Category Archives: General

Frequently asked questions about your NHS referral

Frequently Asked Questions about NHS Orthodontics

Q. What is NHS Orthodontics?

A. Each year the practice is allocated a contract with a set amount of funding to use for free orthodontic treatment. This funding is available to people under the age of 18 years who require treatment on the grounds of dental health. However restrictions now apply to who is eligible for NHS treatment. In addition, the amount of annual funding provided to us is limited. As a result patients who are eligible for NHS treatment may have to be placed on a waiting list until more funds become available.

Q. Why do some people qualify for orthodontic treatment and some do not?

A. One of our Orthodontic Specialists will assess if your child is eligible for NHS treatment using an assessment scale called the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). This is made up of 5 grades, 1 is the least severe and 5 the most. NHS treatment is available to those who grade at levels 4 or 5 on this scale.

 

IOTN

 

Q. Do all Orthodontists use the IOTN?

A. Yes. All orthodontic specialists who carry out NHS treatment in England and Wales use the IOTN to grade their patients.

Q. Why is the list so long?

A. A large number of patients are referred to us by their dentist for an NHS Orthodontic assessment. Regrettably it is not possible to see everyone straight away given the amount of funding we receive. We therefore use an assessment waiting list system to ensure patients are called for their assessment in turn, which can be up to 40  months. If your child qualifies for NHS treatment and their dental health is of the required standard they will commence treatment.

Q. So what do I do now?

A. We will contact you in writing once your child has reached the top of the waiting list. (Please remember to inform us of any change of address)

We hope this information helps to explain the procedures surrounding NHS Orthodontics but if you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us on 01924 380680 and our staff will be happy to help.

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So your getting braces?

Braces

 

If you’re about to get braces, you’re probably wondering why they’re so important, whether or not they’ll hurt and how long you’ll have to keep them. Get the answers here, plus info on eating with braces and cleaning your braces …

Over 202,300 people in the UK started orthodontic treatment 2014-15!

What are they?

Braces straighten crooked or overcrowded teeth.

There are lots of different types of braces, including see-through ones, white ones, and some that stick to the inside of your teeth.

They exert a steady pressure on the teeth to gradually realign them.

Why have I got to have them?

You’ll get a beautiful smile. Your teeth will be easier to clean (clean teeth = less fillings = less falsies when you’re older).

What will happen at the orthodontist?

The orthodontist is the braces expert. They’ll probably take some X-rays, or some photos of your jaw. You may have to bite down on some mushy stuff or have your teeth scanned to record how your teeth come together.

Once you’re fitted with a brace, you’ll return for check-ups every month or so. The orthodontist may adjust the braces to keep the pressure on your teeth.

Will it hurt?

A little. For a few days after you first get a brace, and for a few days after each adjustment, your mouth may feel a bit sore. But nothing that a pain relief tablet can’t handle. If a wire or bracket is rubbing, smearing on some Vaseline or wax should ease it.

How long will they stay in for?

Fixed braces usually stay in for between eighteen months to two years, but it varies. The longest ever recorded? 20 years. He forgot to go back.

Do I have to stop eating?

No. For a few days after they first go in, you may be advised to stick to soft food. The last thing you want is to dislodge them on a chunk of carrot.

How do I keep them clean?

Braces are like magnets for food. Not only does debris look alarming, but it can also accelerate decay. Clean thoroughly after meals and before bed.

Am I a freak?

No way. Over 202,300 people in the UK started orthodontic treatment in 2014-15 and more adults than ever before are having treatment – often through choice. So just sit tight, safe in the knowledge that you’ll have a killer smile when they come off!

BBC Advice factfiles are here to help young people with a broad range of issues. They’re based on advice from medical professionals, government bodies, charities and other relevant groups. Follow the links for more advice from these organisations.

BBC Advice 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ysR0SgtXwfDxJQJ67H8pBZ/braces

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Regulation 10: Dignity and respect

dignity

At St Michael’s Orthodontics Ltd we work hard to ensure all we treat our patients with dignity and respect.

The results from our previous audit showed that, from the four statements listed on the questionnaire, 100% of patients that took part either agreed or strongly agreed that they were treat with dignity and respect during their visit to the practice.

The results collected from this audit have again given positive feedback to the practice, in which all patients that completed the questionnaire have agreed with the statements.

Results – Dignity and respect April 2017 results

 

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A glimpse at your future perfect smile

itero 1

Have you ever wondered what your teeth would look like if you had orthodontic treatment? With our new itero scanner you can do just that.

This new technology enables us to take a digital scan of your teeth and to produce a simulation of how your teeth could look. This exciting technology is now available at our practice and we are offering this service free of charge.

