75a Queens Gate, London, SW7 5JT >
Functional braces are bespoke removable braces made from acrylic (hard plastic) and wire. They are used to tip teeth and reposition the lower jaw in order to correct goofy teeth due to an imbalance in jaw size.
They are used primarily for children who are still growing. They are particularly useful to start treatment of children who still have baby teeth left.
Although a number of different types of functional braces exist, they largely do the same thing. Some are worn full time (Twin Blocks) and some part time (eg Medium Opening Activator; Frankel Appliance).
Sometimes functional braces are used together with fixed braces, but more commonly, they are used prior to treatment with fixed braces.
When a functional brace is the most suitable form of treatment, one of a variety of different appliances may be used. Please see just three of the functional braces which we use during treatment below:
This 10-year-old boy had a short lower jaw, which meant that his lower lip (which is a band of muscle) was trapped behind his upper central incisors, causing them to be tipped forwards (proclined), with a prominence (overjet) of 11mm.
There are many ways of tackling this problem. However, the different brace types essentially have the same aim, which is to reposition the lower lip in front of the upper central incisors, where it can tip the upper incisors backwards, reduce the overjet and become a natural retainer. As he had lots of baby (deciduous) teeth that were going to fall out during his orthodontic treatment, we decided to use a Capped Frankel 2, functional appliance (brace), made from acrylic and stainless-steel wire, that minimally covered the tooth surfaces, worn for 12 hours a day, mostly whilst sleeping and only in the privacy of his home. This meant the deciduous teeth could fall out without making the brace unwearable, ensuring his orthodontic treatment could continue without interruption as his adult teeth erupted. Over a 20-month period, he diligently wore the brace at night and was rewarded with great success, as his overjet reduced from 11mm to 4mm. He may not need to have any further orthodontic treatment when his adult teeth erupt fully, as his teeth are straight, and his bite is looking good.
This 10-year-old boy had a short lower jaw, which meant that his lower lip (which is a band of muscle) was trapped behind his upper central incisors, causing them to be tipped forwards (proclined), with a prominence (overjet) of 11mm.
There are many ways of tackling this problem. However, the different brace types essentially have the same aim, which is to reposition the lower lip in front of the upper central incisors, where it can tip the upper incisors backwards, reduce the overjet and become a natural retainer. As he had lots of baby (deciduous) teeth that were going to fall out during his orthodontic treatment, we decided to use a Capped Frankel 2, functional appliance (brace), made from acrylic and stainless-steel wire, that minimally covered the tooth surfaces, worn for 12 hours a day, mostly whilst sleeping and only in the privacy of his home. This meant the deciduous teeth could fall out without making the brace unwearable, ensuring his orthodontic treatment could continue without interruption as his adult teeth erupted. Over a 20-month period, he diligently wore the brace at night and was rewarded with great success, as his overjet reduced from 11mm to 4mm. He may not need to have any further orthodontic treatment when his adult teeth erupt fully, as his teeth are straight, and his bite is looking good.
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Everybody has been complimenting my 14 year old son on his perfect teeth...from dentist to hygienist to friends. In fact the hygienist said he couldn't have hoped for a better job and he was rather jealous...me too! Thanks everyone and thanks for finishing the final touches as Covid was fast approaching.
5 Stars all the way. To the very helpful gentleman at reception - Jordan, the lovely nurses Patricia, Anthonia and Dr Claire Nightingale. Thank you!
Claire and her team have done a fantastic job for my son over many years. I recommend her wholeheartedly! She was originally suggested by our dentist when we discovered our son, then 9, needed dental surgery and on-going orthodontics to resolve a dental anomaly. Always clear, calm and happy to explain procedures, she navigated us through a stressful time expertly and with a lightness we all really appreciated every time we visited. With that resolved, we asked her to address his more common teenage teeth issues. Today the braces came off and he is thrilled with the result! Thank you, Claire and team for all your hard work, patience and brilliant care.
Claire is an absolutely exceptional orthodontist and it was an absolute privilege to have been treated by her. There are not enough stars available for this review to reflect how amazing her and her team are! Thank you Claire for treating me so brilliantly and in such a friendly and engaging manner. I will miss my visits to see you all!
