Paris with 3M

I am a  mentor in the use of 3M’s Incognito lingual system. The company places a strong emphasis on supporting training and generously organized a trip for Dr Rachel Bradford and I to the Paris practice of renowned lingual orthodontist, Dr Catherine Galletti. Nick Henchy, the Lingual Business Development Manager for 3M accompanied us on the lightning visit, travelling on Eurostar from St Pancras.  It is remarkable that leaving Solihull at 1pm allowed us to be in Paris to check in by early evening, to enjoy a night out, to spend a full working day observing on Dr Galletti’s clinic and to be home in Solihull by 9pm.

There were 2 tremendous benefits for me from this trip. Firstly, the chance to spend time with experienced colleagues that inevitably leads to the exchange of ideas in a way that never occurs at busy conferences. Secondly, the opportunity to observe the clinical work of a busy expert learning patient treatment and management techniques that cannot be gained from a book or lecture. I returned with renewed enthusiasm and enhanced knowledge for a fabulous invisible treatment system. Thank you 3M!

Thinking about orthodontic treatment?

Thinking about orthodontic treatment?  Ask the right questions!

Tempted by offers of a ‘six month smile’?

Looking at Invisalign, Clearstep or Inman aligners?

BEFORE choosing your orthodontist, ask them:

Are you a Registered Orthodontic Specialist?  Have you any post-graduate qualifications in orthodontics?

Do you offer comprehensive fixed braces including invisible (lingual) fixed braces as one of the choices?  IF NOT THEY MAY NOT BE SO EXPERT

Is veneering planned after my orthodontic treatment?  If so, why?  Is this because my teeth won’t be completely straight after orthodontics?  Could this be avoided by the use of a different brace?

You may be surprised by the answers.

Why – read more below:

Orthodontics is a highly complex area of dentistry.  That’s why it takes a minimum of three years’ full-time additional training AFTER  a dentistry degree to become a Registered Specialist in Orthodontics, like my associate Virginia Rootkin Gray and myself, here at Orthodontic Excellence.

You might be surprised to learn that the General Dental Council allows any dentist who offers orthodontic treatment to describe him or herself as an orthodontist – even if their only training is the small part provided as part of their basic degree.

Treatments are only as good as the person providing them.

The internet makes it easy to shop around for treatment but websites also make it easy for clinics to make grandiose claims.  Is it likely that a practice that claims to be expert in a wide range of treatments can be so without any of its practitioners being registered specialists?

Beware of claims of speedy treatment.  Natural biology limits the speed at which teeth can move and if treatment is done in a hurry, there is a risk it may be incomplete.  Only very simple, minor movements can be done in that time.

‘Quick fix’ treatments are often followed by the use of veneers.  Veneers can be useful but attaching them does mean irreversible filing down of your teeth.  It may be that they are being used simply because your teeth have not been given enough time to become completely straight.  If the teeth are the correct shape and colour, then there should be no need for veneering after orthodontic treatment.

Technology allows a greater choice of treatments and appliance types than ever before.  The reason that there are many types of orthodontic treatment is because there is no single system that is best at treating all types of problem.

Does your’ orthodontist’ have only one treatment system on offer?  At Orthodontic Excellence we offer the full range of treatments so that you can have the system BEST for YOU.

SO before choosing your orthodontist, ask yourself –

Do I want to be treated by someone who has proven themselves to be an expert by thorough training, examination and experience?  Are they the best person for the job?

If you have doubts, why not come for a free consultation with us?