The decision to pursue orthodontic treatment as an adult is often years in the making. Perhaps you’ve been self-conscious about crooked or gapped teeth since adolescence, or maybe bite issues have been causing jaw discomfort or making it difficult to chew properly. Many adults reach a point where they’re simply tired of hiding their smile in photographs or feeling embarrassed in social and professional situations. The good news is that modern orthodontics offers more options than ever before—treatments that are discreet, comfortable, and designed to fit seamlessly into busy adult lives.
At The London Smile Clinic in London’s West End, adult orthodontic treatment is guided by Dr Pratik Sharma, a GDC-registered Specialist in Orthodontics whose credentials place him at the very pinnacle of his profession. Dr Sharma divides his time between the clinic and his role as a Consultant and Senior Clinical Lecturer in Orthodontics at the Royal London Hospital, where he treats the most complex cases and trains the next generation of orthodontic specialists. This unique combination of private practice expertise and academic authority ensures that patients receive not just current care but care that is at the cutting edge of the field, validated by rigorous clinical research and evidence-based practice.
With several treatment systems available—including Invisalign clear aligners, lingual braces that sit behind the teeth, and subtle tooth-coloured ceramic braces—the question isn’t whether you can straighten your teeth as an adult, but which system best suits your clinical needs, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. This guide will help you understand your options and make an informed decision about your orthodontic journey.
Why Increasing Numbers of Adults Are Seeking Orthodontic Treatment
Adult orthodontics has experienced remarkable growth over the past two decades, and the reasons extend far beyond vanity. While a more attractive smile is certainly a motivating factor for many patients, the benefits of properly aligned teeth encompass oral health, function, and the overall quality of life.
The Benefits Beyond Aesthetics:
- Improved oral health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Better bite function: Correcting alignment issues can eliminate jaw pain, reduce tooth wear, and improve chewing efficiency
- Enhanced speech: Some bite problems can affect pronunciation and clarity
- Prevention of future damage: Addressing crowding or bite issues now can prevent more serious problems later, including tooth loss
- Professional confidence: A confident smile can positively impact career opportunities and social interactions
- Long-term investment: Orthodontic treatment protects your teeth and jaw joints, potentially preventing costly restorative work in the future
Modern orthodontic systems have also removed many of the barriers that once deterred adults from seeking treatment. Today’s options are far more discreet, comfortable, and convenient than the conspicuous metal braces of the past. With treatment times often ranging from 12 to 24 months (depending on case complexity), many adults find that the temporary commitment yields lifelong benefits.
What It Means to Be Treated by a GDC-Registered Specialist in Orthodontics
When choosing an orthodontist, understanding the difference between a general dentist who offers orthodontic treatment and a GDC-registered Specialist in Orthodontics is crucial. The distinction isn’t merely one of title—it represents fundamentally different levels of training, experience, and expertise.
Dr Pratik Sharma holds the designation of Specialist in Orthodontics, a title that is protected and regulated by the General Dental Council (GDC). To achieve this status, a dentist must complete a minimum of three years of full-time, intensive specialist training at an approved UK university following their general dental degree. This training involves treating hundreds of patients under expert supervision, conducting clinical research, and mastering the diagnosis and correction of even the most complex orthodontic problems.
Dr Sharma graduated with distinction from Guy’s Dental Hospital in 1999 and went on to complete his specialist training at The Royal London Hospital, earning a Master of Science in Orthodontics with distinction for his research. His academic excellence during this period laid the foundation for a career defined by both clinical precision and scholarly contribution.