Finding someone you trust with your teeth can be difficult, but I can't recommend Queens Gate Orthodontics enough! Claire is a wonderful orthodontist who's care and attention to detail have totally transformed my smile. Moreover, every member of the team made me feel comfortable throughout the whole process.
We have worked with Claire and her team for many years. She is an experienced orthodontist providing treatments of very high quality. Her team are well trained and professional, creating a friendly and welcoming environment.
We can't recommend Queens Gate highly enough. My daughter Tallulah now aged 14 has just completed her orthodontic treatment and her teeth are beautiful! Claire and the whole team are so lovely, patient and cheerful, we are really going to miss our regular visits to see them. The quality of care was fantastic throughout - although T is at boarding school, we managed to organise appointments around exeats and holidays with no problem, and dramas like broken brackets were all dealt with incredibly promptly and cheerfully. We are very grateful to Claire and QG for achieving such great results, which we are thrilled with!
Claire kindly accepted to offer me a day's work experience at the clinic and what can I say? The staff are all so welcoming, friendly and accommodating. I really enjoyed my time during the placement and have found it extremely beneficial. The quality of care that I witnessed given to the patients is of such a high standard. I honestly have nothing bad to say about this clinic and would HIGHLY recommend visiting if interested in having any orthodontic treatment done. I cannot thank Claire enough for so willingly offering me this day's placement.
I've just completed 4 years of treatment with Claire and I'm absolutely delighted with the result. I couldn't have been treated better the whole way through.
My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. Highly recommended.
I recently went for a day of work experience at this clinic and it was such an interesting and insightful experience. The staff were all so welcoming and happy to answer any questions that I had. Thank you Dr Nightingale for offering me this amazing opportunity!
After discussions with my Dentist, Claire was recommended to me for a course of Orthodontic Treatment to improve my bite and smile. Two and a half years later after treatment has ended I can say that I am delighted with the outcome. I can't thank Claire and her team enough for the work that they have carried out and always in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and in a very flexible and accommodating manner in order to accommodate our busy schedules. I would recommend Claire to anyone, without hesitation, who asked me if I knew of anyone who could carry out first class orthodontic treatment. I can't complement her enough and the treatment is all carried out with an easy manner and great sense of humour.
A fantastic team awaits you at Queensgate Orthodontics!
Claire clearly knows her trade - extensive consultation, a wealth of knowledge, sincere interest and always happy to help. Her team shares the same values and they all made this challenging journey look like a walk in the park. :)
Couldn't be happier with my perfect smile!! Lots of care and 3 years of close care have gone into it, I'm extremely grateful to Claire and her team! I'd recommend Queens Gate orthodontics not only for the professionalism and end result, but also for keeping in touch with my dentist and cross checking everything went fine from all perspectives. Wonderful job!
I'm immensely pleased with my "improved smile"...
An amazing team of ladies, offering a professional and incredibly warm reception, and enabling the most outstanding results.
I was given a range of advice, and payment options to ensure I was comfortable with the treatment recommendations.
Invisalign is a brilliant product, and with the excellent care and support of Claire and her wonderful team, I quickly started to observe changes which motivated me to be compliant with the treatment.
Thank you...
Claire and her team were truly excellent throughout my treatment, having been recommended by a family friend. I was treated with lingual braces for around 15 months and I am absolutely delighted with the end result. The whole experience was seamless and Claire and her staff were always professional, friendly and accommodating.
I recently carried out work experience at this Orthodontics and was immediately met with friendly staff members who helped myself understand complex procedures while carrying them out on patients, also they went out of the way to help make sure I was at ease and enjoying myself during my work experience. Thanks once again for the lovely time.
- Daniel Aziz
Absolutely excellent Orthodontics practice - a very kind, welcoming, highly professional and efficient team.
From right the way through the course of my treatment, they were incredibly supportive and able to answer all of my questions and queries.
Brilliant treatment and I can not stop smiling ear to ear! Thank you so much to the entire team in helping to fix my teeth.
With very best wishes
Sarah
The work Claire and her team provide is truly excellent! I straightened my teeth with Claire when I was 14 years old using fixed braces for about a year and until today I have a perfect smile people comment on! I continue check ups with Claire and her team, always getting the best care and attendance to any worries I may have. Experts in their field and such lovely people on top of that!
