Most patients visiting an orthodontist for the first time are unsure as to what happens at this consultation. In general terms, orthodontic treatment can be divided into three stages :

• Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
• Active Orthodontic Treatment
• Retention

At the very first visit, Dr Lalieu or Dr Barbagallo spend time examining the patient, both from a facial aspect as well as their teeth and bite, in order to work out what the problem is (DIAGNOSIS). They will then explain this to you, and give you an idea of what orthodontic treatment may be involved to correct the problem (and if this is the right time for treatment), as well as treatment time and possible cost.

If you're not ready for treatment yet, we'll ask to see you again several months later to monitor changes and determine when you're ready for treatment (or if treatment is really necessary).

If you are ready for treatment, then we will make some moulds (impressions) of your teeth (for plaster "study models"), take photographs of your face and teeth, and X-Rays of the jaws and teeth. We measure and analyse these, so that we can work out an exact individualised treatment for you (TREATMENT PLANNING). Once we have done this, we have a Treatment Discussion Appointment (with the patient and parents if applicable) to explain the treament to you.

So, before we start our treatment, we will explain to you in detail, the exact nature of the problem, and what ACTIVE ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT we advise for you - that is, exactly how we will treat you and about how the things we will use to do the treatment, actually work (we have a "cool" computer programme to show this to you). Most importantly, we will discuss with you the things you need to do during treatment if you want your treatment and braces work. We believe that discussing treatment in DETAIL is most important - you can't be expected to help us if you don't know fully what we're trying to do. That's why we need to devote so much time to explaining treatment. The precise fees for the treatment will also be quoted to you in writing, and an Informed Consent form given to you. There is no charge for the Treatment Discussion appointment, and we encourage questions!

The final phase of Orthodontic Treatment is RETENTION, where we use removable plates (usually) to maintain the correction achieved, after the braces are removed. During this time, we'll also check on your wisdom teeth.

What is the best age to begin treatment?

As you can see, there is nothing to be anxious about at your first visit - while you're there, why not take a tour of the rooms, read our noticeboards, see who got their braces off recently, who our Patient of the Month is, or enter one of our competitions!