This means we no longer have to take impressions for Invisalign treatment. The fit of the aligners is more predictable and we can start your treatment much sooner than before. Why wait till tomorrow to start creating the beautiful smile you have always wanted?

itero3
itero2

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Christmas holiday open hours 2015

Christmas logo

 

The team @stmichaelsortho wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The practice holiday open hours are as follows;

Friday 25th December 2015 – CLOSED
Saturday 26th December 2015 – CLOSED
Sunday 27th December 2015 – CLOSED
Monday 28th December 2015 – CLOSED
Tuesday 29th December 2015 – 9am to 4pm
Wednesday 30th December 2015 – 9am to 4pm
Thursday 31st December 2015 – 9am to 4pm
Friday 1st January 2015 – CLOSED
Saturday 2nd January 2015 – CLOSED
Sunday 3rd January 2015 – CLOSED
Monday 4th January 2015 – OPEN AS USUAL

If you require urgent medical attention after 6pm please call 111.

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10 top reasons to smile

smile 1  
  1. 1. Smiling makes us attractive   There is a huge attraction factor to those who smile, we are drawn to them! Frowns and unhappy people push people away, so keep smiling.
  2. 2. Smiling relieves stress  When we are stressed it really shows up in our faces. Smiling can help us! When you’re stressed try your best to keep smiling and you will defiantly see a change in how you feel. It prevents you from looking tired, run down or upset. It makes other people think you are happy and you will feel a lot happier in yourself.
  3. 3. Smiling changes our mood  Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There’s a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.
  4. 4. Smiling is contagious  When someone is smiling; straight away they lighten up the room and make things more positive. If someone is smiling and seems a really happy person, it will make you want to smile as well. It changes the moods of others as a smiling person brings happiness with them. Make sure you smile lots and you will draw people too you!
  5. 5. Smiling boosts your immune system  When you smile you are more relaxed so your immune function can improve. Smile and you could prevent certain virus like cold and flu.
  6. 6. Smiling lowers your blood pressure  See if you notice a difference? Sit down at home and take a reading of your blood pressure. Spend the day smiling and measure your blood pressure after. You should see a reduction in your blood pressure, give it a try!
  7. 7. Smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin  Smiling is a natural drug, it releases endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin and together these make us feel a lot better in our selves.
  8. 8. Smiling lifts the face and makes you look younger  No one needs to go for the expense of a face lift, just smile! Smiling will use muscles to lift your face and make you feel and look younger.
  9. 9. Smiling makes you seem successful  Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.
  10. 10. Smiling helps you stay positive Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It’s hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that “Life is good!” Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.
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4 benefits of straighter teeth

4 benefits of straighter teeth

Many people believe that having orthodontic treatment will only improve your appearance, but a straighter smile will not only improve a person’s confidence but will also improve your oral health, eating and any speech problems. Having a great smile is something the majority of the population want but don’t think is achievable. Their wrong, it’s so straight forward! There are a number of treatment options to correct your problems. A quick chat with your orthodontist is all it takes; they will go through all the different treatment options available and will then decide which is the most suitable for you.

  • A major reason people seek orthodontic treatment is for a much more attractive smile. Smiling more often with an improved smile will build a person’s confidence and will have a huge impact on how others perceive you. We do live in a very image conscious society and impressions are made very quickly. If you are worried about what impression you will make because of the way your teeth appear, orthodontic treatment is the way forward. Having an attractive smile is a great asset and it is amazing how improving this will change the way people look at you.
  • Another benefit to having orthodontic treatment is to improve your oral health. Having crooked teeth may cause difficulty when cleaning as it can be a lot harder to get your toothbrush and floss in-between teeth that overlap. Misaligned teeth which are harder to clean will lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. This can cause gum problems and decay which may then result in the loss of teeth.
    Halitosis (bad breath) appears when bacteria grow in your mouth. You can avoid this from developing by cleaning your teeth regularly and more efficiently. This would be much easier to achieve with straighter teeth. Straight teeth are not only a beautiful smile but a healthier one as well. A straight set of teeth signals a much healthier mouth which can alter the way others perceive you.
  • Crooked teeth may also cause eating and chewing problems. Straightening your teeth to improve day to day tasks such as eating is one of the four benefits of having orthodontic treatment. As mentioned before, Halitosis can develop in the mouth. If there is a tendency to have difficulty removing food when cleaning, then the amount of bacteria growing will increase leading to bad breath developing. Food may get trapped in between gaps in the teeth and may not be fully removed when cleaning. If bacteria and plaque increases due to food packing, gum problems may also appear causing irritation. Straight teeth will eliminate any gaps present therefore reducing the amount of food trapping, bacteria growth and gum problems.
  • Finally, misaligned teeth may contribute to speech impediments. This can lower a person’s confidence, self esteem and can affect your daily routine such as school, work and your personal life. Diastemas (gaps in your front teeth) may cause a whistle when speaking to appear and speech problems. Clearer speech naturally improves confidence and can make a person smile much more often. Smiles are a big part of our identity and can alter the impression we give out to people.

It is proven that having straighter teeth will improve a person’s confidence. A recent audit carried out by the team at St Michaels Orthodontics Ltd showed that almost 99% of patients that completed orthodontic treatment felt that a straighter smile improved their self confidence and would also highly recommend treatment to others. It also showed that ¾ of the patients asked felt that cleaning and their general oral health also improved.

It is never too late for your perfect smile!

Visit www.stmichaelsorthodontics.co.uk or call our experts on 01924380680 for more information

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