The Orthodontic Treatment Process

At Perla Orthodontics, we know you want the best result from your orthodontic treatment. We have a clear process for all our patients - below is an outline of what each patient can expect during their journey with us.

Consultation

Once we have received a referral from your Dentist or you have sought treatment directly, we will contact you to book you in for an appointment. Unlike other practices, your initial consultation is with a Specialist Orthodontist. This appointment is designed to help you find out how you may benefit from orthodontics, what treatments are available, appliance (braces) options and treatment costs.

You will have a full team ready for your visit, so we please request at least 24 hours' notice if you cannot attend.

First Appointment

As with all healthcare providers, we will need your medical history. You can bring it from home or arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment to complete one in the practice.

During your appointment, your orthodontist will sit with you and discuss your main concerns about your teeth. This allows us to tailor your orthodontic treatment to you, ensuring we tackle the areas that concern you most.

Your Specialist Orthodontist will then carry out an examination during which photos, x-rays and moulds of your teeth may be taken. These records provide a complete picture for us so that we can find the best treatment for you. We will then advise on whether or not you need treatment, and outline all the options available to you.

Please see this leaflet from the British Orthodontic Society for more information: http://www.bos.org.uk/Portals/0/Public/docs/PILs/firstvisitfeb09.pdf

Second Appointment

Your second appointment will be booked in when you have decided how you want to proceed. At the second appointment, we will fit your new braces and provide guidance on how to take care of them for the duration of your treatment. Fixed braces will take around 50 minutes to fit, whilst removable braces only take around 10 minutes.

After your fitting, we will then arrange to see you at regular 5-8 weekly intervals. Your teeth may feel tender during the first 3-5 days. Some patients prefer to have softer food like pasta, rice or soups during this period.

We will provide you with useful leaflets from the British Orthodontic Society with customised information for you.

http://www.bos.org.uk/Portals/0/Public/docs/PILs/functionalmay09.pdf
http://www.bos.org.uk/Portals/0/Public/docs/PILs/fixedapril12.pdf

During Treatment

While you are receiving orthodontic treatment, you will need to visit the clinic every 5 to 8 weeks so that we can monitor your teeth. During these visits we will also adjust your appliance to progress the correction of your bite. The rest of the time you are responsible for looking after your orthodontic appliance and you will need to wear any appliances or elastics as directed. We also ask that you contact us immediately if you experience any problems with your braces or think they have been damaged in any way. Also remember to keep your teeth, gums and braces clean during treatment and continue to see your usual dentist for regular appointments. Good Oral Hygiene is key for a good result!

After Treatment

After your braces or aligners have been removed, we will provide you with a fixed and/ or removable retainer. The ligaments around your teeth still remember their original position at this point, so the retainer is necessary to prevent your teeth from trying to return to their former positions pre-orthodontic treatment. Your retainers are perhaps the most important part of your treatment process, as this appliance helps keep your newly straightened teeth in their correct position. We will talk you through how to wear your retainers, but please note that it is extremely important to wear them every night. http://www.bos.org.uk/Portals/0/Public/docs/PILs/retainersapril2013.pdf

Arrange A Free Consultation Today

Unlike many other practices, we offer a free virtual consultation with our specialist orthodontist. Florencia will discuss your options, including treatment planning and cost information. Alternatively, a consultation in practice can be arrange at a cost.

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