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Information
about orthodontic treatment
First
Visit
At
this visit the position of your teeth have been noted, along with a record
(impression) from which a plaster model will be made. If not already available
X-rays of the teeth to be moved have been taken. This allows us to check the
position of the roots and any teeth not through yet. We can also check if any
other treatment may be necessary before the braces can be fitted Under
18’s Only NHS Qualification
From 1st April 2006 the Government's new arrangements for NHS orthodontic treatment came into force. The new arrangements are designed to target treatment to those with the greatest health need. As a result, in certain mild cases where dental health is least affected, orthodontic treatment cannot be provided under the NHS. In mild cases treatment may be provided on a Private basis. You may also wish to discuss Private alternatives to NHS treatment. Start
of Treatment
Once
you reach the top of the waiting list we will contact you to arrange appointments to take teeth
out (if needed) or for fitting the brace(s). If teeth need to be taken out this
will be done by your normal dentist. Appointments
There
are two sessions a week for orthodontic treatment. These are 2-5 on Mondays and
9-12.30 on Thursdays. To allow as many patients as possible to be seen out of
school hours appointments after 3.30 are limited to those requiring ten minutes
or less. If braces are broken or causing problems we will of course see you as
soon as possible, not just these sessions. Treatment
Length
The
average time for treatment is about two years for fixed braces. This will be
longer if other braces need to be worn before hand, about six months for each
brace. You will need to come for adjustments to the braces every four weeks. At
the end of active treatment you will then need to wear retainer braces for six
to twelve months. These are normally removable, but worn all the time to begin
with. Care
of teeth and braces
You will need to keep the teeth and braces very clean. This will mean spending much longer brushing your teeth. We recommend the use of a fluoride mouthwash every day. A small “bottle brush” toothbrush will be useful for cleaning under the wire; this is available from reception at a discount price.
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