Brace

mark61120

Hi,

My son, who is nearly 20 (a student and so is entitled to free NHS treatment), had a brace when he was 16. I was working at the time (I was made redundant 3 years ago) and I paid for the 'all inclusive' service from the orthodentist (£1200).
Recently, one of his teeth has started cutting into his cheek and causing ulceration. He went to the dentist and was told that he would have to go to the orthodentist, but could only go privately as he didn't follow the orthodentists instuctions and was therefore in breach of his contract (there is nothing in writing as to what the instructions were), but basically, he was told to wear a retainer for 2 years after his brace was removed. This he did, but his dentist said that he should have worn it indefinately.

So, my son has a hole in his cheek and he can't go to the orthodentist because we cannot afford it.
Anyone know where we stand to getting this resolved?

Thanks in advance,
Mark

brook2jack

Orthodontics, unless there are severe problems involving the jaw, are not available on the NHS for over 18 year olds .
Unfortunately modern thinking is that retainers have to be worn for life or be permanently cemented on.Relapse (teeth moving after treatment) is very common after orthodontics and to a certain extent inevitable as people mouths continue to change. I don't think any orthodontist would guarantee teeth placement for life and probably not after four years as they would continuously be adjusting peoples teeth.





Your sons only solution would be to ask the dentist if there is a way to solve this that doesn't involve orthodontics.