PATIENT INFORMATION
YOUR FIRST VISIT
Orthodontics Treatment usually begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical examination, dental X-rays, and possibly impressions or digital scans of the teeth.
Based on the diagnosis, a customised treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s needs. The duration of treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case but usually ranges from several months to a few years.
FEES
We understand that orthodontic treatment involves a significant financial commitment, so we aim to keep our fees as reasonable as possible and offer payment plans to make treatment affordable.
YOUR QUOTE
When you are ready to start treatment, you will be provided with a written quote which outlines the cost of the diagnostic records and the orthodontic appliances. The fees include all appointments. This quote is usually provided at your initial consultation and is valid for 6 months.
PAYMENT PLANS
We offer flexible interest-free financing options so that you can have the treatment you need without breaking your budget. A deposit is required on the day the orthodontic appliances are placed and you then have the option of paying the balance in monthly instalments. All fees will be disclosed to you prior to the commencement of any treatment.
CARING FOR YOUR BRACES
Taking care of your fixed appliances is very important. You must clean your teeth thoroughly and be very careful not to break your brace.
CLEANING
Use a soft/medium toothbrush to brush your teeth. Brush in a circular motion above and under the brace. Clean the teeth in each jaw separately.
This should be followed by the use of interdental brushes upwards and downwards in between the brackets and wires. Concentrate on the area between your gums, the brackets and underneath the archwire.
EATING
You must be careful with what and how you eat. You must avoid anything too hard or sticky i.e. toffees, chewing gum, crusty bread, pizza crust, fried yam, roasted corn, crab, wele, hard rice, hard chicken and hard biscuits. (This is not an exhaustive list but a guide)
You must also stay away from fizzy drinks because the high sugar and acidity can cause permanent marks on the teeth.
PROBLEMS
After your brace has been fitted your teeth will feel tender, this is normal. Mild painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen will help. If brackets or bands rub your lips and cheeks you may need to use brace relief (wax), which is on sale at the practice. Your teeth may feel wobbly, DO NOT WORRY, this is quite normal.
EMERGENCY
POKING WIRE
Cover with wax to prevent wire poking into the cheek and schedule an appointment
WIRE OUT OF MOLAR TUBE
Cover with wax if irritating and schedule an appointment. If it is comfortable, this can be left until the next scheduled appointment.
LOST MODULE
It is not considered urgent to replace a module, although this can delay the movement of the tooth. If it is convenient, schedule an appointment.
BROKEN ARCHWIRE
Treat any poking wires as stated above and schedule an appointment.
If the pieces of wire can be removed, slide out with tweezers and schedule an appointment.
BROKEN FIXED LINGUAL RETAINER
This should be repaired as soon as possible, please schedule an appointment. However, in the meantime, if you possess a clear plastic retainer, this should be worn every night (full-time if your braces have been removed within the past 3 months).
LOOSE OR BROKEN BRACKET
If the loose bracket flips around the wire, the module can be removed with tweezers to disengage the bracket then schedule an appointment to rebound.
If there is no discomfort or pain, the rebound of the bracket can be done in the next appointment.
ULCERS
Firstly, assess the cause of the irritation (refer to above) and schedule an appointment if needed. If the cause is general trauma or irritation, then comfort can be gained from wax and brace relief, Bonjela etc. Extra wax can be purchased at the next appointment.
YOUR RETAINER
- To keep your teeth straight you will need to wear your retainers on an intermittent night-only basis indefinitely.
- If your retainers are no longer fit, it is because you have not worn them enough.
- Keep your retainers clean or they will start to smell
- Keep your retainers safe by always storing them in your retainer box
- Even with good retainer wear a little movement is to be expected following treatment
- You have expensive teeth- look after them