Visit 2 - Second Consultation

Monday 18th February - 4.30pm

Today was my second consultation. I got another scan taken via a nurse and then had a more in depth talk with my Orthodontist, Guy Deeming. Guy and I sat at his computer and he brought up my teeth and showed me exactly what we were going to do. This was called the ClinCheck. He used the computer to showed me my predicated smile and exactly how my teeth were going to move and look post-treatment. The software they had in place had the ability to see the movements that my teeth were going to go through, as well as the end result. For me personally, this is what I found really attractive about Invisalign.

He filled out some forms on his computer and explained the exact treatment journey we were going to take:

1. Teeth Removed - Firstly, Guy suggested we took two of my top wisdom teeth out. He explained that they served no purpose and by taking them out they would give us more room to move and guide my teeth into where they needed to be.

2. Interproximal Reduction (IPR) - IPR is the gentle and planned removal of a very small amount of the outer layer of enamel from between the teeth. Guy said this would improve the outcome of my treatment by creating space and reducing the appearance of 'black triangles' between the teeth. The technique is carried out by 'sanding' between the teeth using a fine, diamond coated strip.

3. Attachments - Guy said I would need attachments which are small tooth-coloured fixings attached to the teeth in specific locations. He showed me on the computer where abouts he was going to place them. They weren't on my front 4 which I was glad about! The attachments are made from a safe and removable dental bonding material which provide an essential 'anchor' to allow the plastic aligner to move the teeth as planned. Without attachments treatment with Invisalign is must less predictable and more limited in scope.

4. Elastics & Buttons - To correct my 5mm bite Guy said it was necessary to wear elastics between the upper and lower teeth. Elastics are attached to tooth-coloured buttons with Invisalign. Without elastics treatment will take longer and may be less successful. Guy explained elastics can be removed for eating and cleaning but would normally need to be in place for 22 out of 24 hours.

5. Aligners - Guy explained I would need to wear both top and bottom aligners for 23 hours a day for my treatment to be successful. You take the aligners out only when eating or drinking and change they on a weekly basis.

After speaking with Guy for around 10 minutes I then went downstairs and saw Leanne again who was the treatment advisor. She asked me to fill out a few more forms and we booked my next appointment which was to have my wisdom teeth removed. Before the extraction I needed to see the Dental Associate called Paul Davies.

The receptionists at Queensway always give you appointment little cards. If your forgetful like me always take a photo of it so it’s stored in your phone and also put a reminder in your calendar. There are a lot of appointments to attend when you are first starting treatment and missing one will only delay your progress!