What to expect
Congratulations on your decision to consult with an orthodontist regarding straightening your teeth, improving your bite and enhancing your smile, with specialist orthodontic treatment.
Prior to your first visit
Once you have scheduled an initial consultation with Dr Green, please download our new Patient Medical History form, available here.
Your completed form must be submitted to Orthotek prior to your initial consultation. Forms can be submitted by emailing reception@orthotek.co.nz or via post to:
192 Peachgrove Road
Claudelands
Hamilton 3214
Your initial consultation
New patient consultation times in Hamilton are usually held at 10:45am, 12:45pm, 4:00pm and 5:15pm. New patient appointment times vary in the out of town clinics.
At your initial consultation, Dr Green will discuss the reasons for your visit, review your medical/dental history and undertake an orthodontic examination of your teeth.
If an x-ray is required, Dr Green will explain this to you. This will assist the diagnosis of your problem, before orthodontic treatment options are recommended.
There are several types of braces varying in design and material. Dr Green will recommend the best option for you.
Our spacious air-conditioned waiting room is furnished with patient comfort in mind. A chilled fresh water dispenser is available and the latest magazines are provided for your enjoyment. Ample off-street parking is available.
Recall visits
If a patient is not ready for treatment, they will be recalled for a visit to Dr Green at an appropriate time. We contact and advise patients by text when their next recall appointment is due.
Consent form
A consent form is provided, it must be read, understood and signed by the responsible party before orthodontic treatment can commence. The consent form covers treatment risks and financial responsibility.
Records
Orthodontic records are required before your treatment can commence. Dr Green will then confirm your diagnosis and treatment plan. Records consist of two radiographs (x-rays), impressions of your upper and lower teeth (plaster cast models) and a series of photographs of your teeth and face.
You will be provided with a written treatment report confirming your personal specialist treatment plan.
The average braces treatment period is 18 to 24 months.
Placement of your braces (phase 1)
Having braces fitted on upper and lower teeth takes approximately 50 minutes. This is a painless procedure and no form of anaesthetic is necessary. Several hours after the braces are fitted, it is normal to require mild pain relief, such as Panadol or Aspirin.
Discomfort may continue for a few days as the teeth mobilise to allow movement to occur during orthodontic treatment. Adults will usually experience a longer period of discomfort.
Brace adjustments
Appointments to adjust your braces are usually scheduled every four to six weeks, however, this can vary depending on your personalised treatment plan.
Estimated treatment time
Treatment times varies for each patient. The estimated treatment time is based on the severity of a given problem and the age of the patient. The rate of tooth movement depends on a patent's individual response and compliance to treatment and age. Adult treatment usually takes longer than adolescent treatment. For optimal results a patient must follow instructions and attend scheduled appointments.
Retention (phase 2)
Supervised retention covers the 12-month period after your braces are removed. The removal of your braces is a painless process. Retainers are provided to maintain your teeth in their new position to minimize unfavourable tooth movements; some movement is always expected. Retainers can be a removable appliance and/or wire retainer bonded behind the front teeth. Retainers are checked every four months during the 12 month supervised retention period.
It is inevitable that some tooth movement will occur and we advise that long term retainer wear and maintenance is essential to minimise unfavourable tooth movements.
Patients who do not wear or maintain their retainers, risk their teeth moving back to the original position. It is critically important you wear and maintain your retainers as directed by your specialist orthodontist.
Key terms
View list of Common orthodontic terms.
Referral
We have a close professional relationship with school dental therapists, dental surgeons and other specialists within the dental industry. As specialist orthodontic practice, we do not undertake any dental treatment other than your specialist orthodontic care. There may be occasions when we will refer patients for other specialised treatment to a colleague with expertise in their particular field of practice.
Contact us
Retention covers the 12-month period after your braces are removed.
