Frequently asked questions
Before getting Braces
How do I get braces?
- You have to book a consultation with Dr Ghabrial.
- Fill in the New patient forms: www.pretoriasmile.com
- During the consultation, Dr. will examine the patient’s teeth and recommend treatment if necessary.We will then have to do full records consisting of photos, x-rays and a 3D scan which Dr Ghabrial will study and work out a treatment plan according to the patient’s teeth.
- You will have a complete discussion with Dr Ghabrial and an oral hygienist videos and models to explain the treatment.
- One of our admin members will then discuss the finance options and help you to get started.
How much do braces cost?
Doctor Ghabrial will need to examine the patient’s teeth to determine the severity of the treatment and work out a customized treatment plan which will determine the cost.
Do you have to pay the whole amount at once?
Our admin staff will inform you of payment options.
Does the 1st consultation include the braces?
No, it is only the assessment including the x-ray, scans and photos to compile a cost report of what the cost for treatment will be. Dr. will then discuss the treatment with you and the assessment.
Will the medical aid cover the first appointment?
Please confirm your benefits with your medical aid.
Does the practice accept medical aid?
We do accept medical aid payments on your first consultation and assessment appointment. When we start with the treatment we have various payment options to consider.
Where the different braces are manufactured?
- In-Ovation C: New York
- Damon: Washington
- RMO: America
What brand brackets do you use?
We use various types of brackets and techniques for each person’s needs. We have regular brackets, ceramic brackets and Invisalign (Aligners).
What information and documentation are required for the first appointment?
We ask the patient to come 15 minutes earlier to finalize the forms:
Main members' ID and medical aid card- Patient Details: Patient name, surname, medical aid information, Male/Female, Referring Doctor, Cell phone numbers, and email address.
At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at the age of 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition. The age is very important as we can then see if we can correct some anomalies with growth
What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
Upon arriving, each parent needs to fill out some forms. One of our Oral Hygienists will take an x-ray of the patient’s teeth and then take both parent and patient through to the chair. There she will help you get prepared for doctor to come and do the examination. Thereafter the necessary photographs, x-rays and study models will be taken to make a proper diagnosis.
Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goals of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.
How long will I have to wear my braces?
Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The “average” time frame a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.
Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. 25 per cent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is “too old” to wear braces.
Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
Yes, A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth and still keep the space, if needed for an implant.
Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?
Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It's important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.
Treatment Process
How often will I have appointments?
We will schedule appointments according to the work that needs to be completed. Most patients will be seen in a 4-6 weekly appointment.
Can I schedule all my appointments for after school?
Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students after school. However, because patients are only seen on a 4-6 weeks basis, minimal school is missed. The longer appointments are done in the morning and once they're done, we will do our best to meet your needs
Are there certain foods that I cannot eat while having braces?
Yes, once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide information about food that needs to be avoided. Some of those foods include ice, hard candy, sticky food, and raw vegetables. You can avoid most emergency appointments by carefully following our instructions.
- Read: Food and Braces
How often should I brush my teeth with the braces?
Patients should try to brush their teeth at least 3 times a day. After every meal and before bed. We will show each patient how to take care of their teeth while wearing braces.
After Getting Braces
Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not “hurt”. After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medication such as Pando or Grandpa will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel soreness at all! Like we always say “It does not have to hurt to work!”
Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an appointment.
Can I still play sports if I have braces?
Yes. But we do recommend a mouth guard to protect yourself and our braces, no matter what sport you play.
Do I still need to visit my Orthodontist specialist during the period that I have my braces?
Yes. Regular check-ups are very important while having braces. We only look after your braces and it is still your own responsibility to see that your teeth are clean and in good condition.
Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention.
What is first phase or early treatment?
First phase treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. This treatment lasts about 12-21 months. The primary objective of this treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.
What is an emergency appointment?
If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call the office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone.
I can't get hold of the practice. Do you have alternative contact details?
We can assist with bookings and queries on all of the following numbers:
- QUEENSWOOD Practice: 012 333 2224 / 6 or CELL: 071 188 3874
- PRETORIA EAST PRACTICE: 012 809 1911 or CELL: 076 592 8894
Can I make an online booking?
You can do an appointment request via our Contact us tab. Please complete the section and we will get back to you with an appointment date and time.