Why Specialist Training Matters for Your Treatment:
- Comprehensive diagnostic expertise: Specialists can identify subtle issues that might be missed by practitioners with less training
- Treatment of complex cases: Dr Sharma routinely handles cases involving severe crowding, significant bite problems, and even jaw surgery cases—problems that require specialist-level knowledge
- Superior outcomes: Studies consistently show that patients treated by orthodontic specialists achieve better, more stable results
- Evidence-based approaches: Specialists stay current with the latest research and techniques through ongoing professional development
Beyond his specialist qualification, Dr Sharma’s role as a Consultant at the Royal London Hospital places him in the top echelon of his profession. In this capacity, he treats patients with the most challenging malocclusions and is responsible for teaching undergraduate dental students and training specialist orthodontic registrars. The fact that he literally teaches the specialists underscores the depth and authority of his expertise. When you’re treated by Dr Sharma, you’re receiving care from a practitioner who represents the gold standard in orthodontic education and clinical practice.
Invisalign Clear Aligners: Invisible Treatment for Discreet Straightening
Invisalign has become one of the most popular orthodontic systems for adults, and for good reason. This innovative treatment uses a series of clear, removable plastic aligners to gradually move your teeth into their ideal positions. Each aligner is custom-made using advanced 3D computer imaging and is worn for approximately two weeks before progressing to the next in the series.
How Invisalign Works:
The Invisalign process begins with a comprehensive consultation and assessment with Dr Sharma. Digital scans or impressions of your teeth are taken and used to create a precise 3D treatment plan. This technology allows you to see a virtual representation of how your teeth will move at each stage and preview your final result before treatment even begins.
You’ll receive a series of aligners (typically 20-40 sets, depending on your case complexity) that you’ll wear for 20-22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth. Every six to eight weeks, you’ll attend a brief check-up appointment with Dr Sharma to monitor progress and receive your next sets of aligners.
Ideal Candidates for Invisalign:
Invisalign is highly effective for treating mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including:
- Crowding and spacing issues
- Overbites, underbites, and crossbites (of mild to moderate severity)
- Relapsed orthodontic treatment from adolescence
- General tooth alignment concerns
Dr Sharma has extensive experience with Invisalign and particularly enjoys providing this form of discreet treatment. His specialist training allows him to push the boundaries of what Invisalign can achieve, often successfully treating cases that general dentists might consider too complex for the system.
Lifestyle Benefits:
- Virtually invisible: The clear aligners are extremely difficult to detect, making them ideal for professionals and image-conscious adults
- Removable: You can take the aligners out for important meetings, special occasions, or photos
- No dietary restrictions: Since you remove the aligners to eat, you can continue enjoying all your favourite foods
- Easy oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing remain straightforward without brackets and wires in the way
- Comfortable: The smooth plastic causes minimal irritation compared to metal brackets
Lingual Braces: Completely Hidden Treatment Behind Your Teeth
For patients who want the precision and control of fixed braces but with complete invisibility, lingual braces offer the perfect solution. Dr Sharma has particular expertise with the Incognito system, a premium lingual brace that is custom-made to fit the back surfaces of your teeth.
How Lingual Braces Work:
Lingual braces function similarly to traditional fixed braces, using brackets and wires to apply controlled forces that move your teeth. The crucial difference is that all the components are bonded to the tongue-side (lingual side) of your teeth, making them completely invisible when you smile, talk, or laugh.
The Incognito system is particularly advanced. Each bracket is individually customised using CAD/CAM technology to fit the unique contours of your teeth, ensuring maximum comfort and efficiency. The treatment process begins with precise impressions of your teeth, which are sent to a specialist laboratory in Germany where your custom brackets and wires are manufactured.
Ideal Candidates for Lingual Braces:
Lingual braces can treat virtually any orthodontic problem that traditional braces can address, including:
- Severe crowding or spacing
- Complex bite issues
- Rotated or misaligned teeth
- Cases requiring precise tooth movements
Because lingual braces offer such comprehensive control, Dr Sharma often recommends them for patients with more complex alignment issues who still want completely invisible treatment.
