Appointments

Intitial Consultation

The first visit is all about you getting to know us, what is involved and getting comfortable with our clinic. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding orthodontic treatment or any issues you have with your teeth.

Some of the things that will happen during your initial consultation include:

• Identifying what your, and your parents’ main concerns are and what your expectations are in terms of orthodontic treatment so that any treatment options we consider will ensure satisfaction of those expectation and concerns
• Reviewing your dental and medical history records
• A comprehensive clinical examination of not just your teeth, but your face, lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaws

All this information will be used to give you an indication of the various treatment options available during this initial consultation.

If you are ready for treatment straight away and keen to get started as soon as possible, then the option of taking “full records” during the same appointment will be given, but if you’d like to go home and think about it with your family, then we can always make another appointment to take the “records”

If you are not quite yet ready for treatment, then we will schedule regular review appointments until you are. This can happen if there are still too many baby teeth in the mouth.

Records Appointment

So what does “full records” mean?

These comprise digital photographs of the teeth and face; moulds of your teeth (dental impressions) to make plaster casts/models of your teeth; and xrays to assess your teeth and your jaws. If your dentist has taken panoramic xrays within the last 6 months, you can bring a copy along instead of taking a new one.

They provide all the useful information we need to come up with an individualised tailored treatment plan that will cater to both, your concerns and expectations as well as any problems we had identified during the initial consultation.

Treatment Consultation

Once the personalised and comprehensive treatment plan has been formulated, it will be discussed with you at a follow up consultation.

During this visit, the treatment plan containing the pros and cons of all the treatment options available will be thoroughly explained to you, so that you can make an informed decision on your preferred treatment option.

If you decide to go ahead with the treatment, then an appointment to get the braces on will be made.

Braces On

This appointment takes around an hour, and involves ‘sticking’ the braces onto the teeth. The process is relatively pain-free, and the worst part about it having to keep your mouth open. We will endeavor to make this as comfortable as possible for your and give you regular breaks.

After your braces have been put on, Ali will have a chat about caring for your braces and everything you need to know about brushing and looking after your teeth. You will also receive a take home pack with written information of everything that Ali talked about.

Adjustments

These are the appointments needed during treatment, and depending on what needs to be done can range from 15 to 30 minutes, every 5 to 8 weeks

During these appointments, Ali will examine your teeth and do what is necessary for the next stage of treatment, like changing the wires. You will also get to change the coloured ‘o-rings’ around the braces every time you come in.

When making appointments, please let us know which times or days suit you best and will endeavor to make sure that the appointments are as convenient as possible for you.

Life is unpredictable, and as often happen, if something comes up or you are running late and cannot make an appointment, then please just let us know and we can reschedule the appointment for you.

Braces Off

A very exciting day for all!

The day you get your braces off and feel like your mouth is empty for a while. After the braces are taken off, a wire is glued to the back of your lower front teeth (most of the time) and depending on the case, a wire may be needed behind your upper front teeth. A mould is then taken of your teeth and a retainer made which you can pick up in the afternoon.

Photos of your face and teeth are then taken to document the completed case, and these are added to photos you had taken before and during treatment. These will be put into a CD and given to you so that you may cherish the experience forever!