Orthodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial abnormalities. It involves the use of devices such as braces and aligners to correct issues like misaligned teeth and jaws, improving oral function and enhancing smile aesthetics. If you are experiencing issues like these, you may need to seek orthodontic treatment, but where should you begin? There are two things you will need to consider. Firstly, choosing an orthodontist and secondly, choosing the most suitable orthodontic treatment.
In this blog we’ll give you some tips on choosing an orthodontist, including details on why we provide some of the best orthodontics in London and offer some advice to help you decide on the most appropriate orthodontic treatment to suit your needs.
Choosing an Orthodontist
If your dentist has highlighted that you might need braces but they don’t offer suitable treatments at their practice, or you have a complex issue they cannot deal with, you’ll need to book in with an orthodontist. Choosing the best one to meet your needs is important because this is your smile we’re talking about.
To help you choose the right place to have your orthodontic treatment, here are a few things to consider:
- Location: The proximity of the orthodontist's practice to your home or workplace is a crucial consideration. It can make regular visits more convenient, especially when treatment often requires frequent check-ups. Consider if the travel time is reasonable and fits into your lifestyle as well as whether the practice offers parking or easy access via public transport.
- Reputation: Look into the orthodontist's reputation before selecting them for treatment. Check online reviews, ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your dentist. A credible orthodontist will have positive feedback and high ratings.
- Orthodontic Treatments Offered: Not all orthodontists offer the full spectrum of treatments. Ensure the orthodontist you choose offers the specific orthodontic treatment you or your family member needs, be it traditional braces, Invisalign, or other orthodontic appliances.
- Experience and Qualifications: Check the orthodontist's experience and qualifications. They should have the necessary training and certification to practise orthodontics. Their expertise in handling similar cases in the past can be a significant reassurance of their competency and you can often find evidence of this in the before and after photos and testimonials on their website or social media profiles.
- Cost and Payment Plans: Orthodontic treatments can be expensive. It's essential to understand the cost upfront, what your insurance covers, and if the orthodontist offers flexible payment plans to make the treatment affordable.
At The Orthodontic Suite we offer some of the best orthodontics in London. We’ll meet and exceed your expectations for all of the 5 points above - we are situated on Croxted Road in West Dulwich, London and have street parking outside a bus stop opposite. We have a highly experienced and qualified orthodontic team, offer the latest fixed brace and clear aligner treatments and have regular special offers to help you get your orthodontic treatment for less.
Choosing the Best Orthodontic Treatment
Once you have decided on your chosen orthodontist, it’s time to make an appointment for an initial consultation. You can click here to book with us.
At your initial consultation, your orthodontist will discuss the issues you are experiencing and any concerns you might have, before conducting a review of your mouth, taking x-rays and moulds where appropriate - to help understand the issues and how they might be resolved. Then you will be presented with the best treatment options to fix these issues. It might be straightforward in that there is only one solution, or there might be more than one option for you to consider. Of course, your orthodontist is best placed to advise you on the most suitable course of treatment, but there may be a few things for you to consider, such as:
- Cost: The financial aspect is a crucial factor to consider when deciding on your orthodontic treatment. Different treatments have varying costs depending on factors like complexity, duration, and materials used. It's important to have a clear understanding of the total cost, which will be broken down for you in a treatment plan.
- Orthodontic Treatment Duration: The length of treatment can vary significantly depending on the complexity of your orthodontic issues. Simple cases might only require a few months, while more complex cases could take several years. Assess your willingness and ability to commit to a long-term treatment plan, as well as committing to take extra care with your oral health regime for the treatment’s duration.
- Aesthetics during Treatment: Some orthodontic solutions, like traditional metal braces, are more visible than others, such as clear aligners or ceramic braces. If you're concerned about the appearance of your orthodontic appliance, this could be a significant factor in your decision.
- Comfort: Different treatments may offer varying levels of comfort. For example, some people find removable aligners more comfortable than fixed braces, which can cause discomfort in the early stages. It's important to consider how each treatment option will impact your daily life and you’ll be advised on this during your initial consultation.
- Maintenance: Different treatments require different levels of care. Traditional braces may require more meticulous cleaning, while clear aligners need to be removed before eating or drinking anything but water. Be ready to adhere to the maintenance routine of your chosen treatment.
- Post-treatment Requirements: After your braces are removed, a retainer will be necessary to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Understand the expected length and requirements of this phase for each treatment option.
- Insurance Coverage: Depending on your insurance plan, some treatments may be partially or fully covered. Check with your provider to understand what's included in your coverage, as this could affect what you can fit into your budget.
You are under no obligation to decide on your treatment at the first consultation, in fact, we advise you to go away and think about it, to make sure that you make the right decision for you. You could also chat with your family, friends and loved ones, particularly if they have had treatment themselves, as they can share their own experiences to help you get a better understanding.
If after some deliberation, you are still unsure, your orthodontist will be more than happy to chat through the options at a follow up consultation. To find out more about the orthodontic treatments we offer please click here, or to book in for an initial consultation please call us on 0203 973 9334 or send us a message and we’ll get back to you via your preferred method of contact.
We look forward to helping you start your journey towards a happier and healthier smile.