Braces

choccyface2006

Sorry Toothsmith, but my braces have been fitted on the NHS too.

The problems that I have were not evident when I was younger as they result primarily from an adult tooth coming through the roof of my mouth to replace a baby tooth. This only came to light a few years ago despite check ups every 6 months.

I feel that the care and attention I have recieved has been brilliant and my ortho and his team are wonderful and actually make seeing them a pleasure. I can't believe that going private would have got me a better standard of treatment or care.

My treatment plan is fairly complex and it took quite a few consultations with surgeons and orthos to come up with it, it also involves tooth reshaping, building up and possibly the bleaching of one tooth.

The only thing that might have been better is been seen quicker and maybe more choice over appointment dates and times. I can easily live with that though!

There was no dispute over me getting the work done on the NHS. I didn't have to prove I was affected adversly because of my teeth. Although I was distressed about how it could look, I wasn't depressed or anything over it. I was due to start treatment with an ortho in Southport, then I moved but still had no problems getting the work okayed at Chester.

Maybe I was incredibly lucky? Or maybe I have awful teeth? I don't think so though! My teeth are healthy, I have always taken very good care of them. I am very happy with my brace and my care under the NHS, I have nothing to complain about.



Sarah

Toothsmith

It's more the complexity of your case, Sarah, that got it through.

As you said, it was something that wasn't apparent when you were a child, and could only be fixed when you were older.

Your's is a very rare case though.

The OP is more a bog-standard ortho case.

I would agree that if you get into the hospital ortho system, then the care you will receive is excellent.

choccyface2006

Toothsmith wrote:

It's more the complexity of your case, Sarah, that got it through.

As you said, it was something that wasn't apparent when you were a child, and could only be fixed when you were older.

Your's is a very rare case though.

The OP is more a bog-standard ortho case.

I would agree that if you get into the hospital ortho system, then the care you will receive is excellent.

Okay.

I just didn't want to give the impression that there was no hope of any adult getting treatment on the NHS. It might not be easy but some case do get it. I realise from the Archwire site that there are many more of us than you might think. Although of course it would have to be a severe case that does affect the health of your mouth and not cometic, I would have thought that such a large overjet as the OP has would have qualified, but then again I am not a dentist!

Sarah

ceebeeby

I had an 8mm over-bite. Was referred from a private dentist to NHS Orthodentist. Waited circa. 12 months for an appointment, and commenced treatment approximately 1 month later. No question of payment ever arose. Total treatment has so far lasted 5+ years (2 years with fixed tracks top and bottom), now I have a permanent lower wire behind my lower teeth. Exceptional treatment. I was 29 when I started. This was in Buckinghamshire (not sure what NHS Board that falls under).

Toothsmith

It would seem there are several adults who get NHS treatment then!!!!!

NHS dentistry wasn't in the same mess as it is now 5 yrs ago though.

The NHS wasn't in the same mess it is now 5 yrs ago!!

tigertiger_3

Toothsmith wrote:

You can't pay the extra.

You either have NHS or pay full price for the private option.

(How old are you BTW?)

toothsmith ...you should never ask a lady her age!;) lol!
Im in the 30's ( early!)

the ugly betty it is for me then!!

Buster_Danog

ceebeeby wrote:

I had an 8mm over-bite. Was referred from a private dentist to NHS Orthodentist. Waited circa. 12 months for an appointment, and commenced treatment approximately 1 month later. No question of payment ever arose. Total treatment has so far lasted 5+ years (2 years with fixed tracks top and bottom), now I have a permanent lower wire behind my lower teeth. Exceptional treatment. I was 29 when I started. This was in Buckinghamshire (not sure what NHS Board that falls under).

5 years sounds like it must be more than a straightforward case though. I was told I only need braces on the top for about 9 months.

Anyway, I can't even find a dentist to refer me to the ortho recommended by the PCT. I'm back at square one now. I have started saving and am already a third of the way there with £500.

Toothsmith

I doubt you'll need all the money up front Franco. So with a good bit behind you, you could begin, and pay more off each visit.

Toothsmith

tigertiger wrote:

toothsmith ...you should never ask a lady her age!;) lol!
Im in the 30's ( early!)

the ugly betty it is for me then!!

Sorry - I was in clinical mode rather than polite conversation mode!!!!

Use the principle of 'if you can't hide it - make a feature of it' and get the multi-coloured elastics to hold the wires onto the brackets. That can look quite funky!!!!

Buster_Danog

Toothsmith wrote:

I doubt you'll need all the money up front Franco. So with a good bit behind you, you could begin, and pay more off each visit.

I could do that with some of the deals offered in London, but I don't have a regular income so I'd rather pay upfront.

By the way, your avatar looks a bit like a dentist I used to go to in London. He was very well tanned and a bit shiny. He retired young. Not you, is it?