Orthodontists in Leeds provide you with the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, relaxed environment. We have invested in the latest technologies in the dental industry, such as invisible ceramic braces and Invisalign, to ensure that you receive many treatment choices and effective services.

There are two highly experienced orthodontic teams in our Leeds dental practice, led by Dr Stephen Duffy and Dr Paul Cornish. They both have three other orthodontists working under them.

If you are a new patient and are looking for an orthodontist in Leeds, why not give us a call to arrange a consultation?
At your first visit, an orthodontist will look at your teeth and facial features and take any necessary x-rays. At your first visit, the orthodontic specialist will discuss the findings and explain how and when your teeth can be best straightened. You can then consider the options and whether NHS or Private orthodontic treatment would suit you best.

Please feel free to browse our website for information on orthodontic treatments in Leeds. Here are some FAQs on orthodontics:

ADULT ORTHODONTICS

What is Orthodontics, and who can have it?
People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment. An attractive smile with well-aligned and healthy teeth can be achieved at any age. There are three main reasons for orthodontic treatment.
To improve the appearance of the teeth and their supporting structures.
To improve the function of the teeth and jaws, so that it is easier to eat and speak.
To improve the health of the teeth and their supporting structures.
In Leeds, At Orthosolutions private treatment is available for adults and children, with flexible options for payment. We also offer NHS orthodontic treatment to children referred before the age of 17 years of age, subject to our local Primary Care Trust guidelines and regulations.

Can adults have braces?
You are never too old for braces. We have successfully treated adult patients aged from their late teens to mid 70’s. The most common reasons are:
They want a fabulous smile!
They missed out on treatment as a child.
Their teeth have become crowded as they have got older.
To make it possible for their dentist to provide bridges, crowns or implants. Orthodontic treatment can upright tipped teeth or open spaces for correctly sized crowns or implants.
Where teeth have become worn due to an incorrect bite.
What are the benefits of adult orthodontic treatment?
A great smile gives you confidence in both your social and professional life. There are also many health benefits. Straight teeth are easier to clean and a correct bite will help chewing and digestion.

How does adult orthodontic treatment differ from children's?
There are only a few minor differences. Certain problems are easier to treat when the person is still growing. Treatment also tends to take slightly longer as an adult because the teeth move more slowly.

Will my brace show?
Modern braces are far less noticeable than in the past and wearing a brace as an adult has become normal and acceptable. .We are able to provide various alternatives to the standard metal braces, such as Invisalign (clear aligners)

How long does treatment take?
This will depend on the complexity of the treatment required. On average, treatment will take approximately 18-24 months. Some treatment may take as little as 9 months.

Treatment will take longer if the brace is broken frequently or appointments are missed.

Do braces hurt?
When braces are first fitted you may experience some discomfort for 3-7 days as the teeth start to move. This can be relieved by using normal painkillers. Braces can also rub the lips and cheeks and cause irritation. This is a passing phase. We will provide you with clear wax which you can apply to the brace to relieve irritation.

It is also quite normal for the teeth to feel slightly loose during treatment as they change positions.

After each adjustment some discomfort may be experienced for one or two days.

Several of our staff at Orthosolutions have undertaken orthodontic treatment as adults and will be very happy to discuss their treatment experience with you. Please just ask!

Will it affect my speech?
No, braces that are fitted to the front surfaces of the teeth do not affect how you talk or the sound of your voice. However, braces that are fitted to the backs of the teeth (such as lingual appliances) may affect your speech for a short time. Most people are talking normally within 2-7 days.

Which foods should I avoid?
You should cut out sugary snacks between meals, such as sweets, biscuits and cakes. Fruit juices and fizzy drinks are particularly damaging and may leave permanent scars on your teeth. Try to drink still water or milk between meals as much as possible.

Hard, crunchy and sticky foods, such as toffees, chewing gum, crusty bread, pizza crusts and nuts can break the brace blocks off the teeth. Frequent breakages will make your treatment take longer and cause the inconvenience of extra visits to us for repairs. Apples and raw carrots also need to be eaten with care. They should be cut up into slices and eaten on the back teeth.

Will I need to have teeth removed?
We will never ask for teeth to be removed unless absolutely necessary and in your best long-term interests. Sometimes teeth have to be removed in order relieve crowding. But, with modern techniques many patients can be treated without extractions.

