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Your route to your new smile

If you’ve never had orthodontic treatment before, and even if you have, you may be wondering what to expect during your patient journey with us. We understand it can be daunting, particularly if you are also feeling nervous about the prospect of dental treatment. We’re here to help you navigate your initial appointments, and aim to make sure your visits are both relaxed and informative. We are always happy to answer any of your questions or alleviate your concerns. The information below should also help you understand more about your patient journey at David Gale Specialist Orthodontic Centre.

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Your initial appointment

Your initial appointment with our specialist orthodontist, David Gale, gets the ball rolling for your future treatment. We ask you to tell us what you want to change about your smile and your ideal results. We also carry out a full facial and oral examination, which includes:

  • Digital records of your teeth
  • Precise measurements of your teeth
  • A record of your bite, and if it needs correction
  • An assessment of your gum health
  • An assessment of your oral hygiene
  • Information about your dental history
  • Digital images of your teeth

If you are suitable for treatment, and happy to proceed, we arrange a second appointment to discuss your treatment options and take study models and orthodontic x-rays. We create a full and detailed treatment plan, which is shared with you.

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Diagnostic records and treatment planning

Once your treatment plan has been created, we set up the in-practice appointments needed to begin your orthodontic treatment. If you are having private treatment, we make sure you know the total cost before you commit to treatment, so there are no unwelcome surprises. If you are interested in spreading the costs into monthly payments, we can talk to you about our flexible finance options.

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Your regular visits

Regular visits are a vital part of orthodontic treatment, used to check your progress and keep your treatment on track. We usually ask to see you every 12-16 weeks, depending on your specific treatment, so we can make adjustments to your brace on the way to a fantastic result. It is important to keep to your appointments, follow our instructions on brace wear and advice on diet, and practice good oral hygiene. You should also continue to visit your regular dentist for your routine care.

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Retention

Once your treatment is complete, your new smile is revealed! We then move to possibly the most important stage of orthodontic treatment - maintaining your new smile. We fit bespoke and comfortable retainers to hold your teeth in their new positions. You are usually advised to wear your retainers more regularly at first, until your bones, gums and muscles adapt to the new positions of your teeth. The retainer stage of treatment should not be neglected, as if you don’t wear your retainers your teeth will relapse and undo all your hard work.

If you want to guarantee your teeth will stay exactly in their new positions for the rest of your life, you will need our long term retention option, bonded retainers. A thin wire is fitted to the back surface of your teeth, keeping them in place.

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Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my orthodontic treatment take?

Braces are often worn for around 18-24 months, depending on each individual patient. A number of factors affect the length of your treatment, including your age, the severity of your case, your cooperation and the degree of movement possible in your teeth. We aim to achieve an ideal outcome for you in the minimum amount of time.

Do my teeth need to be healthy before I have braces?

Before you have braces, your general dentist will need to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy, with all cavities treated and no signs of gum or periodontal disease are present.

Will I need to have any teeth removed before I have braces?

Sometimes you will need to have certain teeth removed before you can be fitted with braces. If David Gale indicates this is the case, the extraction treatment will be carried out by your regular dentist or an oral surgeon. You will then be referred back to David Gale for your orthodontic treatment.

Do I need to see my normal dentist while having orthodontic treatment?

You should still see your general dentist for check up and hygiene appointments during your orthodontic treatment. They will be able to ensure your teeth are remaining healthy, with no issues arising. We are specialists overseeing the straightening of your teeth, not your overall dental health.

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