Claire and her lovely team have looked after me since March 2015; not only are they warm and friendly, they took the time to educate me on all aspects of my treatment, making sure that I had thoroughly understood any risks and consequences. The care and communication has been excellent and I am extremely pleased with my results. I would definitely recommend Clare and her team for all your orthodontic needs :)
My second daughter has now just had her braces off and despite being quite a challenging case, yet again Claire has worked her magic! My dentist describes Claire as an absolute perfectionist and I can attest to this fact. Both my girls have stunning teeth now and I am absolutely delighted with the result. Generally, the practice are all extremely helpful and accommodating, especially with fitting in appointments in boarding school holidays. I can not recommend Queen's Gate Orthodontics enough.
My daughter started her treatment with Claire after a recommendation from a close friend who has a fantastic smile! After seeing the outcome of my daughters teeth which are now amazing and have provided my daughter with a massive confidence boost, i decided to have my teeth straightened also, partly as i always felt conscious about my smile and partly in time for a close friends wedding as i was due to be a bridesmaid and wanted to smile with confidence!
Claire provides an exceptionally professional approach to her work and is very much a perfectionist, which when you are seeking the perfect smile this characteristic is a must. Claire is very patient and understanding of the process you go through from having the braces fitted to the adjustments to the final exuberance in having them removed. Claire was fantastic when treating my daughter and the provision of the fashionable different coloured bands certainly helped my daughter cope with having braces fitted.
Claire's new practice offices are very welcoming and the atmosphere makes you feel instantly relaxed and comfortable. I would 150% recommend Claire's services to any parents who are considering have dental work for their children and also any adults contemplating a better smile. It is certainly the best experience i have ever had at the Dentist! and yes the braces were off in time for wedding and my smile was amazing!!
Queens Gate Orthodontics is a lovely, warm, friendly place. The staff make you feel welcome. I believe this is because of Claire's leadership/philosophy. She genuinely cares about people and listens to them. Her patients go in with smiles on their faces and come out with bigger ones!
I have had the privilege to be treated by her, and we still keep in touch. I think this is the best compliment that I can give. I'm a dentist and I go to Claire!
My son has just completed his treatment and he is very pleased with the result. It was a pleasure dealing with Claire and her team, always professional and always doing their best to acommodate. I would recommend Queens Gate Orthodontics without hesitation.
I could not be more pleased. Everything about Queens Gate Orthodontics exceeded my expectations. As an adult having braces for the second time in my life, Claire understood exactly what I wanted to achieve and I am thrilled with the results. Everyone in the team is very friendly and accommodating making the whole experience very positive and worthwhile. Highly recommended.
The technical expertise and professionalism of Dr Claire Nightingale and her entire team is outstanding. From the outset, I had absolute confidence. I cannot recommend Queens Gate Orthodontics highly enough. I am delighted with the results. Big smiles all round!
As an orthodontist, I thought very carefully about who to send my daughter to when she asked for orthodontic treatment with lingual braces. I chose Claire Nightingale because I was absolutely confident she and her team would do the very best for my daughter. The braces came off a few weeks ago and the result is aesthetically dazzling and technically excellent. The whole treatment went very smoothly and the final result was achieved in about 12 months. Everyone in Queen's Gate Orthodontics was very friendly and supportive - so a great team in whom I have the utmost confidence!
We were recommended to Queensgate Orthodontics as my daughter's teeth needed treatment. Sophia has been coming to see Claire for around three years and recently had her fixed brace removed. The results are stunning and we are delighted. I would thoroughly recommend this practice - my dentist described Claire as one of the greatest 'perfectionists' - and he was right!
They are also very helpful with scheduling convenient appointment times for those at boarding school!
I first met Claire Nightingale and her team over two years ago having been highly recommended to the practice from my local dentist and other medical professionals. I have no problems whatsoever in singing their praises! I was completely at ease from our first introduction and fully informed with what treatment plan was on offer to me.
I am so glad and grateful with the treatment and attention I have received.
