Orthodontic treatment requires significant commitment from the patient and it is vital that they are as committed to the treatment as the orthodontist. The following provides an outline of how a simple treatment may work:

Initial Consultation

During this session the patient will be asked what they wish to achieve and a brief patient medical history will be taken. The orthodontist will conduct a visual clinical assessment and explain the possible treatment options that are available, along with an indication of the costs and payment options. There is no commitment at this stage and the prospective patient is free to ask any questions they may have.

Patient Enrolment

If the patient decides to go ahead with treatment then a full clinical assessment will be conducted, including collection of clinical photographs, dental impressions for study models and radiographs. This will allow the orthodontist to refine the treatment options and costs which will then be agreed and finalised with the patient.

Treatment

An average orthodontic treatment takes between 18 and 24 months, but this is dependent on the complexity of the case. The treatment plan will be reviewed throughout to ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved, and everything will be fully explained to the patient at each stage.

On completion of treatment, the patient will be fitted with retainers. These are either fixed or removable braces that ensure the final position of the teeth is maintained. If the retainers are not worn or maintained, this can lead to the teeth returning to their original position.