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Patient information : Your orthodontic advice sheets

Clear, practical guides to help you care for your treatment between appointments at Neo Orthodontics.

Amazing service!, Moreya and Stella made me feel so comfortable while getting my braces today and they were so lovely thank you!

Maizie Gill

Caring for your treatment at home

Great orthodontic results aren't just built in the chair. What you do between visits, from how you brush to what you eat, is what keeps your teeth moving the way your specialist has planned.

These advice sheets give you everything you need to care for your brace, aligner or retainer at home. How to clean it. What to eat. What to do if something breaks. And what's normal in those first few days when things feel a little unfamiliar.
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Pick the sheet that matches your treatment below. And if anything feels off or you're unsure, give your clinic a call. We'd always rather hear from you sooner.

Downloadable advice sheets→

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Fixed brace advice sheet

Just had your fixed brace fitted? This guide walks you through soft-food tips, using orthodontic wax, cleaning around brackets, and what to do if a wire or bracket comes loose.

Download fixed brace advice sheet (PDF)

Aligner advice sheet

Getting started with Invisalign or Angel Aligners? Learn how to wear and change them, keep them clean, handle tenderness with each new set, and protect the tooth-coloured attachments bonded to your teeth.

Download aligner advice sheet (PDF)

Removable appliance advice sheet

If your specialist has fitted you with a removable appliance, this one's for you. Covers settling-in discomfort, cleaning, diet, activities, and how to keep your appliance in one piece.

Download removable appliance advice sheet (PDF)

Retainer advice sheet

Finished active treatment? Your retainer is what keeps your new smile in place for life. Read how often to wear it, how to clean it, and how to avoid the small mistakes that lead to replacements.

Download retainer advice sheet (PDF)

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We treat adults in Newcastle and Northumberland

There is no age limit on a beautiful smile! As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, we can treat you at Neo Orthodontics.

Thanks to advances in technology, braces are more discreet, convenient, and comfortable than ever before. We are even accredited to use Invisalign, Clear braces and Angel aligners to provide aesthetically pleasing options for our adult patients.

Adult treatment benefits include:

Improved oral health and function
Enhanced aesthetic appearance and confidence
Correction of issues that may have worsened over time
Prevention of future dental problems
Completion of unfinished childhood treatment

Our adult patients across Northumberland appreciate our discreet treatment options and flexible appointment scheduling, including evening appointments at some locations.

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NHS treatment in Newcastle and Northumberland

All patients under the age of 18 are entitled to receive a free NHS assessment to find out if they are eligible for treatment on the NHS. Eligibility is established using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN).

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Who qualifies for NHS orthodontic treatment?

NHS funding is given to patients who show a clear medical need for orthodontic treatment. Cases are unlikely to qualify for NHS funding on aesthetic reasons alone. The IOTN gives higher weight to dental health needs including:

Missing or impacted teeth
Significant crowding of teeth
Increased prominence of teeth
Abnormal bite causing trauma
Functional problems

NHS waiting list

The government restricts the number of NHS-funded treatments available each year, so there is a waiting list for NHS treatment. Our current waiting list for an NHS assessment is 18-24 months. If you are deemed eligible, the NHS treatment waiting list is an additional 6-12 months.

For patients who don't wish to wait or don't qualify for NHS treatment, we offer a range of private treatment options with flexible payment plans.

Smiling teenage girl with braces sitting and looking at a man who is also smiling, both seated indoors with a leafy green wall in the background.

Private treatment options across Newcastle and Northumberland

For patients who don't qualify for NHS treatment or prefer not to wait, we offer comprehensive private orthodontic care for all ages. Benefits include:

No waiting list – start treatment as soon as you're ready
Greater choice of aesthetic treatment options
Flexible appointment times, including evenings at some locations
Option to combine treatments with Teeth whitening
Access to the latest orthodontic technology and techniques

Our Treatment Coordinator can discuss all available options during your free consultation at any of our locations across Newcastle and Northumberland.

Frequently asked questions about who we treat

At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At Neo Orthodontics, we generally like to see children by age 10-11, but earlier assessments are beneficial if you notice issues with jaw development, tooth eruption, or bite problems. Our specialists across Newcastle and Northumberland can identify potential problems early and determine the optimal time for treatment.

I had braces as a teenager, but my teeth have moved. Can I get treatment again?

Absolutely! Many of our adult patients are receiving orthodontic treatment for the second time. If you've experienced relapse after previous treatment, we offer various options to realign your smile. For many adults with minor to moderate relapse, <u>Invisalign</u> or shorter-term orthodontic solutions may be ideal. During your consultation at any of our locations, we'll assess your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach.

I'm interested in treatment but worried about how braces might look. What are my options?

We offer several discreet orthodontic options for image-conscious teens and adults. These include Clear braces, Invisalign, and Iconix braces. During your consultation at our Alnwick, Ashington, Quayside, or West Road practice, we'll discuss these options in detail and help you choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and treatment needs.

Neo Orthodontics | A woman with blonde hair and blue eyes smiling.

...The whole team were superb...

Absolutely thrilled with my new smile following my orthodontic treatment with Neo. Dr Parvez was super skilled and professional, a great communicator, friendly, and always gentle during interventions. The whole team were superb, reassuring, and responsive at all times, especially very early on when I had a couple of issues with new braces. I can’t fault any of the treatment, and my expectations have been exceeded by the results. Highly recommended.

Claire Sloane

...I left feeling confident...

The whole process was smooth and efficient, and I left feeling confident and well cared for. It’s clear that the team at Neo Orthodontics really values patient comfort and quality service.