Key Considerations:
- Completely invisible: No one will know you’re wearing braces unless you tell them
- Fixed in place: Unlike removable aligners, lingual braces work 24/7 without requiring patient compliance
- Adjustment period: There’s typically a brief period (one to two weeks) where speech and tongue comfort are affected whilst you adapt
- Premium option: Lingual braces are more technically demanding to fit and adjust, which is reflected in their cost
- Specialist expertise required: Successful lingual treatment requires advanced training—Dr Sharma’s experience ensures optimal results and comfort
Tooth-Coloured Ceramic Braces: Effective Treatment with Subtle Aesthetics
For patients who want the proven effectiveness of traditional fixed braces but prefer a more subtle appearance, tooth-coloured ceramic braces offer an excellent middle ground. These braces use clear or tooth-coloured brackets bonded to the front of your teeth, paired with tooth-coloured or white wires, creating a much less noticeable appearance than conventional metal braces.
How Ceramic Braces Work:
Ceramic braces function identically to traditional metal braces. Small brackets are bonded to each tooth, and a wire is threaded through them. Dr Sharma adjusts the wire tension at regular appointments (typically every 6-8 weeks), gradually moving your teeth into their correct positions. The key difference is aesthetic: the high-quality ceramic brackets blend with your natural tooth colour, making the braces far less conspicuous.
Ideal Candidates for Ceramic Braces:
Ceramic braces are suitable for virtually any orthodontic case, from simple to highly complex:
- Significant crowding or spacing
- Severe bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
- Rotated or impacted teeth
- Cases requiring maximum control and precision
The Advantages of Ceramic Braces:
- Comprehensive treatment capability: Can address even the most complex orthodontic problems
- Subtle appearance: Far less noticeable than metal braces whilst maintaining the same effectiveness
- Predictable results: Fixed braces offer Dr Sharma complete control over tooth movements
- No compliance required: The braces work continuously without depending on you to wear removable aligners
- Cost-effective: Generally more affordable than lingual braces or Invisalign
Dr Sharma particularly enjoys providing ceramic braces for patients who want effective yet discreet treatment. His specialist training ensures that he can achieve excellent results efficiently, often completing treatment faster than general practitioners due to his advanced understanding of biomechanics and tooth movement.
Adult Braces London: How Dr Sharma’s Patient-Centred Approach Helps You Choose
With several effective orthodontic systems available, the question becomes: which is right for you? This is where Dr Sharma’s patient-centred philosophy and clinical expertise prove invaluable. Rather than defaulting to a single system or pushing the most expensive option, Dr Sharma takes the time to understand your individual priorities, concerns, and lifestyle requirements.
Your Consultation with Dr Sharma:
During your initial assessment, Dr Sharma will:
- Listen to your goals: Understanding what you hope to achieve and what concerns you have about treatment
- Conduct a comprehensive examination: Assessing your teeth, bite, jaw relationship, and oral health
- Analyse diagnostic records: Taking photographs, X-rays, and digital scans to fully understand your case
- Discuss all suitable options: Explaining which systems can achieve your desired outcome and the pros and cons of each
- Provide honest recommendations: Based on clinical factors, aesthetic preferences, lifestyle considerations, and budget
Dr Sharma’s evidence-based approach means that his recommendations are grounded in the latest research and his extensive clinical experience treating thousands of orthodontic cases. Whether you’re a professional who needs maximum discretion (favouring Invisalign or lingual braces), someone with a complex bite issue requiring comprehensive control (favouring ceramic or lingual braces), or a patient seeking the best balance of aesthetics and value (favouring ceramic braces), Dr Sharma will guide you to the optimal choice for your specific situation.
Factors That Influence Treatment Selection:
- Case complexity: More severe problems may require the precision of fixed braces
- Lifestyle demands: Professional requirements or personal preferences for invisibility
- Compliance considerations: Whether you’re comfortable with the responsibility of removable aligners
- Treatment timeline: Some systems work faster for certain types of movements
- Budget: Understanding the investment required for each option
The goal is always the same: to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful, confident smile using the treatment system that best fits your life.
