Consultation and Examination

Records:

To help us to plan your treatment, we will take at least two types of special radiographs (x-rays). These can show us how your teeth are developing and where and to what degree you have any jaw discrepancy, if any. We also take photographs and impressions (moulds) of your teeth to make models of how your teeth looked before you started treatment.

Treatment planning:

Once we have all of records available to us, we can decide exactly what the problem is with your smile and “bite”. It may just be that you have a problem of crowded teeth, a problem with positioning of either the top or bottom jaws or a combination of both. We will recommend the best treatment by examining your teeth, models and your radiographs, but most importantly discussing what actually bothers you about your teeth and smile, and how you would like them improved. Quite often there are a number of possible approaches, with different merits. We will make sure you understand these before deciding if you want anything done at all.

Sometimes the degree of crowding will mean that it is impossible to produce good results without removing some teeth to provide space for the others. Most commonly these would be one of the premolar teeth at the sides. If this is necessary, we will arrange with your dentist for any extractions to be done at a suitable time.

Treatment Co-Ordinator

When your orthodontist has discussed your treatment plan with you, you will see one of our Treatment Co-Ordinators (TCs). TCs are specially trained to discuss your treatment plan and the risks an benefits of orthodontic treatment to enable you to make an informed decision whether or not to proceed with treatment.  The TC will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding your treatment.  If you do not qualify for NHS treatment, the TC will also discuss the treatment options that are available to you on a private basis.

At the end of this appointment, the TC will give you a full report detailing your treatment plan and any associated costs, together with your photographs and x-rays.  The TC will also ask you to sign a consent form.

Fitting braces:

Once you have decided to go ahead with treatment, a much longer appointment is made to place the brace. Once the brace has been fitted, you will be seen by one of our dental nurses who will show you how to look after it.  The dental nurse will also discuss diet.  Have a look at our care guide. You also need to keep up regular check-ups with your dentist.