FAQ
I’m sure you may have questions you would like to ask. The Ebenezer house team have included some of the more popular questions below here. If you have a question which is not included here please call us.
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What does the hygienist do?
A hygienist will clean and remove all the deposits from your teeth. However the most important function a hygienist performs is to educate you to keep your mouth healthy so you don't need to come back!
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What does acupuncture do?
It can be used for treating pain in the teeth and jaws (especially TMJ pain) but is also extremely good for anxious patients and those who gag very easily. It is not uncomfortable and most patients find it quite relaxing.
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Do you use metal fillings?
In general, No, although the most recent research indicates that metal fillings pose no health risk to the overwhelming majority. We would use them only if there were no alternative other than extraction.
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I smoke. Should I be worried about my mouth?
Possibly. Smoking increases the statistical risk of tooth-loss through gum disease by 800%! It also increases your risk of mouth cancer dramatically, especially when combined with alcohol.
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Should I use an electric toothbrush?
Probably a good idea. We are big fans of electric toothbrushes because they are extremely thorough, do not allow you to brush too hard and the better ones allow you to use special attachments to clean in between your teeth. Many have built-in timers to tell you how long to brush.
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Do you advise fluoride tablets for children?
Generally, no. The lower incidence of dental decay in children means the undesirable effects of too much fluoride such as permanent staining of the teeth are not worth risking. All cases are, of course, treated on their individual merits.
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Do you offer invisible braces?
In general, compared to Delta Force all other fixed systems either take longer, are less accurate, or are limited in the types of tooth movement that they can produce. Of course, we continue to monitor all new developments as they become available. We are always happy to have a chat so please feel free to call us.
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Do you do conventional orthodontics on the NHS?
No, because our favoured system is simply much too expensive to allow its use on the NHS. We are happy to arrange a hospital consultation for this kind of treatment.
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What does orthodontic treatment cost?
Typically:
Diagnosis £ 400 - models of your teeth, dental and head x-rays plus analysis, treatment plan and 30 minutes case presentation.
Treatment costs approximately £ 80-85per month with an initial £ 420 lump sum one-off payment. Total cost from £ 1750.
Average treatment time is 12 to 18 months.
High speed, high tech fixed braces are £ 1900 (upper and lower). -
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Why do my child´s teeth look so large?
The teeth do not change in size once they are formed. In a normal relationship the face and jaws grow fast enough to accommodate the erupting permanent teeth. It is when this balance becomes disrupted that orthodontic problems start to occur.
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Are teeth ever actually too large for the patient´s mouth?
Yes.
However, this is not a common occurrence. Interestingly the teeth can also be too small for the patient´s face and jaws as well. -
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Is early treatment always best?
Not necessarily.
If the patient's problem is growth related then it certainly is wise to begin therapy early. The majority of problems fall Into this category. However, if the problem is simply “crooked teeth”, the dentist may advise you to delay treatment until all of the permanent teeth have developed into the mouth. -
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Can my child be treated with only removable appliances?
Not usually.
Sometimes all of the permanent teeth will correctly align themselves following orthopaedic therapy. Everyone should be prepared to complete the second phase of treatment which is orthodontic therapy with fixed braces. -
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What will the treatment cost?
In most situations the doctor can provide you with a reasonable estimate of the expenses involved.
If you have any questions regarding the fee by all means ask the doctor. -
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Do you have free parking available?
As one of the premier Swindon Dentists we think it's important that our patients are mad to feel welcome and relaxed. There is ample parking at the rear of the practice which you are welcome to use when you visit us.
Here's a snapshot of our parking facility; http://www.swindon-dental.co.uk/parking/ -
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Do children "talk funny" with appliances in their mouth?
Only for a short period of time. The speech pattern will quickly adapt to the appliance when they are worn full time.
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When can my child take the appliances out?
Only when eating and brushing. There are certain exceptions such as singing in a choir, but these should be discussed with the dentist. There are also certain malocclusions that it´s best to eat in the appliances.
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Do I need to continue to see my own dentist?
If you are referred to us by your general dentist, you must continue to see them for routine care during your orthodontics.
We will only deal with your braces and once treatment is complete, you will be returned to the care of your normal dentist.
