| Services -
Orthodontics: Treatment Plans |
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| This section explains the
various stages of a normal course of orthodontic
treatment. |
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| The first consultation |
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| During this visit the
patient is examined clinically. This enables the
orthodontist to give advice on the treatment options
available, when treatment should commence, the
duration of treatment, and the approximate cost. |
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| If the patient decides to
proceed with treatment, an appointment is made to
collect records. |
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| Record Taking |
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| Records include: |
| - Impressions from which
plaster models of the teeth are constructed. |
| - Photographs of the teeth
and face. |
| - X-rays of the teeth and
jaws. |
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| Records allow the
orthodontist to analyse each case accurately. They
are also used to record the existing malocclusion
for future reference. |
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| Treatment Planning |
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| At this visit the
orthodontist discusses the treatment plan(s) which
have been formulated using information obtained from
the first consultation and records. |
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| Then, arrangements are
made to commence treatment or, if it is too early,
to review the patient periodically until it is an
appropriate time to commence treatment. |
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| Extractions and other
preliminary procedures |
| Sometimes it is necessary
to remove teeth to gain sufficient space to align
the remaining teeth. |
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| Any decayed teeth should
be filled and the teeth sometimes need to be cleaned
before orthodontic treatment is started. |
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| The patient is referred
back to the family dentist to have these preliminary
procedures carried out. The cost of these procedures
is not included in the orthodontic fee. |
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| Braces |
| Braces are the most
efficient and accurate way of moving teeth. |
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| Braces (bands, brackets
and wires) are usually made of stainless steel
although clear brackets are available, usually at
extra cost. |
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| Fitting the braces usually
involves two visits. Braces remain on the teeth for
the entire duration of treatment. |
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| Patients then attend
approximately every 4-8 weeks for adjustments, wire
changes, etc. |
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| Rubber Bands and
Headgear |
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| During treatment, patients
may need to wear such items as rubber bands and/or
headgear with their braces. These items provide
important extra forces for the correction of the
bite. |
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| How Long? |
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| Orthodontic treatment
usually takes 18 - 24 months. Some cases may be
finished earlier and others may take longer to
complete. The total treatment time depends on the
severity of the original malocclusion, the type of
treatment carried out, and the co-operation of the
patient. |
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| Dental check-ups |
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| Orthodontic patients
should continue to attend their family dentist for
regular check-ups during the course of orthodontic
treatment. |
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| Retention |
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| At the completion of the
active part of orthodontic treatment, the braces are
removed and retaining appliances (retainers) are
fitted to hold the teeth steady in their new
position. These appliances may be removable plates
or wires fitted behind the teeth. |
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| Retainers play an
important role in orthodontic treatment for, if they
are not worn according to instructions, the teeth
may move back towards their original position. |
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| The retaining appliances
are usually worn: |
| - Full-time for up to one
year |
| - Just at night for a
further year |
| - Phased out altogether
over one more year |
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| The corrected teeth are
observed periodically for up to five years after the
retainers have been phased out. During retention and
the subsequent observation period, patients are
expected to attend once or twice a year. |
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