I have crowns and bridges, can I still have braces?
Yes. Braces can be fitted to crowns and bridges in a similar way to those fitted to natural teeth. However, we would advise you delay having any new crown or bridgework until after the completion of any orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics can position teeth so that your dentist can fit better-looking and well-fitting crowns, bridges and implants.

How often do I need to have my brace adjusted?
Most braces need to be adjusted every 6-10 weeks.

Will my teeth stay straight after treatment?
At the end of treatment, your teeth will have been moved from their natural crowded or irregular position to a man-made straight one. To keep the teeth in their new positions, you will be fitted with retainers (removable clear plastic appliances). It is very important to wear the retainers as instructed to keep your smile looking good. Teeth continue to move throughout life even if you have not had orthodontic treatment, but by wearing your retainers you can maintain your new great smile!

CHILDREN'S ORTHODONTICS

Why should I have braces?
There are many possible benefits from wearing braces. An attractive smile can help to boost your self-confidence throughout your life. There are also health benefits, as straight teeth are easier to keep clean. In addition, research has shown that children who have teeth that stick out are at a higher risk of damaging their teeth, for example when playing contact sports.

What is the best age to start treatment?
Orthodontic treatment can be started at almost any age. We sometimes carry out interceptive treatment on children as young as 7 or 8 years. However, most treatment starts on older children aged 10 to 14 when all the milk teeth have been lost and the jaws are still growing. We also routinely provide treatment for many adult patients of any age.

How does orthodontic treatment work?
Fixed braces accurately guide your teeth through the bone in your jaws with gentle forces so that at the end of treatment your teeth are straight and you have a new fabulous smile. Some braces can also widen your jaw to correct cross-bites and others, called functional appliances, can even guide the way your jaw grows.

How long does treatment take?
This will depend on the complexity of the treatment required. On average, treatment will take approximately 15-18 months. Some treatment may take as little as 9 months, more complex cases can last for two and a half years or more.

Treatment will take longer if the brace is broken frequently or appointments are missed.

Do braces hurt?
When braces are first fitted you may experience some discomfort for 3-7 days as the teeth start to move. This is relieved by normal painkillers. Braces can also rub the lips and cheeks until the skin hardens (which may take few weeks). We will provide you with clear wax which you can apply to the brace to relieve irritation.

It is also quite normal for the teeth to feel slightly loose during treatment as they change positions.

After each adjustment some discomfort may be experienced for one or two days.

Which foods should I avoid?
You should cut out sugary snacks between meals, such as sweets, biscuits and cakes. Fruit juices and fizzy drinks are particularly damaging and may leave permanent scars on your teeth. Try to drink still water or milk between meals as much as possible.

Hard, crunchy and sticky foods, such as toffees, chewing gum, crusty bread, pizza crusts and nuts can break the brace blocks off the teeth. Frequent breakages will make your treatment take longer and cause the inconvenience of extra visits to us for repairs. Apples and raw carrots also need to be eaten with care. They should be cut up into slices and eaten on the back teeth.

Will I need to have teeth removed?
We will never ask for teeth to be removed unless absolutely necessary and in your best long-term interests. Sometimes teeth have to be removed in order relieve crowding. But, with modern techniques many patients can be treated without extractions.

How often do I need to have my brace adjusted?
Most braces need to be adjusted every 6-10 weeks.

Can I still play Rugby/Hockey etc if I have braces?
Yes. You can still play all contact sports but please wear an orthodontic mouth guard.

Can I still play wind instruments during orthodontic treatment?
Removable braces can be taken out when playing wind or brass instruments. If you have fixed braces then your playing may be affected for a short time. With practice, most people are able to play as well as they were playing before braces. Brass and double- reed woodwind players may, at first, need to wear some strips of wax over the front teeth to stop the lips becoming sore. Talk to your music teacher – most will have had experience of pupils wearing braces.

Will my teeth stay straight after treatment?
At the end of treatment, your teeth will have been moved from their natural crowded or irregular position to a man-made straight one. To keep the teeth in their new positions, you will be fitted with retainers (removable clear plastic appliances). It is very important to wear the retainers as instructed to keep your smile looking good. Teeth continue to move throughout life even if you have not had orthodontic treatment, but by wearing your retainers you can maintain your new great smile!

Relevant Links:
American Association of Orthodontists
About Orthodonics
Leeds City Council
University of Leeds