On the face of it, there should be nothing wrong with having the total cost for orthodontic treatment covered by the national health service. Currently, all patients under the age of 18 are eligible for treatment under the NHS as long as they meet the criteria set out under the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). The IOTN is a scale on which a patient is scored as to the extent of their orthodontic problems. If their orthodontic problems are affecting their overall health and well-being, and the application is not just for cosmetic reasons, then a patient could qualify for treatment.
We’re all familiar with the phrase “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” and unfortunately this also applies to orthodontic treatment and it’s the hidden costs that parents and patients need to be aware of.
Waiting Times
An NHS option for orthodontic treatment means demand will always out-strip supply. With NHS budgets and resources stretched this inevitably means long waiting times for assessment and treatment. In some cases patients need immediate treatment and lost time can causes more problems and complications further down the line. When resources are stretched it means something as simple as a cancelled appointment can lead to long delays in getting a new date in the diary.
Waiting Room Fatigue
Heavy demand on NHS resources means orthodontists pack their day with multiple appointments in the hope of clearing their back-log of patients. Unfortunately, in reality, this means patients spending a long time in the waiting room with up to an hour waits not unusual.
You’re Not A Number
Long waiting times, long patient lists and NHS targets means there’s pressure on everyone in the profession to work harder but not necessarily smarter. We see many patients at Park Lane Orthodontics who gave up the NHS route because they felt they were treated like a number and not a patient.
Communication is Key
We’ve all experienced the frustration of travel delay whether on the roads, rail or air and it’s always made worse when we’re given no information and no idea how long we’ll be waiting. Well the same applies for orthodontic treatment. Again, an over stretched NHS is just not in a position to offer a service that puts the patients needs first.
At Park Lane Orthodontics we understand the need to keep you fully informed at every stage of treatment and we guarantee no long waiting lists, no delayed appointments, no quick appointments as we’ve a full waiting-room to get through and quick follow up appointments so you get the best possible expert treatment.
So Why choose Park Lane Orthodontics?
No waiting lists and timely appointments. A warm, caring and friendly atmosphere along with a pleasant, relaxing patient lounge with complimentary drinks service provided by our first class team. With relaxed appointments, we allow enough time to keep you informed and involved in your child’s treatment so you feel reassured they’re in the best place possible. In addition to all this, we have free onsite parking, free Wi-Fi service and complimentary sundry items.
Options to suite you and your child
The NHS provides limited treatment options whereas as we offer the following.
Removable plastic braces
Removable plastic braces are one of the best options for children between the ages 9 to 12 years. These lightweight and discreet braces are worn to keep your child’s front teeth straight and make more room for their adult teeth to grow into.
Functional Braces
These are used to handle your child’s’ bite’ issues – the way you close your teeth. Common bite problems include higher or lower front teeth which make a stronger and truer ‘bite’ difficult for your child.
Fixed Braces
We usually use fixed braces once all of your child’s adult teeth have come through. The braces are secured to your child’s teeth and work by aligning the adult teeth into a perfectly straight, wide smile.
Invisalign Plastic Braces
The Invisalign braces for adults are incredibly popular, and Park Lane Orthodontics offers this treatment for older children with Invisalign Teen.
Retainers
After you’ve finished your orthodontic treatment and are enjoying your beautiful new smile, it’s important to wear your retainers. Retainers make sure your smile stays put.
SPECIAL JANUARY OFFER
All private consultation during January will be at the special fee of £57.
If you start treatment in January, we offer super low deposits (£800 rather than £1750) plus our easy affordable direct debit plans to spread the investment over the treatment.