Excellent technical expertise - I had a first class experience with Claire and her team realigning my teeth over about a 2 ½ year period. I was recommended Claire by a friend who's a dentist who said she's the best orthodontist she knows and had trained under her. Overall very happy with the end result and quality of service and advice throughout.
A fantastic experience - Dr. Claire Nightingale is a lovely person and an utter perfectionist who worked wonders! The whole team were extremely professional and delightful to deal with. As an adult receiving treatment, I was worried about the impact it would have on my life, but we opted for hidden lingual braces, which achieved a brilliant result discreetly and quickly. Highly recommended.
I had been considering orthodontic treatment for many months and had had a number of unsatisfactory consultations when a friend recommended Claire. From the initial consultation I felt immediately relaxed and confident in Claire's ability and professionalism.
Although I was in my late 30's when I commenced with my treatment I have to say it is the best thing I ever did. It is very much an unusual day that passes if I don't receive a compliment about my smile or how nice my teeth are.
Claire's practice is very relaxed and professional and the flexibility of Claire and her team made the entire experience "almost" enjoyable!
I thoroughly recommend Claire and her team to anyone who is considering any form of Orthodontic treatment.
I am extremely satisfied with the professional and friendly practice. Claire explained the treatment plan, kept me informed about progress throughout the plan and always answered my many questions. The other staff at the practice were friendly, efficient and strove for a very high degree of excellence. I would recommend Queensgate Orthodontics to anyone.
A very professional and skilled team led by the excellent Claire Nightingale. You get what you pay for by going private and treatment provides excellent results in very quick time. I highly recommend this orthodontist to anyone looking to improve their smile. 5 star service, and a big thank you to the team for their care and professionalism whilst I was undergoing treatment.
Claire and her team treated my daughter (and now my sons) with the utmost of professionalism and Claire has explained every decision and choice with great clarity and patience. She is always available with advice (including how to handle my own sudden dental crisis). Can't recommend Queens Gate Orthodontics highly enough.
I have been undergoing treatment for 18 months with Claire and her team and I have been impressed with their professionalism, flexibility and good humour. Nothing is too much trouble and the ability to pay upfront gave me peace of mind over the costs and length of the treatment. I couldn't recommend them highly enough.
Claire worked out a fantastic Invisalign program for me. And we achieved exactly what I was aiming for - a correction of a cross bite and improved biting surfaces. Even better, Claire and her team are very diligent about follow-up and maintenance, and two years after treatment still check in on me to ensure that my retainers are in place and still fit...great customer service, happy happy customer.
Claire's approach is relaxed and supportive. Her knowledge and professionalism is exceptional. Claire was able to provide me with a beautiful smile for my wedding day, and beyond. Her team at Queensgate are flexible and accommodating. I would highly recommend.
Queens Gate Orthodontics is a beautiful practice that provides excellent care. The expertise of Dr. Claire Nightingale is outstanding and the team ladies are great professionals who always make you feel welcomed and at ease. The atmosphere is friendly and genuinely caring for patients. In summary, I cannot recommend Queens Gate Orthodontics highly enough!
My son had complex Orthodontic needs, Claire Nightingale expertly identified these and treated him with the utmost sensitivity and care. We cannot thank Claire enough, she is not only a brilliant Orthodontist, she is also a lovely person who I thoroughly recommend.
My (now beautiful) 14 year old son repeatedly forgot to put on his elastics, regularly broke or lost appliances and tested Dr Claire Nightingale Claire to the limit. She was gentle, professional and persistent. She has produced an excellent outcome in the face of provocation and she didn't once get cross with the little sod. In the vernacular: a "like".
Claire and her team did an excellent job on my teeth with an Invisalign treatment that went very smoothly from the beginning to the end. They are very professional and friendly. I can only recommend them.
I was very lucky to find out about Queensgate Orthodontics through a dental practice. I came to QGO with a problem - my treatment with another orthodontist went wrong. Claire took me on and after a year and a half of treatment, I am happy to be able to share my smile again. From the very beginning she strove to find best approaches and solutions. Coming from an unsuccessful treatment, I had no doubt that I was in safe hands. Throughout the treatment, Claire was very patient and full of understanding for my own impatience and numerous questions. Both Claire and all staff have always welcomed me with a smile and I really appreciated their friendly approach and efficiency. I could not recommend the practice and Claire highly enough, and wish them all the best in the future.
