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Patient Information

Frequently Asked Question Of Patients Information

What to expect from your Orthodontic Consultation

Before starting orthodontic treatment, you’ll attend an initial consultation at Synergy Orthodontics.

This appointment allows us to understand your concerns and to clinically assess your teeth and bite, and discuss the most appropriate treatment options — with no obligation to proceed.

Our aim is to ensure you feel informed, comfortable and confident from the very first visit.

Your Consultation – Step by Step

While every treatment plan is personalised, your consultation typically follows these five steps:

  1. Initial assessment

At the start of your visit, we’ll talk through your concerns and goals. We’ll assess your jaw relationship, teeth and bite. We usually also take clinical photographs. 

  1. Digital smile scan

We use advanced digital scanning technology to capture precise images of your teeth — without messy impressions. This allows us to create a 3D digital model of your smile and, in many cases, may used to fabricate aligners, expanders, etc.

  1. One-to-one Specialist consultation

You will meet with Dr Paula Sinnott, Specialist & Consultant-trained Orthodontist. Dr Sinnott will explain her findings clearly, answer your questions, and discuss which treatment options are suitable for you or your child. If you require xrays these are requested separately.

  1. Personalised treatment plan

If treatment is recommended, you’ll receive a bespoke treatment plan, including:

The recommended type of treatment

Estimated treatment timeframe

A clear explanation of what’s involved

A transparent fee outline and payment options

  1. Your decision, your timing

You’re welcome to take time to consider your options.

If you’re happy to proceed, treatment slots can be secured following deposit and consent completion.

There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment — adults of all ages can benefit from orthodontic care.

For children, we recommend an initial orthodontic assessment at around age 7. This is also recommend by the Orthodontic Society of Ireland.

This does not mean treatment always starts immediately. Often, it provides an opportunity for us to meet and assess you child in order to:

  • Identify developing bite or jaw issues early
  • Monitor growth at the right intervals
  • Guide treatment timing to reduce complexity later

Early assessment can help simplify future treatment and, in some cases, reduce treatment time during the teenage years.

 

A Calm, Supportive First Visit

We understand that attending an orthodontic consultation — especially for children — can feel daunting.

Our team takes a gentle, friendly and unhurried approach, ensuring both patients and parents feel comfortable and well informed.

 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, a specialist assessment is the best place to start.

 

Book your consultation today

Arrange your consultation at Synergy Orthodontics, Dublin, and meet Dr Paula Sinnott, Specialist & Consultant-trained Orthodontist.

Understanding who provides your orthodontic care

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, it’s helpful to understand what an orthodontist does and how this differs from general dental care. A Specialist Orthodontist is uniquely trained to straighten teeth, correct bite problems and guide jaw development using bespoke, carefully planned treatment.

 

What Does a Specialist Orthodontist Do?

A Specialist Orthodontist focuses on the alignment of the teeth and jaws. While improving the appearance of the smile is important, orthodontic treatment also plays a key role in oral health, function and long-term stability.

Some of the most common orthodontic issues treated include:

  • Crowding – when there isn’t enough space for teeth to come through straight
  • Crooked or rotated teeth – teeth that are angled or out of position
  • Overbite – where the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth too much, sometimes leading to tooth wear or gum problems
  • Underbite – where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth, which can affect function and comfort. This may be associated with loose front teeth and gum problems such as recession if traumatic
  • Bite problems – where teeth do not meet correctly when biting together which can cause difficulty chewing food
  • Jaw or facial imbalance – differences in jaw position that affect bite, appearance or function

Orthodontic treatment is planned to address both how the teeth look and how they work together.

 

Meet Our Specialist Orthodontist

At Synergy Orthodontics, all treatment is planned and supervised by Dr Paula Sinnott, Specialist & Consultant-trained Orthodontist.

Dr Sinnott has completed extensive postgraduate training in orthodontics and has advanced expertise in treating:

  • Children, teenagers and adults
  • Early orthodontic and growth-related problems
  • Complex bite and jaw discrepancies
  • Multidisciplinary cases involving restorative care or jaw surgery

Her approach is evidence-based, carefully planned and tailored to each individual, ensuring treatment is appropriate, predictable and focused on long-term results.

Achieve a Healthy, Confident Smile

Orthodontic treatment is about more than straight teeth — it’s about creating a smile that is healthy, balanced and built to last. For children in particular, it is about creating an environment which is favourable for your child’s development.

