Orthodontics is the specialty that involves diagnosing, assessing and managing patients with the aim of improving the function and alignment of crooked, protruding or crowded teeth. Correcting the bite and related dentofacial deformities is one of the core areas of Orthodontics.
The conditions we treat include:
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Developmental problems of the teeth/ jaws in children
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Cleft lip and palate
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Severely crowded and un-erupted teeth
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Congenitally missing teeth
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Incorrect bites
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Severe facial and/or jaw deformity
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Obstructive sleep apnea
Patients who present with an orthodontic malocclusion which is rated to have an orthodontic treatment need (IOTN) index of grade 4 or 5, with the highest complexity rating (grade 3b) would require multidisciplinary care (Cleft, Restorative Dentistry or Maxillofacial Surgery )
Our department accepts referrals for advice and treatment from dentists and primary care orthodontic colleagues for the management related to the misalignment of teeth and jaws. Special consideration will be given to medically compromised patients and patients referred from other hospital specialities such as respiratory medicine. Patients are added to our waiting list and booked in order of clinical priority, as decided by NHS guidance and your designated consultant.
Once you commence treatment, your appointments will be at the same hospital site, usually at the Maxillofacial Unit of the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. We also have facilities in our other related hospitals for less complex treatments or maintenance clinics. Your consultant will decide the appropriate hospital site for you to attend for treatment.
As we are a training hospital, appointments may be with different clinicians, some of whom are trainees. All treatment is closely monitored and overseen by your designated consultant. This will ensure you are seen regularly during your treatment and may reduce wait times between appointments.
Orthodontic treatment can take between 18 and 30+ months to complete and during this time we would expect to see you every 10 to 12+ weeks*. You will need to carefully consider any impact this may have on your work or your child’s schooling before commencing the treatment plan. From our experience, most schools are happy for a pupil to be absent for their treatment. Unfortunately, we do not offer any out of hours appointments.
Patients may find the British Orthodontic website useful for information regarding aspects orthodontic and orthognathic treatment, and self-help advice during the COVID-19 Pandemic. https://www.bos.org.uk/
Patients under orthodontic treatment who have a broken brace or lost retainer, or need an emergency appointment, please contact our Reception team – 01233 616045
