What To Expect
Understanding Your Orthodontic Journey
Before beginning any orthodontic treatment, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of your specific needs and the various options available to enhance your smile. The consultation process serves this purpose, offering a chance to explore the differences between clear and traditional metal braces, or determine if Invisalign or a different aligner system is a better fit for you, all within a supportive setting tailored to help you make the best choice.
Expert Care at Our Practice
Our team of expert orthodontists is dedicated to discussing the latest in treatment options with you. They are not only highly skilled but also genuinely interested in your individual concerns and goals. After your treatment consultation, you'll receive a detailed treatment plan that includes all-inclusive pricing. When you're ready, we'll schedule your next appointment to begin your journey toward a beautiful smile.
First Visit for Adults
Ahead of your first visit, we'll send a welcome pack detailing our practice's ethos and requesting you bring any dentist referrals, recent dental x-rays, and a completed medical questionnaire. This ensures we have all necessary information to best serve you.
First Visit for Young Patients
For children and teens visiting for the first time, we strive to make the experience enjoyable. Expect a warm welcome from our team, an informative chat with our practice coordinator, digital imaging for precise diagnosis and examination by Dr O’Connor. Treatment options will then be discussed at a later consultation. This visit, lasting about 20-30 minutes, is the first step toward achieving a fantastic smile.
Second Visit for Young Patients
At the second appointment, Dr O’Connor will go through all of your options with you. This appointment gives us a chance to discuss the risks of treatment as well as the pros and cons of each treatment option. You also get the chance to have your queries answered in detail. At this appointment, we’ll run show you the different types of braces too.
Embracing Your Treatment
Congratulations on deciding to proceed with treatment! The process, usually spanning 12-24 months, begins with a pain-free fitting appointment. We'll also take comprehensive records of your teeth and provide a starter pack to help you adjust to your new braces or Invisalign aligners quickly.
Scheduled Adjustments
Our orthodontic strategy involves gradual adjustments to move your teeth into their ideal positions. Regular short appointments are essential for adjusting braces or fitting new Invisalign aligners, keeping your treatment on track towards our shared goal.
Life with Orthodontic Appliances
Adjusting to braces or Invisalign can take some time, but soon they'll feel just like part of you. To ensure successful treatment, follow our essential care tips, including diligent brushing, mindful eating, and smart drinking habits to protect your teeth and appliances.
Maintaining Oral Health
Regular dental check-ups with your general dentist remain essential during orthodontic treatment to prevent decay and keep your gums healthy. If you experience discomfort or an appliance issue, contact us promptly to address it without delaying your treatment progress.
Handling Emergencies
Proper appliance care is key to a smooth treatment experience. For any issues like loose wires, utilize the provided wax and contact us for advice or to schedule a repair appointment, ensuring your treatment remains on schedule.
The Process
This appointment is to discuss your goals with one of our specialist orthodontists. It may also involve your dental and medical history, a physical examination of your teeth and jaw, X-rays, and possibly impressions of your teeth to create models.
The orthodontist will review the X-rays, photos, and examination results to devise a specific plan for moving your teeth into the correct position. This plan will include the estimated length of treatment, cost of treatment and any preparatory work needed.
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This might involve dental cleaning, addressing any existing dental issues like cavities, and possibly extracting teeth to create space for adjustments. Once these issues have been adressed, it's time to move onto the next phase!
The orthodontist places attachments onto your teeth to help the aligner grip your teeth. The first course of aligners are then given to you. We ensure that the aligners fit appropriotely at this point and explain everything you need to know to start your journey.
You will have regular appointments (usually every 8-10) for progress checks. During these visits, the orthodontist will check the fit of your aligners and may advise that a new set of aligners are ordered.
The attachments and wires are carefully removed, and any adhesive is cleaned off your teeth. This is usually a quick and painless process.
To keep your teeth in their new position after the braces are removed, most patients will need to wear a retainer full time for a period following the removal of braces, transitioning to night-time wear to ensure teeth do not shift back to their original positions. Read more here.
Read what our patients say about us
"Two of my daughters had braces fitted by the lovely Dr. Katherine Condren. I would highly recommend her services, she was so good with my daughters, we are extremely happy with the service received and they both have beautiful smiles now."
"Dr Joseph O’Connor is such a skilled orthodontist. His kindness and attention to detail is outstanding. He takes the time to explain everything and makes you feel very comfortable. Could not recommend him more."
"Joseph is a kind, compassionate and skilled orthodontist. He has a beautiful patient manner and his attention to detail is second to none. Highly recommend."
"I had a great experience with Dr O’Connor and his team. Booking was simple and they were very friendly & efficient throughout. Would highly recommended."
"Amazing service, highly professional. Dr O'Connor was really kind and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend!"
"Extremely happy with the outcome after braces, great attention to detail! Highly recommend."
"Dr O'Connor is a brilliant orthodontist, the consultation was thorough and he's easy to talk to."
Begin Your Journey
Discuss your goals with one of our specialist orthodontists to find out what treatment option suits you best. We offer free consultations both in person and online.