At Synergy Orthodontics, we take time to explain your options clearly and guide you through treatment with confidence and care.

Book your consultation today

Take the first step towards your new smile at Synergy Orthodontics, Dublin.

Meet Dr Paula Sinnott, Specialist & Consultant-trained Orthodontist, and find out which treatment options are right for you or your child.

Orthodontic problems don’t always look serious at first — especially in children. As teeth and jaws grow, small issues can become more complex over time if they’re not identified early.

An early orthodontic assessment allows us to:

  • Identify developing bite or jaw problems before they worsen
  • Guide growth while the jaws are still adaptable
  • Reduce the need for more complex treatment later

In some cases, we can shorten and simplify future orthodontic treatment by intervening sooner

Early assessment does not necessarily mean early braces

A common concern for parents is that an early visit means their child will need braces straight away. This is often not the case.

In many children, early assessment simply allows us to:

  • Monitor growth over time
  • Decide on the right approach and discuss findings early on.

Understanding bite and alignment issues — and how we can help

At Synergy Orthodontics, we see a wide range of orthodontic concerns every day. While every smile is unique, certain bite and alignment problems are very common.

With specialist assessment, advanced planning and tailored treatment, these issues can be corrected effectively — often improving not just appearance, but oral health, comfort and long-term stability.

 

Common Orthodontic Issues We Treat

Problems with tooth and jaw alignment are more common than many people realise. Using modern technology and specialist expertise, we carefully assess how your teeth and jaws work together and plan treatment accordingly.

  • Crowding

Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space for teeth to align properly. Teeth may overlap or rotate, making cleaning more difficult and increasing the risk of decay or gum problems. Crowding can usually be corrected with braces or clear aligners.

  • Spacing

Spacing refers to gaps between teeth, which may be due to jaw size, missing teeth or tooth position. Orthodontic treatment can close gaps and improve both function and appearance.

  • Overbite

An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth too much. This can increase the risk of tooth wear or trauma and, in some cases, affect gum health and cause recession. Treatment depends on age, growth and severity.

  • Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. This can affect chewing, cause uneven tooth wear, mobility of teeth, recession and place strain on the jaw joints. Early assessment is particularly important for growing children.

  • Crossbite

A crossbite happens when upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, either at the front or the sides. If left untreated, crossbites can lead to tooth wear, gum recession or loosening of teeth, as well as jaw imbalance. Early correction is often beneficial as it can be eliminated easier. This particularly important especially if there is a displacement off to one side as it constricts the upper arch causing crowding and the child keeps sliding off to one side otherwise.

  • Deep Bite

A deep bite is when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth. This can cause damage to teeth and gums over time such as toothwear and recession. When identified early, treatment is often simpler; in more severe adult cases, additional treatment may be required.

  • Open Bite

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not meet when biting together. This can affect chewing, speech and tooth wear, and in some cases may be linked to habits or breathing patterns.

Specialist Assessment Matters

Orthodontic problems can vary widely in cause and severity. A detailed assessment allows us to determine:

  • Whether treatment is needed
  • The right timing for treatment
  • The most appropriate treatment option

At Synergy Orthodontics, all treatment is planned and supervised by Dr Paula Sinnott, Specialist & Consultant-trained Orthodontist, ensuring both straightforward and complex cases are managed with expertise. We ensure your child receives the best treatment at the right time

Does Any of This Sound Familiar?

If you recognise any of the issues above in yourself or your child, a professional orthodontic assessment is the best first step.

Book your consultation today

Arrange a consultation at Synergy Orthodontics, Dublin, and receive a clear, specialist opinion on your orthodontic needs.

Braces vs Aligners — What to Expect

Different orthodontic appliances carry different risks:
Braces involve brackets and wires, which means there is a higher chance of minor breakages, particularly with hard or sticky foods.

Clear aligners have fewer emergency issues, as there are no brackets or wires to break or poke. In addition, aligners are removed for eating, so:

  • Your diet is not restricted in the same way as with braces
  • There is a much lower risk of appliance damage during meals

During your consultation, we will advise which option is most suitable for your teeth, lifestyle and treatment needs.

What should I do if something breaks or I lose an aligner?

Contact the practice for advice – often patients can proceed to their next aligner and wear it for two weeks instead of one week.

What should I do if an orthodontic problem occurs?

