Brace face question in London, UK

[browniejo]

Hi,
I'm 29, and need to get braces for my wonky teeth and terrible bite. Last year I saw several dentists offering free consultations who each gave me a different verdict of my dental problem, solution and cost (fees ranged from £1000 to £6000, I was told "only fixed braces" will help and "invisalign will do the job brilliantly"), I was so confused, I just gave up entirely.

Now I want to try again. This time I'm looking for an orthodontist rather than a dentist, who I can trust, who will listen and who will not rush me in and out at appointments, even if it means paying extra for a better quality service.

I would be so so grateful if anyone could recommend me an orthodontist in London (or tell me who to avoid). I'm happy to be PM-ed details. Help would be very much appreciated!

Thank you so much,
Jo

[uvraise]

Hey Jo, sorry I'm in the U.S., so I cant' make any recommendations for you in London. I can give you a little advice. I had seen three orthodontists before making my decision. I will tell you to look for someone who you would trust to work on your children or wife or someone whom you care deeply about. Look for some one who takes their time in explaining their goals for you and gives you a chance to express your expectations of the treatment. Remember, your paying them to provide a professional service to you. I like to treat them like an employee! LOL. I don't hesitate to ask anything. I'm paying my hard earned money to pay for these suckers, I want to know what I'm getting for my money! Talk to other patients the day of the consult, to get their opinions of the ortho. Ask the ortho if they can get you in touch with a former patient of theirs to ask their opinion of the ortho.
Good Luck!
CHEERS!

[browniejo]

Hi,
Thanks very much for your advice - it sounds very sensible.

[sagittarius11]

Hey, I live in London and currently in braces. I consulted several orthodontists before finding mine so have some experience about this. If you are interested you can PM me. Please don't go to dentists to consult about orthodontic treatment if you don't want to mess up your teeth. I would go to a proper orthodontist for consultation even if I have to pay £100-200 for the appointment. It's worth it.

[Flossify]

Hi Sagittarius11,

I am new to this forum.
I am looking for a dentist in london, i will try and pm you for your recommendations

Thanks

[Dee17]

Hi browniejo,
The thing that clenched (no pun intended) for me was that the guy I ended up hiring to do the job took the time to answer literally two dozen questions that I had typed up and printed out on my printer. He was very patient and did not make me feel the least bit silly. I would also get at least two or three consultations with an orthodontist -- not a dentist. You will want a specialist to look after these dental issues for you. Keep us posted on your decision and good luck!

[Dee17]

I forgot to mention that I am in London, Ontario CANADA so I won't be any help to you in finding someone. But best of luck to you whatever you decide.

[JumpTheDitch]

Hi, I can't give you advice on UK orthos, being in Australia, but I just wanted to make a comment on dentists vs orthos.

Not all orthos are great at orthodontics & not all dentists are bad at it. I went to a highly qualified, very well regarded ortho (who happened to hold a very senior position in the faculty of orthodontics at a prestigious university). He had a very busy high profile practice, & was personally recommended by my general dentist whom I trusted completely. I didnt get a second opinion, I just trusted his experience, credentials & my dentist's recommendation. Fast forward about 6 years, & the myriad of TMJ problems which all began during ortho treatment became unbearable. Ive since seen two NeuroMuscular dentists & a craniofacial chiro, who all recommended reversing the ortho's extraction & maxillary arch retraction. Im currently in Phase I of treatment which will costs roughly twice my original ortho treatment. The relief from the TMJ splint was amazing, confirming that my (ortho-engineered) bite appears to have been causing the TMJ problems.

For me, an ortho's work triggered real problems which became debilitating, which a dentist is relieving for me. My dentist has a holistic approach, considering not only the appearance of the teeth & the bite, but also where the teeth are along the arch, & how that affects the jaw function.

In my experience orthos r not always the gold standard & dentists are not always bad at orthodontics. I'd advise anyone considering ortho work to get multiple opinions, & to go with a professional they trust (not just his/her credentials) and someone they can talk to. Reversing ortho work is costly & frustrating, but living with a dysfunctional jaw joint became unbearable. I wish I'd been more informed in choosing my ortho, I recommend choosing someone you trust whatever their title.

All the best in your ortho journey