Getting the best results

Successful treatment depends on many things. Of course, specialist training and qualifications are important - but so is commitment.

Patients don't care how much we know
until they know how much we care

However, our commitment is still only part of what makes treatment successful as patients also need to be committed. Patients (and their parents) are not just passengers on a journey, they are active participants.

Taking a close interest in what is happening makes a real difference to the quality of the end result.

Things to do

• Keep appointments. Best progress is achieved when visits take place every 6 weeks. Longer time intervals result in longer treatment overall. If this happens regularly, the quality of treatment also suffers. If you are unable to keep an appointment please let us know as soon as possible so that a new time slot can be found with minimal delay.
• Keep your teeth clean. Apart from being good manners towards the orthodontist and nurses, a clean healthy mouth does not have swollen or bleeding gums and looks nicer to your friends. Of course, this is more difficult when wearing fixed braces but we will give all necessary instructions and brushes.
• We ask some patients to use a fluoride mouthwash. We provide this free of charge.
• We expect any removable appliances we provide to be worn as instructed.
• The same goes for elastic bands. These are often used near the end of treatment to correct the bite. At this time, you need to think of the braces as an engine and the elastics as fuel. No fuel - no progress!
• Let us know if anything goes wrong. Depending on the problem, we may say it's OK to leave it until the next scheduled visit or we may ask you to come in to have it fixed.
• It is important you continue regular check-up visits with your general dentist.