Your first visit
For health service (NHS) patients: your records appointment, what we do, and what happens next.
For health service (NHS) patients. This page explains the first visit for patients referred for health service (NHS) orthodontic treatment.
What we do at your records appointment
At this visit you will usually meet one of our orthodontic nurses, who takes your records: a 3D digital scan of your teeth and some photographs. The orthodontist (a dentist who specialises in straightening teeth) reviews these afterwards to plan your care. You usually do not meet the orthodontist at this visit.
Want to meet the orthodontist sooner? A Rapid Teen Assessment combines both appointments – your records and your treatment planning appointment – in one visit.
A 3D digital scan of your teeth
This is called an intraoral scan. We move a small camera wand around your mouth. It takes lots of pictures very quickly and joins them together to make a digital copy of your teeth on a computer. This means we do not need to use messy putty impressions.
Photographs
We take photos of your teeth and face. These help the orthodontist see how your teeth and bite fit together.
Your scan and photos are kept safely and confidentially as part of your health record.
Nervous children and additional needs
If your child is anxious or finds new sensations difficult, let us know when you book. We can show them the instruments first, explain each step and go at their pace. Ask your clinician during your appointment if anything would help.
What happens next
- The orthodontist will look carefully at your scan and photos.
- We will contact you within 12 weeks to explain what we found and what happens next.
- You do not need to contact us before then, unless something changes (for example, you move house or change your phone number).
Possible outcomes
What happens next depends on two things:
1. Can you have health service funded braces? Braces are only paid for by the health service (NHS) if your teeth are significantly out of position. The orthodontist decides this using a national scoring system called IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need). If your teeth need treatment less, your need may be too mild to qualify. In that case, you may be able to choose private (paid-for) treatment instead.
2. Are you ready to start? Some people are ready to think about starting treatment now. Others still have adult teeth that have not come through yet. If so, it is usually best to wait, and we will arrange to see you again in a year or two.
| Funding | Ready to think about starting now | Adult teeth still to come through |
|---|---|---|
| Can have health service (NHS) funded braces | We will explain your treatment and what happens next. This may include joining a waiting list. | We will arrange to see you again in a year or two, once more of your adult teeth have come through. |
| Need too mild for health service (NHS) funding | We can tell you about private treatment options if you are interested. There is no waiting list for private treatment. You do not have to have treatment. | We may suggest waiting until your adult teeth have come through before talking about any options. |
Whatever the outcome, we will explain it clearly and you will have the chance to ask questions.
While you wait
- Keep brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, last thing at night and one other time.
- Spit out after brushing, but do not rinse with water. This leaves the fluoride on your teeth to protect them.
- Try to keep sugary food and drinks to mealtimes.
- Keep seeing your regular dentist for check-ups.
- You do not need to do anything else.
Not heard from us within 12 weeks? Please call us on 028 9045 1303 or email info@turkdentalcare.co.uk. Please have your name and date of birth ready.
Before treatment starts we will ask you to sign a consent form. Read our risks and benefits of orthodontic treatment leaflet (PDF) first, and ask your clinician during your appointment if anything is unclear.
Download
Questions about your treatment?
Our friendly team is happy to help. Call us on 028 9045 1303 or send us an email.