Questions answered

Everything you need to know about preparing for your visit, our treatments, and how our clinic operates.
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How long does edge bonding last vs full coverage?

General

Both fall within the 5–7 year average for composite bonding. Edge bonding sometimes lasts slightly longer because there's less surface area exposed to staining and bite stress; full coverage sometimes shorter for the same reason. In practice the difference is small and the dominant lifespan factors are the same for both — bite force, hygiene, and aftercare protocol. Both can be polished and refreshed.

How long does each take?

General

Lite 6-9 months typical; Comprehensive 12-18 months typical. Both depend on compliance (22h/day wear). Timeline determined more by case complexity than by tier choice.

How long does crowding treatment take?

General

Express 3-6 months · Lite 6-9 months · Full 12-18 months. Depends on tier and compliance (22h/day wear).

How long does a consultation take?

General

45 minutes for standard dental or aesthetic consultations. 60 minutes for combined jaw tension consultation. 90 minutes for Integrative Joint Consultation.

How long do treatments last?

General

For aesthetic medicine, typically 3–4 months per session. Maintenance every 3–4 months for ongoing effect.

How long do I need to wear retainers?

General

Lifetime, nightly. The historical 'few years' guidance was wrong — long-term follow-up shows substantial relapse without lifetime retention. Vivera retainers (or equivalent) every night indefinitely.

How long are wellness consultations?

General

First appointments are 45–90 minutes depending on practitioner. Ayurvedic and coaching consultations typically 45 minutes. Nutritional first appointment 1h 30m. Reviews shorter.

How is this different from standard orthodontics?

General

Standard planning often focuses on immediate alignment outcome. Long-term functional planning extends to bite correction, wear prevention, airway considerations, periodontal health, future cosmetic dentistry foundation. More comprehensive scope.

How is this different from regular Invisalign?

General

Standard Invisalign focuses on the immediate alignment goal. Anti-ageing protocols extend planning to long-term face, bite, airway, and tooth-preservation considerations. The case planning is more comprehensive.

How is re-treatment different from original?

General

Often faster because teeth have moved before and respond efficiently. Scope often smaller because relapse typically affects front teeth specifically. Adult compliance usually better than teen compliance.

How is it different from specialist orthodontist?

General

Specialist orthodontists have additional 3-year post-graduate training (MOrth) focused exclusively on orthodontics. Handle most complex cases including surgical-combined. Diamond II reflects substantial Invisalign-specific experience. For most adult Invisalign cases the differences are smaller than they might appear; for very complex cases specialist referral may be appropriate.

How is bite correction anti-ageing?

General

Unaddressed bite issues cause progressive tooth wear over decades. Correcting bite reduces wear, preserves teeth, reduces TMJ risk — all anti-ageing in functional terms.

How easy is it from Old Street?

General

12 minutes by 67 bus. The bus stops within 2 minutes of the clinic.

How easy is it from Holloway?

General

8-minute bus ride or 15-minute walk via Liverpool Road. Cycle route also straightforward.

How does this connect to bruxism?

General

Airway-related arousals correlate with clenching patterns. Some bruxism patients improve with airway intervention. Davies splint therapy addresses bite mechanics; combined with airway planning sometimes produces better bruxism outcomes than splint alone.

How does this affect TMJ risk?

General

Cases with uncorrected bite issues have higher TMJ problem rates over decades. Correcting bite during orthodontic treatment reduces this risk. Davies splint therapy may be needed alongside if active TMJ issues present.

How does the finance work?

General

We offer 0% APR finance over 12 months via Tabeo, subject to status. The option is discussed at consultation, and your Tabeo application is completed with them directly.

How does a dentist help?

General

Local examination to identify any local cause (sharp tooth, restoration issue, denture problem). Full oral assessment to exclude serious causes. Recommendation for blood tests via GP if needed. At DWL, cross-referral to nutritional or Ayurvedic input if recurrent pattern suggests systemic component.

How do you price by size?

General

Tattoo removal at DWL is from £750 per course of up to 10 appointments. The number of sessions needed depends on the size, ink, depth and colour of the tattoo and your skin type. Large pieces, such as half-sleeves and full backs, are quoted in writing after assessment. The patch test is free.

How do you predict outcome?

General

Visual assessment of pigment colours, age, depth indicators, location; patch test where pigment response is uncertain; realistic per-tattoo plan with session count range, expected outcome level, timeline, and total cost. In writing at consultation.

How do you minimise risk?

General

We use a Q-switched laser with settings chosen for your skin type, 4-6 weeks between sessions, a patch test first, careful aftercare, and a conservative protocol throughout. We will say so honestly if treatment should stop.

How do you measure progress?

General

Standardised photography at baseline, each session, and reviews. Same lighting, angle, camera. The photograph series makes cumulative change visible. We share your own photographs with you at each review; we don't publicly display patient before-and-afters for compliance reasons.

How do you keep aligners clean?

General

Brush with soft toothbrush and water (no toothpaste — abrasive). Specific cleaning crystals or tablets available. Avoid hot water (warps aligners). Soak occasionally if needed.

How do you assess function at consultation?

General

Bite analysis (how teeth meet at rest and during chewing), wear pattern assessment (visible signs of bite issues), TMJ examination, soft tissue assessment, occasionally imaging. Comprehensive functional baseline.

How do you assess airway at consultation?

General

Discussion of sleep patterns, breathing patterns (nasal vs mouth), snoring history, daytime fatigue. Physical examination of tongue position, arch dimensions, palate shape. For significant concerns, referral to sleep medicine.