My Milk Toof

I tweeted this last week but couldn't resist another link.

My Milk Toof a blog of photo stories following the adventures of two teeth, Ickle and Lardee. Its not really dental related, its not promoting healthy teeth or a dentist and the stories aren't dental in nature (for example in one they go fishing!) but the characters are very cute and the photos are lovely. Go and check it out.

How to choose an orthodontist

I came across this blog from an American orthodontist on Twitter. A few years ago this would not have been relevant in the UK. You take your child to the dentist, the dentist says they need braces and refers your son or daughter to the local NHS orthodontist they have always referred to. You didn't think to question that there might be a different orthodontist you could choose to see and when the treatment is "free" why should you question it?

This is changing and in many cases parents are researching who might be best for their child. Why? Partly due to the NHS changes meaning that there are long waiting lists and children with milder problems will not get treated, meaning parents may need to pay for private treatment. But there is more to it than that, parents and children want to be involved in the decision making process and want to understand what will happen, and be treated as an individual, not just another patient in a busy day.

As a private only orthodontist I see patients who have chosen to visit me for a number of reasons. In many cases its because they do not qualify for NHS treatment but still want to get straighter teeth, or because they do not want to wait for a year or more. But I am seeing an increasing number of children and their parents who are visiting more than one practice before they select who they feel most comfortable with to do the treatment. Its not just about cost or whether extractions are involved, its about how they feel about entrusting the dental care of their son or daughter to the clinician. You probably only get a real feel for this by visiting the orthodontist.

I'd actually disagree with the article about "Word of Mouth". Of course if you are not a dental professional you cannot assess the quality of work that is done, but I do believe that if someone takes pride and care in looking after their patients then they will probably take pride in their clinical work. Its important to me that I get a great clinical result, but its just as important that my patients feel happy and comfortable visiting me. I get a real sense of pride when I know I have been recommended by a former or current patient.

So how do you choose an orthodontist? Research on the internet, ask your friends and ask your dentist. Weigh up the practical side like how easy the surgery is to get to and get parked, the costs and the payment plans available. Consider the type of treatment that has been recommended, whether extractions are involved and how long it might take. But overall its about how you felt when you went to the surgery, the customer service, the pleasantness of the surroundings and most of all if you got a sense of whether you can trust the orthodontist. If you're not comfortable-get a second opinion!

Invisible braces for Chris Evans

Regular visitors to Wetherby Orthodontics will know that we usually have Radio 2 playing in the background and if they're lucky Carly and I will even sing along!

I did miss Chris Evans on this morning's breakfast show talking about his new invisible braces, but it didn't take long for a patient to tell me they'd heard it. Chris is such a smiley person and I've always noticed that his teeth aren't perfectly straight, particularly the lower ones. As more and more people get straighter teeth I guess he has now decided to get something done. I'm sure it will make a big difference to his smile and I wish him well with his treatment.

From the description we think he's wearing Invisalign, clear removable braces that fit tightly against the teeth. They really are almost invisible and are very easy to get used to, they certainly won't give him any problems with his radio and TV work. Of course, if you don't want to tell people about it you don't have to. Other types of invisible braces are available too, like lingual Incognito braces, sported by Myleene Klass (see earlier blog), so there really is something for everyone, they don't have to look like Ugly Betty's braces!

If you'd like to find out more about invisible braces there's more information on our website or on the Invisalign website (linked off the title of this blog). Please get in touch if you'd like an appointment for an assessment for your own teeth.

Smile Awards 2011 Shortlisting

We are delighted to announce that Megan Hatfield has been shortlisted for two categories in the 2011 Smile Awards.

The Smile Awards are the ONLY dental awards in the UK to reward clinical excellence in dental and facial aesthetics. Megan Hatfield has been shortlisted in the Orthodontic Smile-fixed appliances category for her treatment of a teenager with crooked teeth, and the Orthodontic Smile-removable appliances category for her treatment of a young adult using Invisalign clear braces (photo above). Just making the shortlisting is a massive achievement and we are delighted that Megan's hard work is getting recognition.

The awards ceremony is in London on Friday 25th March. Megan will be hoping to improve on the 2010 awards where she was shortlisted for two categories and won Highly Commended in one of them.

Can you be too old for braces?

This is a question I often get asked.

The popular image of braces is teenagers wearing fixed braces or train tracks and this is often off-putting to older patients who feel they don't want to look like a teenager.

I see a lot of adults who didn't get orthodontic treatment when they were younger or whose teeth have changed position over the years. You may be surprised that in 2010 we started treatment for equal numbers of adults and children. From the adults who completed treatment last year half were between 30 and 44 years old, nearly 25% were over the age of 45 and our oldest patient was 63!

There is certainly a recent surge in orthodontics for adults, partly as people are realising how important it is to have a great smile and partly as a result of the modern treatments which greatly reduce the aesthetic impact compared to traditional metal fixed braces.

Last year most of the adults we treated opted for ceramic fixed braces, like the traditional ones but clear and they blend in so well with the teeth they are barely noticeable. For even better aesthetics we recommend Invisalign or lingual braces. Invisalign are removable, like a thin clear gumshield, and don't feel like fixed braces. Lingual braces (we use Incognito) are fixed to the back of the teeth (see pic above, courtesy of Incognito braces) and are suitable for almost anybody.

So if you have been considering getting your teeth straightened but are concerned about being the wrong age or wearing visible braces, don't worry, we will probably have a treatment to suit you and you will be in good company. Get in touch for your initial consultation and find out how we can help.

Beat the VAT rise!

Here at Wetherby Orthodontics we will help you beat the VAT rise!

How?

There is NO VAT on dental and orthodontic treatment, so our fees remain unaffected by the VAT rise. If you've made one of those "New Year, New You" resolutions why not come along and see us to find out how we can help you achieve a beautiful smile. You can even continue smiling during your treatment with Invisalign or Incognito braces.

However, some things we need to run the practice are affected by VAT and many of our supply companies are putting prices up, so our fees will be changing on 1st February. If you attend for an initial assessment in January you will get our 2010 fees guaranteed for three months (this extends to our young patients too)!

So don't put it off any longer, give us a call and come in for a chat to find out how we can help.