Orthodontist

[HappyKoala56]

How long is acceptable between appointments for the orthodontist? My son has train tracks on his bottom teeth and a removal brace for his top - he will get train tracks on these eventually too. We are currently between 10 and 12 weeks between appointments which feels far too long. When I had braces as a teen I went every 6 weeks. Their books are full to the brim but because they have accepted so many the treatment feels extremely delayed. I've just called now because one of ds brackets is about to fall off and they can't see him for 2 weeks. It also seems that it's almost impossible to change orthodontists as the one we are with has basically already been paid. I've complained once before and his appointment was changed to 9 weeks instead of 12, but we have gone back to how it was straight away. AIBU to complain again?

Every dentist and orthodontist still working in the NHS is absolutely inundated with patients , there is absolutely no slack in the system whatsoever and most will work through lunch times and into evening.
Everyone is exhausted , demoralised and cannot see things getting better. Waiting lists in my area are three plus years .

It's not ideal to have long gaps in between appointments but it will do no harm so long as the brace is still on.

Im sorry but the only way for your child to be seen at a shorter interval is for someone else's child to wait even longer.

There is no slack in the system , it's not ideal but at least your child is getting treated. The waiting lists are so long many will be too old for treatment by the time they come to top of waiting list.

My kids go every 4 weeks (not UK and paid privately but get back via insurance). However my son is away for 5 months travelling and still has his brace on with zero appointments. I think the ideal is every month for it to be totally effective .

My daughter goes every 8 to 10 weeks. Her brace has broken a few times and they've managed to squeeze her in the next day.

The point of the brafe is to move and retain the new position of the teeth. Why would it be detrimental to wait longer between appointments? Unless you are private you cant expect a gold plated service.