Specialist Orthodontics

Leading Orthodontic Care for Children and adults

We are an an award-winning clinic, with a specialist orthodontist providing the whole family with a range of bespoke Orthodontic treatments from our nationally and internationally qualified orthodontists trained at Kings College London, one of the world’s must prestigious dental institutes.
We work with state of the art technology to create treatment plans for children, teens and adults to ensure a beautiful healthy smile for life.
We believe in a better you and perfecting your smile with orthodontics is our passion.

Types of braces

Orthodontics has come a long way since the days when wearing braces meant having a mouth full of metal. Now, there are many different braces to choose from that are smaller, easier to wear and more effective than ever before.

Invisible braces

Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners to move your teeth into position. The aligners look like thin sports mouthguards and sit over your teeth. They’re removable and virtually invisible to those around you.

Traditional fixed metal braces

Traditional fixed metal braces use a combination of metal brackets, archwires and ligatures (elastic bands) to straighten teeth. They’re the ‘original’ braces. However, developments in technology mean the brackets are now much smaller, less bulky and more comfortable to wear.

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces are much like traditional fixed metal braces, the difference being the brackets are made from ceramic material and are tooth-coloured, making them less visible. Ceramic brackets are also smoother and stronger than those used for traditional braces.

Self-ligating braces

Self-ligating braces use brackets that have a sliding mechanism, which allows for the archwire to move in response to your teeth. This means they operate with much less friction and there is no need for the elastic bands used with traditional braces. The Damon system of self-ligating braces is the most popular.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are attached to the back surface of your teeth. Aside from the aesthetic benefits, one of the advantages of lingual braces is that there is less risk of decalcification. This is because the inside surface of your teeth is more robust. Incognito is a well-known brand of lingual braces,

Our Orthodontic Team

Dr Guilherme M. Xavier

BDS, PGDip, MSc, MOrth (RCSEd), PhD, FHEA

GDC registration number – 228179

Specialist Orthodontist
Guy’s Hospital Lecturer in Orthodontics
National and International Lecturer
Published in worldwide journal and undertakes research at Kings College London, one of the world leading dental institutes.

Dr Guilherme M. Xavier, completed a postgraduate diploma in Orthodontics and an MSc in Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the same institution. In 2007 he started his PhD at King’s College London, sponsored by two prestigious awards (ALBAN and ORSAS). In 2013, he was appointed as an Academic Clinical Lecturer and honorary specialist registrar in Orthodontics at King’s College London; splitting his time between research and further clinical training in Orthodontics. His research led to several scientific publications in peer reviewed journals and his findings have been presented both abroad and throughout the UK. He qualified with a Distinction in his Master of Science in Orthodontics from King’s College London and was awarded the Professor Philip Walther Prize for the most outstanding performance. He also attained the Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth) with The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Dr Xavier also actively pursues a significant role in academic teaching and is dedicated to bringing state of the art orthodontics to Dulwich Dental Office exclusively. Guilherme prides himself in the quality of his clinical care and continuing education. He is an expert in fixed and removable orthodontics, with an attention to detail. The Dulwich Dental Office team is unique in that if after orthodontics small adjustments to the shape or size of the teeth are required, this can be done by our world-class smile makeover experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a division of dentistry that specifically focuses on correcting teeth and jaw irregularities, improving function and aesthetics . This usually involves fitting an orthodontic appliance to ensure alignment of the teeth.

What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?

Orhtodontists dentists who have embarked on 2 to 3 years of postgraduate study to specialise in orthodontics. We are lucky to have Dr Xavier who is a clinical lecturer at one of the world’s leading institutions, Kings College London, and Dr Arman who is one of the countries top providers in invisible braces by Invisalign.

How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

This is primarily dependent on the type of treatment you have. Some patients will need longer treatment than others. With our payment options including monthly payments, this should allow everyone to have access to the best teeth straightening services that money can buy.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

This is very dependent on the type of treatment you require. The short answer is from 4 months to 24 months.

How often will I need an appointment?

Once your brace has been fitted you’ll need to see your dentist or orthodontist every 6-8 weeks for adjustments.

Will I have to have teeth out?

Most treatments with modern brace systems can be done without removing teeth. However there are some cases where removing a tooth or teeth will give a better result.

Does orthodontic treatment hurt?

Orthodontic treatment doesn’t hurt, although at various stages throughout your treatment you may experience some discomfort. This is usually around the time you have your braces tightened or you are given your next set of aligners. This discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol.

Can children benefit from orthodontics?

