The official newsletter of Ashlow Orthodontic Practice

IN THIS ISSUE
COVID-19
EXISTING PATIENTS IN TREATMENT
WAITING LIST
PRIVATE TREATMENT

COVID-19 UPDATE

Since dental practices closed their doors to patients, most dentists have either worked in triaging patients, been redeployed to NHS 111, or have been sent to other secondary care settings. Collectively there has been an impressive willingness by dentists to be redeployed and contribute to the efforts to help mitigate the devastating effects of the pandemic.

Since COVID-19 deaths in the community have dramatically reduced, we are now back to work, although slightly different to before. We now return to reflecting on the robust support to our patients by seeing them in order to progress with their treatment.

NHS orthodontic treatment is free for people under the age of 18 with a clear health need for treatment. But because of high demand, there can be a long waiting list.

A rating system called Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) is used to assess your eligibility for NHS treatment. NHS treatment is available for grade 4 and grade 5 cases. Grade 3 cases are usually judged on an individual basis.

PRIVATE TREAMENT

If you do not qualify for free NHS treatment or you do not want to wait for treatment to start, you may choose to have private treatment.

Private orthodontic treatment is widely available. The fee can range, starting from £2000, depending on the complexity of the treatment and the type of appliances used.

After an initial assessment, an orthodontist will talk to you about a possible treatment plan, how much it will cost and any alternative options you have.

Cleaning your teeth and brace can be time-consuming, but it’s needed to avoid damage to your teeth when the brace is removed. Many people with appliances find it difficult to keep their teeth and gums clean, so extra brushing is needed during treatment. Our Orthodontist may recommend using toothpaste with a high level of fluoride, or a mouthwash that contains fluoride, to reduce your risk of tooth decay. You should also try to avoid sugary foods and fizzy drinks.