Please call the clinic 01 963 6677 or email info@synergyorthodontics.ie and we will advise you on the next appropriate step. If you experience severe trauma, bleeding, or sudden swelling affecting breathing, seek immediate medical or emergency care.

How can I reduce the risk of orthodontic emergencies?

While not all emergencies can be prevented, the following steps significantly reduce risk:

  • Wear a Mouthguard for Sports Contact and ball sports are the most common cause of orthodontic emergencies. We strongly recommend a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect your teeth and any orthodontic appliance.
  • Follow Dietary Advice (for Fixed Braces) Hard, crunchy and sticky foods are the most common cause of brace breakages. Following dietary guidance helps avoid unnecessary repairs and delays.
  • Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene Brushing and flossing thoroughly, and attending regular dental check-ups, helps prevent tooth decay, gum problems and infections during treatment.

We’re here to help — orthodontic treatment should feel supported and manageable, even when unexpected issues arise.

Orthodontic emergencies are uncommon, but if problems arise during treatment, most can be managed safely until you are seen by our team. We are always available to provide guidance and reassurance. Please call the clinic 01 963 6677 or email info@synergyorthodontics.ie and we will advise you on the next appropriate step. If you experience severe trauma, bleeding, or sudden swelling affecting breathing, seek immediate medical or emergency care.

What Is an Orthodontic Emergency?

Many orthodontic issues are uncomfortable rather than urgent. However, you should contact us if you experience any of the following:

  • Broken or loose braces A loose bracket or poking wire can often be covered temporarily with orthodontic wax to reduce irritation until we see you.
  • Persistent or severe pain Some soreness is normal with orthodontic treatment, but excessive or worsening pain is not.
  • Lost an aligner Most patients can proceed onto the following aligner and make sure to seat it snuggly in with your chewie and wear it an extra week

Simple guidance to help you get the best results

Wearing braces is a big step towards a healthier, more confident smile. At Synergy Orthodontics, we want your treatment to be as comfortable, smooth and stress-free as possible.

Below are our practical tips to help you look after your teeth, your braces and yourself during treatment.

How to Brush Your Teeth with Braces

Good oral hygiene is especially important while wearing braces, as food and plaque can collect more easily around brackets and wires.

We recommend:

  • Brushing after every meal or snack
  • Brushing for 3–4 minutes each time
  • Carefully cleaning between the teeth inside the wire and between brackets using a Tepe brush (green/yellow/ blue)

When your braces are fitted, we’ll show you the best brushing and flossing techniques and recommend suitable brushes or aids. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy during treatment helps ensure the best possible result at the end.

What to Eat with Braces

With fixed braces, a few dietary adjustments help protect your braces and reduce the risk of breakages.

It’s best to avoid:

  • Hard or crunchy foods (e.g. hard sweets, nuts, ice)
  • Chewy foods (e.g. gum, sticky bread)
  • Sticky foods (e.g. toffee, caramel)
  • Sugary foods and drinks, which increase the risk of decay and staining
  • Foods you need to bite into whole (e.g. apples, crusty rolls, corn on the cob)

You can still enjoy most foods by cutting them into smaller pieces and chewing carefully.

If a brace does break or come loose, please contact the practice so we can arrange a repair.

Sports, Music and Braces

You can continue to enjoy your hobbies while wearing braces — it just takes a little adjustment.

Sports

If you play contact or ball sports, we strongly recommend wearing a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces. We can advise you on the best type for your needs.

Musical instruments

It’s normal for instruments (especially wind instruments) to feel different at first. Most patients adapt within a couple of weeks. Orthodontic wax can help reduce any initial irritation while you adjust.

For some patients, clear aligners may be an alternative option that fits more easily around sport or music — this can be discussed during consultation if appropriate.

Pain or discomfort

It is normal for your teeth to be a little uncomfortable a few hours after having them fitted, this should settle within a few days. If it is particularly uncomfortable you can take what you normally take for a headache if needed.

Support Throughout Your Treatment

Our team is here to support you throughout your orthodontic journey. If you’re unsure about brushing, eating, discomfort or anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Still Have Questions?

If you’d like advice or reassurance at any stage of treatment, we’re always happy to help.

Book your consultation today

Arrange your orthodontic consultation at Synergy Orthodontics, Dublin, and receive expert, specialist-led care from start to finish.