What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics moves your teeth into a better position. It straightens crooked or crowded teeth and closes gaps. It also corrects how your upper and lower teeth meet. Treatment uses clear aligners or braces, and suits adults and children. If your teeth already work well, small adjustments can still improve how they look.
At our Lewisham practice, orthodontic treatment is led by Richard Sardinha, our principal dentist, whose clinical focus is orthodontics. We assess your teeth carefully before recommending anything. That way the plan fits your teeth and what you want from treatment.
Why straighten your teeth?
- Straight teeth are easier to clean, which helps protect against decay and gum disease.
- Your teeth meet properly, so biting and chewing can feel easier.
- An even bite can reduce uneven wear on your teeth.
- Closing large gaps may help with some speech sounds.
- Many patients feel more confident smiling and talking in public.
Orthodontics treats crowded, crooked and protruding teeth, gaps and overbites. It also treats open bites, where the upper and lower teeth don’t touch. It can help if you find chewing difficult, or if you hide your teeth when you smile. Children’s treatment has its own page: orthodontics for children.
How orthodontic treatment works
Free consultation
We look at your teeth and your bite, and ask what bothers you about your smile. Book a free orthodontic consultation.
Assessment and plan
Expect a careful assessment and an honest discussion. It can take a little time, and that’s deliberate. You get your options, a timeline and the full cost in writing before you commit.
Treatment
You wear clear aligners or fixed braces. We see you regularly to check your teeth are moving as planned.
Retainers
When your teeth are in place, a retainer helps stop them drifting back. Read our guide to retainers.
Orthodontics at SmileUp
- Treatment led by Richard Sardinha, whose clinical focus is orthodontics
- Free orthodontic consultation
- Clear aligners and fixed braces under one roof, so you can compare options honestly
- Dental finance to spread the cost
- Open six days · Mon, Tue until 7:30pm
Watch: braces and aligners at SmileUp
How much does it cost?
Your dentist confirms the exact cost in a written plan before any treatment starts.
| Spark Express | from £1,595 |
| Spark ModerateApprox. 6–12 months · offer price | from £2,895 |
| Spark ComprehensiveApprox. 12–18 months · offer price | from £3,395 |
| Invisalign comprehensive | from £3,995 |
| Fixed braces (metal or ceramic)Quoted after assessment | Price on request |
| Children's orthodontics | Price on request |
| Upper & lower retainers | £295 |
Representative example: cash price £1,595, amount of credit £1,595, first payment of £33.36 taken upfront then 59 monthly payments of £33.21, total cost of credit £397.75, total amount payable £1,992.75 over 60 months, rate of interest 9.9% p.a. fixed. Representative 9.9% APR. SmileUp Limited is a credit broker, not a lender (FRN 727371). Finance provided by Tabeo Finance Limited (FRN 777539). Credit subject to status, UK residents 18+.
