Getting started at Borders Orthodontics
Once you have decided you want to explore getting your teeth straightened, the next stage is to arrange a consultation with our specialist orthodontist, Dr Robert Irvine. The purpose of the consultation is for you to explore all the options available to you and for us to advise you on what can be done and how to best achieve the results you are looking for.
A meeting of two experts
A consultation was once described as a meeting of two experts, the patient and the orthodontist. This is very true and we recognise that the consultation needs to be an opportunity for you to explore treatment in a relaxed environment and one where you will have time for all your questions to be answered. We are keen to learn from you what it is about your smile that you do not like and how this impacts you. We want to make sure the treatments we recommend are relevant to you and your lifestyle and we recognise that everyone is different. We will bring our expertise and experience to the conversation and between the two of us, we will help you to explore all the options and to make an informed decision about which treatment is right for you.
What happens at the consultation?
After we have had an opportunity to learn from you about why you are exploring orthodontic treatment and what you hope to achieve, we will undertake an examination of your teeth and how well the top and bottom teeth fit together. We are looking to not only create a great smile but one that is both functional and stable so we will pay attention to both aesthetics and function. We may take some measurements and photographs to help you to understand what needs to be done and will discuss with you which brace options will best achieve the results you are looking for.
What’s next?
If you decide to proceed with treatment, we will arrange for your teeth to be scanned so we will have a detailed 3D recording of your teeth to help us with planning your treatment. We will also take some X-Rays so we can check what we can’t see and to make sure your teeth and the surrounding bone are ready for orthodontic treatment. We will use all this to plan your treatment and will talk through all the movements that will need to take place to give you the result you are looking for.
Different types of braces
One of the advantages of undertaking treatment with a specialist orthodontist is that we have the widest possible choice of brace types which include removable braces such as Invisalign and discreet fixed braces. There are advantages to each type of brace and we will spend time explaining these to you so you can make the right decision about treatment.
Getting started
To get started, contact us to arrange your consultation with Dr Robert Irvine. We have treated over 7000 private and NHS patients from our modern practice in Galashiels and as the first and only specialist orthodontist in the Scottish Borders, will ensure you receive the highest standard of treatment from our team.
We look forward to welcoming you to your consultation.