The team at Queens Gate are highly professional, caring and friendly. The treatment has always been excellent and it is also very good value for money. Fully recommend.
I would highly recommend Queens Gate Orthodontics for these reasons:
I am an international student who had a dental emergency and didn't know where to go. I came across QGO and they welcomed me with open arms. Despite having an emergency and walking in with no appointment, I only waited about 8 minutes!
Claire Nightingale did an excellent job on fixing my retainer and although I was not happy about having to go in, on account of the emergency, I walked out extremely happy with both the service and experience I had.
The work took no more than 5 minutes but I stayed after to talk with Claire about life - something not all orthodontists take the time to do. Claire , her apprentice, and the person working at the receptionist desk were very personable, caring, and engaging!
I commend Claire and the team on their brilliant clinical, professional and personal skills. My wonderful new nashers are down to Claire's excellent clinical skills and the support I have received along the way from the whole team has been faultless. Thanks ladies!
Claire is incredibly approachable and very professional. I would not hesitate to recommend Queensgate Orthadontics. I have now finished my orthodontic treatment with a smile I am happy to wear!
Lovely Claire did an excellent job on my teeth, so thanks you very much! Would highly recommend the her.
Claire is an amazing professionist and all the staff is always smily, friendly and warm. They really made me feel at home, their explanations and answeres to my questions have always been clear and more than exhaustive.
Instead of the classic braces, Claire suggested me the Invisalign treatment that worked out perfectly, almost painlessly and no one even noticed I was wearing the retainers without me telling.
Amazing and professional service! My teeth dreams have come true. The best place in London.
I'm totally sold into Queensgate Orthondontics - I always enjoy my visit. The staff are all friendly, extremely professional and thorough.
Our daughter has just completed 2 years of difficult and complicated orthodontistry with Claire Nightingale and her team and the result is brilliant and we are delighted. Queensgate Orthodontics is a very professional and friendly practice which we would thoroughly recommend.
I would say Queens Gate Orthodontics is the best place in London for the job. If you want a great smile with a reasonable price, this is the place.
My Mum and I had treatment here, and we both had amazing results. I would definitely recommend.
We have a 13 year old boy who needed to get his teeth sorted pretty badly. It was a shame that he had become self conscious of a 30* rotated front top tooth. I was perturbed about the process not having experienced it first hand. Now 16 months later we are almost sorry we hadn't started earlier. The process worked out really well for us. QGO was really flexible about appointments, and someone was always on hand for the bits and pieces that came up along the way. The braces themselves were really light weight and colour, train tracks are clearly a thing of the past, and were no great pain to get used to. The final product has made us so vey happy, a lovely big perfect smile that has made our man not only more handsome, but happy enough to smile more than he used to as well. I can't recommend Claire and her team any more highly, go get it done!
My teeth were straightened a few years ago and my smile is still fabulous!
At 33 I was hesitant to start orthodontic treatment, following my experience of train tracks at the age of 11. However, my past treatment had left me with severe overcrowing in my bottom teeth, which from time to time really ached.
When I talked to Claire about the fact that my teeth bothered me, but I didn't want to repeat the treatment that I'd had as a child, she explained that there were a number different options available to me and that I needn't go down the route of having train tracks again. Claire introduced me to Invisalign, which to my delight, nobody noticed I was wearing! Just under 2 years later I have the perfect teeth! When I look at old photos (e.g. those taken on our wedding day), I kick myself that I didn't look into treatment sooner.
Claire is incredibly knowledgeable but she has a calm and friendly approach and is very good at explaining things simply. There is no clock watching in her consultations, she makes you feel as if you can ask as many questions as you like, however silly they might sound. The treatment itself was also relaxed, administered very professionally with minimal discomfort.
I found all of the staff at the practice relaxed and friendly. They put me at ease and always found time to fit me in when best suited me.
The practice itself is very pleasant. High-tech, impecably clean and the waiting area stocked with a fantastic choice of magazines!
I would definately recommend this practice (and frequently do) to anyone who is interested in having treatment.
This is a friendly and relaxed practice that creates great smiles.
Thank you, Claire, for my beautiful smile!