Absolutely! In fact, the earlier the better as that way an orthodontist can identify potential problems and plan for treatment. UK health guidelines recommend every child has an orthodontic assessment between the ages of 7 and 11 while their teeth and jaws are still developing. This may result in them receiving preliminary treatment to avoid orthodontic problems later on, but more often than not it allows for both the child and parents, as well as the orthodontist, to prepare for treatment if need be.

Do I have to wear braces as a teenager?

Not necessarily. Traditional metal braces, also known as train tracks, are certainly an effective treatment option but as orthodontic technology has developed, more and more options are available for the younger patient. This includes Invisalign Teen.

Do I still have to visit my dentist while receiving treatment?

Yes, we recommend you continue to see your dentist for your regular checkups while receiving orthodontic treatment. This will help to ensure your teeth remain clean and healthy throughout treatment.

Can I clean my teeth while wearing braces?

Yes, and it is very important that you do so. If your teeth are not kept in optimum condition this can affect your treatment. See our section on brace care which outlines how to keep your teeth and braces clean.

I want orthodontic treatment but as an adult I’m too embarrassed to wear braces. Are there any other options?

These days, many of our orthodontists treat more adult patients than children and teenagers. One of the most popular treatment options is Invisalign, which uses virtually invisible plastic aligners to move your teeth into position. If your orthodontist recommends braces as the best treatment option for you, there are different types that are very discreet so won’t affect your appearance.

Other Specialist Dental Treatments

INVISALIGN

Straightens your teeth discreetly with a series of clear aligners

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FACIAL AESTHETICS

Safe and effective line and wrinkle treatments

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ORTHODONTICS

Choose from a range of teeth straightening treatments

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PERIODONTAL THERAPY

Treatment and prevention of gum disease

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ENDODONTICS

Root canal treatment to save the root of a tooth

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ORAL SURGERY

Complex dental surgery

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ALL-ON-4 IMPLANTS

Lose teeth in their upper or lower jaw because of tooth decay

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Testimonials

The Dentist, Hygienist, Dental Nurses & Especially the Receptionist staff are very Polite, Friendly & most importantly they try to fit you in quickly in the event of an emergency. Recently I couldn’t get the time of work for an emergency appointment for my 81 year old Mum so I called an Uber for her & told the receptionist this. The young Black Lady called me when she ordered & place my Mother in a cab – so she went above & beyond her duties with a lot of Customer Care & Respect for my Mother- Thank You so much

Zehra M.

Friendly staff and a very good turn around for appointments , next step to meet the hygienist if he’s as lovely as the rest of the staff it will be great

Wendy D.

Had a tooth out which is never fun, but he was great, never even needed pain killers afterwards

Vince A.

Great service! Im usually so nervous when coming in to the dentist but my dentist was so pleasant and polite ! Dulwich Dental Office will definitely be my dentist for life

Tomike O.

I lost my two front teeth whilst at school and had complications for years. Unfortunately I ended up needing an implant – which I had been avoiding! I wish I had done it sooner. Dr Patel was fantastic and guided me through each stage. He was always contactable to answer any queries or concerns. Very happy with the end result and would reccomend.

Tom O.

Registered and seen on the NHS within 2 weeks – amazing. Really friendly staff, would definitely recommend

Tom C.

I have recently finished an invisalign program with Pooja at dulwich dental office and couldn’t be happier. The treatment was easy and pain free and the results are great. Pooja’s experience and friendliness made me feel at ease throughout. I would 100% recommend for anyone considering similar treatment.

Toby B.

Dentist Pooja Pillay is excellent and was very patient with me as I I took a long time (years!) deciding whether or not to take the plunge and have Invisalign to straighten my teeth. It didn’t take too long and was easier than I thought it would be. Pooja kept a close eye on how it was all progressing and we even went a bit longer with it just to really perfect the result. I’m delighted with the outcome. Everything was included in the price, even the extra aligners and appointments when we decided to go on a bit longer. All staff at the practice have been excellent. Highly recommend.

Susie F.

I had my Invisaligns done by Dr Pillay and she really took the time to make sure my teeth are lovely and straight. She has always been available with any queries or follow up treatment I needed – and made me feel well looked after from the beginning and end of the treatment. I really recommend seeing her if you want to get Invisaligns done.

Stella C.

I am undergoing a course of Invisalign treatment with Dulwich Dental Office and I am so pleased with the results, even at this early stage. It is great that I can take the braces out to eat and clean my teeth. I am looking forward to the end result.