How much do veneers cost at Freshdental?

Veneers at Freshdental start at £899, and will depend on your desired results, and whether you decide to go for porcelain veneers or composite veneers. Both are great options!

Do you offer payment or finance options for veneers?

Yes. The highest quality dental care can be expensive and we want to be able to help as many people as possible achieve the smile of their dreams, so we offer interest free dental finance, our own practice dental plan, as well as a family and friends discount. Speak to a friendly team member for more information.

How long will my veneers last?

Porcelain veneers can last from 10–15 years in ideal situations and composite bonding veneers from 5–7 years, depending on brushing habits, aftercare, teeth grinding, and diet.

Can I have my teeth whitened if I already have veneers?

Unfortunately not! Because our teeth are porous, whitening products are easily absorbed, whereas veneers are made up of porcelain or composite material that won’t respond to whitening products. It’s a good idea to have your teeth whitened before you have your veneers fitted, because your veneers will be matched to the shade of your natural teeth.

Can veneers fall off?

It’s unlikely that your veneers will fall off, but it is possible to damage them if you experience any facial injuries or impact to your mouth or teeth, and if the natural tooth underneath the veneer develops a cavity, they can detach or need to be removed. We recommend you stay away from extremely hard foods that could chip or damage veneers, and make sure you keep your teeth and gums healthy to maintain your dental veneers as well as your overall oral health.

Functional Braces In London

At Freshdental in Bayswater, we offer orthodontic treatment that may include the use of functional appliances when appropriate. These appliances are an important part of a personalised treatment plan designed to support healthy jaw growth in children and teenagers who are experiencing developing bite concerns.

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CHILDREN ORTHODONTICS

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What Are Functional Braces?

Functional braces, also known as functional appliances, are orthodontic devices used to influence the position and growth of the jaw. Unlike traditional fixed braces, which primarily moves the teeth, functional appliances work with the muscles and jaw growth to help improve the bite. These appliances are usually used in growing children who present with certain bite patterns, particularly Class II malocclusion (where the upper jaw and teeth significantly overlap the lower jaw and teeth).

At Freshdental, we often recommend the Twin Block appliance for children who need help guiding their lower jaw forward during growth. This removable device works with your child’s natural development to support a healthier bite. Where there is a need to widen the upper jaw, we may also suggest Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) as part of their treatment plan.

Adam Watkinson

I have been going to Freshdental for years now

I’ve been going to Freshdental for years, they have always been and still are amazing! I wouldn't trust anyone else with my teeth like the team there!

What to Expect During Treatment at Freshdental

Initial Assessment: We begin with a full orthodontic consultation, including records such as photos, 3D scans, and X-rays to assess your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw growth.

Personalised Treatment Planning: If a functional appliance is appropriate, we will create a plan tailored to your child’s needs, using either a Twin Block or RME device. You will be given full guidance on wear instructions and expected outcomes.

Fitting the Appliance: The appliance is carefully fitted and adjusted. We provide both the child and parent with instructions for care and wear to ensure the best possible outcome.

Regular Review Visits: Your child will be seen regularly for adjustments and monitoring. These visits are essential to check progress and to make any necessary changes.

Next Steps After Functional Treatment: In many cases, a second phase of treatment using fixed braces or aligners may follow once all permanent teeth have come through. The functional phase helps prepare the bite for this final stage.

Dr Brian Dunne

Who Might Need Functional Appliance Treatment?

Functional braces may be considered in children who:

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Have a developing overjet, where the upper front teeth project significantly forward
Display signs of jaw imbalance or facial asymmetry related to bite
Are at a stage of active growth, typically between ages 10 and 14
Have habits such as mouth breathing or tongue thrusting that influence jaw posture
Are suitable for wearing removable appliances consistently

A thorough clinical assessment, including 3D digital scans, clinical photographs, and X-rays, is required to determine if functional appliances are appropriate.

How Long Does Functional Braces Treatment Take?

The duration of functional appliance treatment varies based on individual needs and compliance. On average, children wear the appliance for 9 to 12 months. Some may require a longer or shorter period. Continued growth and bite changes will be reviewed throughout treatment.

Functional appliances are most effective when used during active growth, so timing is a key factor. That is why the British Orthodontic Society recommends assessment by age 7, even if treatment is not needed immediately.

Book a Consultation

If you think your child may benefit from functional appliance treatment, we are here to help. Contact Freshdental in Bayswater, London to arrange an initial consultation and discuss the most appropriate path for your child’s smile and bite development.

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Benefits of Functional Braces for Children

Functional braces, or functional appliances, are specially designed for growing children to correct jaw imbalances and guide proper facial development. When used at the right time, they can significantly improve long-term orthodontic outcomes.

Guide Jaw Growth and Bite Alignment
These appliances encourage the lower jaw to grow forward, helping to create a more harmonious bite and improving the relationship between the upper and lower teeth.

Support Facial Balance and Breathing
Functional braces can enhance facial profile, promote better lip closure, and even support improved breathing patterns in some children.

Minimize Future Orthodontic Needs
By addressing issues early, functional appliances may reduce the need for more extensive treatments later on, making orthodontic care more efficient and effective.

Frequently asked questions about early orthodontics at Freshdental

What are functional braces?

Functional braces are orthodontic appliances used to improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. They’re typically recommended for growing children and work by encouraging the lower jaw to grow into a better position, helping to correct certain bite problems such as overbites.

At what age should a child start using functional braces?

Functional braces are most effective when used during a child’s growth spurt, typically between the ages of 10 and 14. This is the stage when the jaws are developing rapidly, making them more responsive to guidance from orthodontic appliances like the Twin Block. Every child is different, so while we don’t rush into treatment too early, we do recommend an orthodontic assessment by age 7, as advised by the British Orthodontic Society.

How do functional braces work?

Functional braces use your child’s natural growth and muscle activity to encourage the lower jaw to grow forward. By improving how the jaws relate to each other, these braces help correct bite issues such as overjets (where the top teeth stick out), underbites, or crossbites in some cases.

Do functional braces require adjustments?

Yes, your child will need regular visits during treatment to monitor progress. Some types of functional appliances are adjustable and may need modifications to ensure they continue guiding the jaw as your child grows.