Orthodontics

At Ridgway Dental, we firmly believe that it’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always desired. Our expert orthodontic specialists, Dr Annika Patel and Dr Lida Gamble, provide comprehensive treatment for all age groups, from children to adults. There’s no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment, and we’ve successfully transformed the smiles of many adult patients. Our approach is patient-focused and tailored to your unique needs, ensuring that you receive the best possible care. We invite you to visit Ridgway Dental for a consultation, where we can discuss your options and help you on your journey to straighter teeth and a more confident smile.

At Ridgway Dental, we’re dedicated to enhancing your dental health and overall well-being through orthodontic treatment. The benefits are extensive:

• Healthier Teeth and Gums: Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay.
• Improved Confidence: Correcting crooked or misaligned teeth can dramatically boost your self-esteem, giving you a smile you’re delighted to share.
• Reduced Tooth Wear and Damage: Proper alignment reduces tooth wear, protecting your teeth from premature damage and potential dental problems.
• Enhanced Oral Function: Aligned teeth improve your bite, making chewing more efficient and reducing strain on jaw muscles and joints, potentially alleviating symptoms of TMJ disorders.
• Improved Speech: Certain misalignments can affect speech. Orthodontic treatment can help in correcting these issues, leading to clearer speech.
• Long-Term Dental Health: Properly aligned teeth are less prone to injuries and wear, contributing to the longevity of your dental health.
• Aesthetic Improvement: Beyond health benefits, orthodontic treatment offers a cosmetic enhancement, aligning teeth for a more harmonious and attractive smile.

We warmly invite you to Ridgway Dental for a detailed consultation, where we can explore how these benefits can enhance your quality of life.

At Ridgway Dental, your first visit is an important step towards your dental well-being. We offer a warm, welcoming environment and a team dedicated to providing you with the best care. During your initial visit, you can expect:

• A thorough dental examination to assess your oral health.
• Detailed discussions about your dental concerns and treatment options.
• Use of advanced diagnostic tools, including digital X-rays, if necessary, to provide a comprehensive view of your dental health.
• A personalised treatment plan developed to meet your specific needs and goals.
• Answers to all your questions, ensuring you are fully informed and comfortable with your treatment choices.

We strive to make every visit to Ridgway Dental a positive and informative experience. We look forward to welcoming you and starting your journey to a healthier, happier smile.

Upon receiving a referral from your dentist to Ridgway Dental, the following steps will be taken:

• We will review the referral letter and any relevant X-rays sent by your dentist.
• Our team will contact you to arrange your initial consultation appointment.
• During your consultation, we will conduct a thorough assessment and discuss potential treatment options.
• A detailed report of the consultation findings and a bespoke treatment plan will be shared with both you and your referring dentist.

We ensure a seamless and coordinated approach to your treatment, working closely with your dentist to achieve the best possible outcomes for your dental health.

At Ridgway Dental, we are pleased to offer initial consultations to our patients. This consultation provides an opportunity for you to meet with our dental team, discuss your concerns, and learn about the treatment options available to you. During this session, we will:

• Provide a basic examination and discuss your dental health and aesthetic goals.
• Outline potential treatment plans and options.
• Answer any questions you might have about procedures, timelines, and outcomes.

This consultation is an essential step in your journey towards improved dental health and we look forward to meeting you and discussing how we can help achieve your dental goals.

Regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining good oral health. At Ridgway Dental, we recommend:

• Check-ups approximately every 6 months, though this may vary based on your individual oral health needs.
• During these check-ups, we’ll assess your oral health, screen for any issues, and provide professional cleaning and preventive care.
• Our goal is to catch potential problems early and maintain your dental health, saving you time and discomfort in the long run.

We tailor our recommendations to each patient’s specific needs, ensuring the best possible care for your oral health.

For our patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, regular hygienist visits at Ridgway Dental are essential. Here’s why:

• Specialized Cleaning Around Braces

  Our hygienist provides tailored cleaning techniques to navigate around braces, ensuring thorough cleaning and preventing plaque buildup.

• Prevention of Gum Disease

  With orthodontic appliances in place, the risk of gum disease can increase. Regular hygienist visits help mitigate this risk.

• Personalized Oral Hygiene Guidance

  Our hygienist offers bespoke advice on maintaining oral hygiene with braces, including techniques and tools specific to orthodontic care.

Ensuring the health of your teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment is crucial, and our hygienist plays a pivotal role in this aspect of your care.

At Ridgway Dental, early dental check-ups are pivotal for identifying potential orthodontic needs in children. Here’s what we focus on:

• Timing for Orthodontic Evaluation

  We advise parents to bring their children for an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This early assessment allows us to identify any orthodontic issues that might require early intervention.

• Monitoring Dental Development

  Regular check-ups enable us to monitor the development of your child’s teeth and jaw, crucial for timely orthodontic care.

