6 - Things to consider when choosing an orthodontist
Deciding which orthodontist to see is the first, and most important, step to achieving the straight
teeth and having the confident smile that you have been wishing for yourself or your child.
Straightening teeth takes time to complete so you want to make sure that you choose the right
orthodontist and practice that will meet your needs.
Whilst not an exhaustive list, here are some things that we feel may be important for you to
consider.
1. Qualifications, training and experience
An orthodontist in the UK is any dentist who delivers orthodontics
care to patients.
An orthodontic specialist is a dentist who has undergone additional
postgraduate training in orthodontics.
You can view the list of UK-registered specialists on the website of
the General Dental Council at www.gdc-uk.org .
An orthodontist demonstrating commitment to continuing education
can help to reassure you that they are keeping up-to-date with
modern thinking, practices and techniques.
2. Treatment appliances
Straightening teeth can be achieved through a variety of
different appliance systems now.
A consultation provides you with the opportunity to find out
about the different braces that will are suitable to treat your
teeth and fit in with your personal needs
(e.g. playing certain musical instruments, public speaking
presentation etc.).
If you have a particular brace system in mind, check to see that this is something that a practice
offers and has experience in. e.g. Invisalign, lingual orthodontics.
3. Teamwork, service and management
For a successful outcome in orthodontic treatment there needs to be a partnership between the
patient, the parent or carer (where applicable) and the orthodontic team.
Consider:
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Appointments and availability for your needs
Staff approachability
NHS or Private treatment
Continuity of care – have the staff been there long?
Flexible payment plans
Responsiveness to needs, complaints and dissatisfaction
4. Location, location, location..
We have all heard this phrase before but it is also important when
choosing an orthodontist.
Treatment may take from 6 months to 3 years to complete with
appointments about every 6-8 weeks. With this in mind, you should
consider the following:
-
How long will it take me to get to the practice?
Can I get there by car/ bus/ train / walking?
Is their car parking at the practice or close by?
Do the facilities meet my support needs?
5. Safety
All dental practices need to provide a safe environment for their
patients, carers, visitors and staff. This encompasses the maintaining
of the building to the cross-infection controls within all practices.
One external measure of this is the periodic inspections carried out
by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Any member of the public can view the status of a healthcare establishment on the CQC website at
www.cqc.org.uk
6. Treatment outcomes – don’t just take our word for it
Nothing is more reassuring than the opinion of someone you trust
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Seek an opinion from your general dentist
Read testimonials and view ‘before and after’ pictures on a practice’s website
Ask local friends for their experiences and recommendations.
Here are a couple of testimonials from patients that we have treated:
‘I spent the previous few years smiling with my mouth closed before treatment. Everyone says ‘Oh
your teeth are fine’, but it has always been something that bothered me. I had braces in my teens
but didn’t wear my retainers and 15 years down the line I finally bit the bullet to go for treatment for
my coming wedding. The whole team at Abbey Orthodontics have been really supportive from day 1
and I only wish I had done it sooner!’ (Sally H)
‘Thank you ever so much for all the time and effort you put into straightening my teeth. You really
have changed my life. I have come from being a thirteen year old with fangs and being too selfconscious to smile properly to a sixteen year old with straight teeth who can smile as much as I
want.
Throughout the three or so years I have been coming to you, you have always treated me as an
individual, remembering special aspects of my life and therefore making me feel more welcome and
that my well-being was as important to you as it was to me. Right from the beginning you were
extremely kind and considerate and always put my mind at ease by telling me what you were doing
and continually talking to me whilst doing so. This was so helpful as I was so nervous and the
informality of the conversation really helped me to relax and made the whole experience a lot more
enjoyable. I am really going to miss coming to see you. Thank you again for all your hard work and
kindness. It is very much appreciated.’ (Nicola D)
Dr Elizabeth Weeks our Specialist Orthodontist, and her team, would like to welcome you to Abbey
Orthodontics.
We offer free introductory consultations for patients seeking private treatment. You can leave your
details through our website, or contact us on 01794 519589 to book an appointment. For treatment
under the NHS, a referral is required from your general dentist.