
Ready to get your teeth straightened?
If you are considering braces or clear aligners in Cockfosters, Heston, Muswell Hill, Palmers Green or Richmond, contact The Smile Studios today to arrange a consultation and discuss your options in a relaxed, supportive environment.