• Preventive Orthodontic Measures

  Early visits can help in planning preventive or interceptive orthodontic treatments, which can simplify or even eliminate the need for more extensive orthodontic work later.

Early orthodontic evaluations are key to ensuring the best possible outcomes for your child’s dental health and smile.

Understanding the financial aspect of orthodontic treatment is important to our patients at Ridgway Dental. Here’s how we can assist:

• Customized Payment Plans

  We offer a variety of payment plans to make orthodontic treatment more accessible and manageable for our patients.

• Interest-Free Options

  Options for spreading the cost over time, including interest-free plans, are available to suit different budgets and financial situations.

• Transparent Cost Discussions

  During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of costs and discuss the best payment plan to fit your needs.

Our aim is to ensure that financial considerations do not become a barrier to receiving the orthodontic care you need.

Handling Orthodontic Emergencies

At Ridgway Dental, we understand that orthodontic emergencies can occur. We’re prepared to assist you promptly. Here’s what to do:

• Contacting the Practice

  If you encounter an orthodontic emergency, such as brace discomfort or injury to your mouth, contact us immediately. We reserve emergency appointments daily.

• After-Hours Care

  For emergencies outside normal practice hours, we offer an out-of-hours service for our existing patients to ensure you receive the necessary care.

• Immediate Guidance

  Our team will provide immediate advice over the phone and arrange for you to be seen as soon as possible.

Your comfort and safety are our top priorities, especially in emergency situations.

Comfort During Orthodontic Treatment

It’s common for patients to wonder about comfort during orthodontic treatment. At Ridgway Dental, we prioritize your comfort and ease. Here’s what you can expect:

• Initial Adjustment Period

  Some discomfort is normal when braces are first fitted or adjusted, as your teeth begin to move. This usually subsides within a few days.

• Managing Discomfort

  Over-the-counter pain relief can be effective in managing any initial discomfort. Our team will also provide tips for easing into your new orthodontic appliance.

• Continuous Support

  We’re here to support you throughout your treatment. If discomfort persists or concerns arise, we encourage you to contact us for assistance and advice.

Rest assured, our team at Ridgway Dental is committed to making your orthodontic journey as comfortable as possible.

Duration of Orthodontic Treatment

One of the most common questions we receive at Ridgway Dental relates to the length of orthodontic treatment. The duration varies based on several factors:

• Individual Treatment Plans

  Each patient’s orthodontic needs are unique, and treatment times vary accordingly. We provide personalized treatment plans after thorough assessments.

• Complexity and Age

  The complexity of the dental issues being addressed and the patient’s age can influence treatment duration. Typically, treatment can range from a few months to a couple of years.

• Continuous Monitoring

  Throughout treatment, we regularly monitor progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure effective and efficient treatment.

Our team at Ridgway Dental is committed to delivering the best possible outcomes within the shortest feasible timeframe for your specific orthodontic

Maintaining Results Post Orthodontic Treatment

Ensuring that teeth remain straight after orthodontic treatment is a common concern for patients at Ridgway Dental. Here’s what you should know:

• Importance of Retainers

  After completing orthodontic treatment, wearing retainers as directed is crucial to maintain the new position of your teeth.

• Long-Term Commitment

  Teeth can shift at any age. Continued retainer use, as advised by your orthodontist, is key to preserving the results of your treatment.

• Regular Follow-Up Visits

  We recommend periodic follow-up visits to monitor the stability of your treatment results and to adjust retainer use as needed.

At Ridgway Dental, we are dedicated to helping you maintain a beautiful, lasting smile.

Continued Dental Care During Orthodontic Treatment

Many patients at Ridgway Dental enquire about the need for ongoing dental visits during their orthodontic treatment. Here’s our guidance:

• Role of Your General Dentist

  While undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s important to continue regular visits to your general dentist. These visits are essential for maintaining overall oral health. You can also change practices and continue with Ridgway Dental if you feel more comfortable doing so.

• Preventive Care

  Your dentist will provide preventive care, such as cleanings and exams, to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout your orthodontic journey.

• Collaborative Care

  We can work in tandem with your dentist to ensure comprehensive care. Regular dental check-ups complement the orthodontic work we do at Ridgway Dental.

Maintaining regular appointments with your general dentist is a vital part of your orthodontic treatment plan.

Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

Adults often ask if orthodontic treatment is suitable for them. At Ridgway Dental, we see many adults benefiting significantly from orthodontics:

• Effectiveness at Any Age

  Orthodontic treatment is not just for children or teenagers – adults can achieve great results too.

• Preference for Discreet Options

  Many adults prefer less noticeable treatment options. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are popular choices due to their discreet appearance and convenience.

• Comprehensive Oral Health Benefits

  Orthodontics for adults isn’t only about aesthetics; it also addresses functional issues like bite alignment, contributing to overall oral health.

At Ridgway Dental, we are committed to providing effective, aesthetically pleasing orthodontic solutions for adults, helping them achieve the smile they’ve always wanted.