Dilemma. private or dental hospital, braces

breezerockz

It may be a case of don't look a gift horse in the mouth but:

saw orthodontist at dental hospital a while ago, and they said i would be added to waiting list, 2 years long. one was also quite rude telling me my teeth were only a wee bit crooked, and don't worry we will make them pretty again, she was very sarcastic. my teeth are bad to ME. and i'm more interested in them being comfortable than pretty.

anyway thinking it wouldn't be til next aug that id hear from them i went to see a private othodontist, who was of couse, polite and professional, and also expensive.

few days ago i received a letter from the dental hospital for an appointment. i phoned to find out why, turns out that i'm top of the list.

so. do i risk what is a fantastic offer to get my teeth fixed at hospital. or try and find the cash for pivate?

and yes,I KNOW IM LUCKY to be offered braces at the dental hospital. and if i have any worries there/ don't feel it's going right i can see a private orthodontist.

has anyone had teeth done at a dental hospital?
guess im just worried,

anguk

My daughter is having her teeth fixed and braces fitted at the dental hospital and I can't praise them highly enough, she's halfway through treatment and her teeth look beautiful. I really don't think she would have had better treatment or care at a private orthodontist.

You're actually very lucky to be offered treatment at the dental hospital, many people (including children) are turned down because of a shortage of money.

Something to bear in mind, the private orthodontist who you would be paying a lot of money to would most likely have trained at a dental hospital anyway.

fitzroy

Before you decide wait until Toothsmith is on line and he'll see your post, if he's around today. If you have to make quick decision look up Toothsmith's previous posts, he's bound to have answered this question in the past.

floss2

Personally I would have chopped an arm off to get work done at a dental hospital... apart from anything else, they are specialists - and before anyone jumps, I know the private chappie probably is too, but there will be a reason why he is a private orthodontist :rolleyes:

Seriously, I would regard the dental hospital as the better option, as they are doing what they do every day (on the NHS) and if there are any problems, they will be in a much better position to sort things out than an orthodontist who will want to be sure he will be paid before starting any other necessary work.

Toothsmith

Are you sure that you will be treated??

I don't know how that particular hospital works, but a lot has changed with what will and what won't be funded in the last few years.

There is a possibility that you will get to your appointment and find that beause of a change in criteria, your particular problem falls outside of what they will now treat.

This might well NOT happen, and they'll be able to treat you - but I'm just warning you not to burn any boats just yet.

Both places would be perfectly capable of doing the job, so I wouldn't have any worries about who would be technically best. The private place would probably 'plump the pillows' a bit more and have a bit better 'customer service' than the hospital, but that's part of what you'd be paying for.

floss2 wrote: »

I know the private chappie probably is too, but there will be a reason why he is a private orthodontist :rolleyes:

Maybe because he was sick of all the silly treatment limitations that were put on NHS treatment. Also, he probably has a nice way with people and has built a service that people feel is worth paying the extra for.

breezerockz

thanks toothsmith and thanks all.
yep private did study at dental hospital.
as did a friend of mine, she is now a senior specialist consultant.(still nhs too)
i just wanted to know what sot of standard to expect etc.
i know that the people doing my teeth will be under the supervision of a consultant.
i did ask about the appointment was about, they said to take the x-rays and decide upon treatment.
i know i am lucky, i have said that. and continue to be grateful for being accepted.
i would struggle to pay private,(although the cost wasn't as high as i have seen elsewhere) but thought id be waiting til next aug to hear from the hospital. which is just down the road.im in scotland.


thanks again for the replies.
i have asked the private orthodontist to send my x-rays etc to hospital.

i think the other difference will be the fact i won't be getting clear brackets for the tops and purple bands,lol. but too be honest i am far too desperate to get my teeth sorted to care what they look like.

thanks again.

anguk

You may not get clear brackets but you probably will still be able to get purple bands. My daughter goes to Newcastle dental hospital and she gets to choose which colours she wants, they have all different ones, she normally chooses purple or alternating pink/purple bands!

breezerockz

anguk wrote: »

You may not get clear brackets but you probably will still be able to get purple bands. My daughter goes to Newcastle dental hospital and she gets to choose which colours she wants, they have all different ones, she normally chooses purple or alternating pink/purple bands!

lol. it would be nice to have a bit of colour,
i'd choose purple to go with my hair:D
i think though its gonna be no colour.
glad your daughter gets colours though.
thanks for your reply:D