What to Expect: Treatment Timelines, Appointments, and Long-Term Retention
Understanding the practical aspects of orthodontic treatment helps you plan and commit to the process with confidence. Whilst every case is unique, most adult orthodontic treatments at The London Smile Clinic follow a similar pattern.
Typical Treatment Timeline:
- Mild cases: 6-12 months
- Moderate cases: 12-18 months
- Complex cases: 18-24 months or longer
Dr Sharma’s specialist expertise often allows him to achieve results more efficiently than less experienced practitioners, as he can identify the most effective treatment mechanics and avoid common pitfalls that extend treatment time.
Appointment Schedule:
Once your braces or aligners are fitted, you’ll typically attend adjustment appointments every 6-8 weeks (for fixed braces) or every 8-12 weeks (for Invisalign). These appointments are usually brief—30-45 minutes—and scheduled at times that minimise disruption to your work or personal commitments.
The Importance of Retention:
One of the most critical aspects of orthodontic treatment is what happens after your braces come off. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back towards their original positions—a phenomenon called relapse. To prevent this, Dr Sharma will provide you with retainers, which are custom-made devices that hold your teeth in their new, corrected positions.
Retainers come in two main types:
- Fixed retainers: Thin wires bonded to the back of your teeth, providing permanent retention
- Removable retainers: Clear plastic appliances worn at night to maintain alignment
Dr Sharma will recommend the most appropriate retention protocol for your case. Following his guidance on retainer wear is essential to protecting your investment and ensuring your beautiful smile lasts a lifetime.
Why Choose The London Smile Clinic for Your Orthodontic Treatment
The London Smile Clinic offers adult orthodontic patients a unique combination of specialist expertise, advanced technology, and patient-focused care that sets the practice apart from both general dental practices offering orthodontics and high-street aligner providers.
The Advantages of Choosing Dr Sharma:
- True specialist expertise: GDC-registered Specialist in Orthodontics with hospital consultant status
- Academic authority: Senior Clinical Lecturer training the next generation of specialists
- Award-winning research: Recognised internationally for contributions to orthodontic science
- Comprehensive treatment options: All modern orthodontic systems available under one roof
- Bespoke treatment planning: Individualised care rather than one-size-fits-all protocols
- Long-term support: Ongoing retention care and monitoring to protect your results
The clinic’s broader team also enhances your orthodontic journey. Working alongside Dr Sharma are cosmetic dentists, including founder Dr Tim Bradstock-Smith and Dr Michelle Sayour, should you wish to combine orthodontic treatment with teeth whitening or other cosmetic enhancements for a complete smile transformation. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of your smile are optimised.
The clinic’s welcoming environment and commitment to patient comfort also make the orthodontic journey more pleasant. From the initial consultation through to the day your braces come off, you’ll be treated with kindness, respect, and genuine care by a team that understands the emotional significance of investing in your smile.
Your Next Step: A Specialist Consultation
If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment but haven’t yet taken the first step, the most important thing you can do is schedule a consultation with a qualified specialist. During your assessment with Dr Sharma, you’ll receive an honest evaluation of your case, clear explanations of your treatment options, and transparent information about timelines and costs. There’s no pressure, no obligation—just expert guidance to help you make an informed decision about your care.
Whether you’re 25 or 65, it’s never too late to achieve the straight, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. Modern orthodontics makes treatment more comfortable, convenient, and discreet than ever before, and Dr Sharma’s specialist expertise ensures that you’ll achieve exceptional results regardless of which system you choose.
Your smile is an investment in your confidence, your health, and your future. Why wait any longer to begin your transformation?
Curious about which orthodontic treatment is right for you? Schedule a specialist consultation with Dr Pratik Sharma at The London Smile Clinic. As a hospital consultant and university lecturer, Dr Sharma offers the highest level of evidence-based care. Call 020 7631 0755 to book your assessment, or visit us at 40-44 Clipstone Street in London’s West End. Discover how specialist orthodontic treatment can transform not just your smile, but also your confidence and quality of life.
