Orthodontist in Liverpool

Absolutely. We encourage all our patients at The Abbey by Duthie Dental to stay active. We strongly recommend wearing a custom-made mouthguard to protect your braces, your teeth, and your mouth. Dr Orla Carty can advise you on the best type of guard for your sport.

Don’t worry, this happens. It’s essential to continue your orthodontic care without interruption. As your lead orthodontist in Liverpool, Dr Carty’s team will help coordinate a smooth transfer of your treatment to a qualified orthodontist near your new home. We will provide all necessary records and a treatment summary to ensure continuity.

To protect your braces, avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods. This includes nuts, toffees, chewy sweets, hard crusts, popcorn, and biting into whole apples or raw carrots (cut them up instead). Following these guidelines at The Abbey by Duthie Dental helps prevent broken brackets and keeps treatment on track.

Yes! Many of our patients, especially younger ones, love personalising their smile journey. You can choose different coloured elastics (o-rings) at each adjustment visit at our Liverpool clinic. It’s a fun way to express your style.

Yes. We offer several discrete options alongside traditional braces. These include clear ceramic braces and Invisalign® clear aligners. During your consultation, Dr Orla Carty will discuss all suitable options for a more discreet treatment.

If a wire comes loose or pokes your cheek, don’t panic. Try to gently push it into a more comfortable position using the back of a spoon or a pencil eraser. You can also use orthodontic wax to cover the end. Please contact The Abbey by Duthie Dental as soon as possible so we can schedule a prompt repair appointment.

Appointments are typically scheduled every 4 to 6 weeks. These regular check-ups at our Liverpool practice allow Dr Carty to adjust your braces, monitor progress, and ensure your treatment is progressing as planned.

Yes, it is crucial. Regular check-ups with your general dentist every six months are essential during orthodontic treatment. Braces can make cleaning more challenging, so professional cleans and checks for decay are very important. We work closely with your dentist to ensure your overall oral health is perfect.

You should brush thoroughly after every meal and snack using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled or orthodontic toothbrush. Flossing daily with special orthodontic floss or interdental brushes is also vital to prevent plaque buildup around brackets and wires.

The majority of children start their orthodontic treatment between the ages of 10 and 14. In most cases, adult teeth will have emerged and any issues with teeth alignment or their jaw will be clear at this stage. There is no exact age for a child to get braces and this will depend on what the problem is and how their adult teeth are emerging.

It’s normal to experience some tenderness or discomfort for a few days after braces are fitted and after each adjustment. This is a sign your teeth are moving. Over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods can help. Any significant discomfort or sore spots can be addressed by our team at The Abbey by Duthie Dental.

Orthodontics, particularly when combined with other treatments like functional appliances or orthognathic (jaw) surgery in severe cases, can significantly improve facial balance and symmetry. Dr Orla Carty specialises in creating harmonious smiles that enhance both your teeth and facial profile.

The biological process of moving teeth is the same. However, adult treatment can sometimes be more complex due to factors like gum health, previous dental work, and the fact that jaw growth has stopped. Adults also often prefer more discreet options like Invisalign® or ceramic braces. We tailor every treatment plan at our Liverpool clinic to the individual, regardless of age.

NHS orthodontic treatment is available for children under 18 who meet a specific clinical need based on the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). For adults, NHS treatment is very rare and usually only for severe clinical cases. Most adult patients opt for private treatment, which we provide for all ages at our Liverpool clinic.

The British Orthodontic Society recommends an initial assessment around age 7-8. This allows Dr Carty to identify any developing issues with jaw growth or tooth eruption early. However, active treatment with braces most commonly begins between ages 10-14, once most adult teeth have come through. The “best age” is unique to each child, which is why an early assessment is so valuable.

On average, treatment takes 18-24 months. However, this can range from as little as 6 months for simple cases to over 30 months for more complex treatments. Dr Orla Carty will give you a personalised estimated timeline during your consultation at our Liverpool practice.