Orthodontist treatment advice

[sageGreen81]

Price 1
Very experienced orthodontist. Did not meet her, would have to pay £180 to meet her (that would be refunded if we went with them). Instead we met a clinician who took photos for the orthodontist and then told us about different braces and systems. No info on what actually needs doing to DD. Price £4700

Price 2

Experienced orthodontist one that's more likely to take out teeth. Met the actual orthodontist. 25 years experience. Had a 20 minute meeting. No photos but he examined her teeth and then gave a price and info on braces etc and length of treatment. £2900

Price 3

A dentist with a 20 year specialist interest in Orthodnotics. Has travelled the world, owns 5 clinics, loads of experience, had two nurses, one taking photos another explaining the process. The a 30 min consultation with the dentist around the brace system, what needed correcting etc. Lots of follow up calls. They are local to us too and come recommended. £3200

what would you do?

Have you also done your own research on reviews of all 3?

Did no3 mention anything about needing teeth extracted?

My DD has had hers done on the nhs. She should have finished her treatment last year but was unhappy with the outcome so has had 4 teeth out & another approx 2yrs in braces. Dentist said she could have teeth out but didn’t mention that by not doing so her teeth would be flared.

I would ask dentist 3 if there was a chance of this happening without extraction given that no2 recommended it.

I would not be put off by removal. Dentists (in the UK anyway) seem not to want to remove teeth. You don’t want to have to pay that again. I’m presuming you’re not in the UK or can go nhs.

Not on NHS, orthodontist two does NHs and non NHS work. Neither of the others recommended teeth removal. She doesn't need it.

She will just have to wear bands.

Yes I've done my own research.

People are saying Price 1 isn't worth it. They have a premium location and mainly clinicians do the work with the ortho checking in.

Similarly with price 2.

However with the experienced dentist who has a special interest in Orthodontics I can request him for every appointment.

My DD got a better vibe from Ortho Dentist. We cannot form an opinion on the expensive place other than on the phone they talked through their level of experience and the fact we would get a better result with them.

It sounds like you know the best one that suits your DD.

I just wanted to mention my experience & so that you were aware of the flaring.

I agree with OP I didn’t even consider no1:)

Thank you for the advice @Employmentadvice I guess my worry is that our preferred place isn't an actual orthodontist - but he has tonnes of experience. They've said our daughter's is a moderate case but they would still recommend doing - not one place has said oh don't treat her. But I guess they won't!!

Thank you on the flaring info too. That's good to know.

Choosing the right orthodontist can definitely feel overwhelming, especially when each option offers a different experience and price point. From what you've shared, Option 3 seems to stand out not just for the level of detail and follow-up but also for how your daughter felt during the consultation. That kind of comfort and personal connection can make a huge difference over the course of treatment.

It’s a positive sign that this provider took time to explain the full process, gave a clear breakdown of what needs correcting, and made themselves available for all appointments. Continuity of care matters, especially in orthodontics where trust and communication are key. While Option 1 may seem more “premium,” it’s hard to justify the price when most of the interaction is with clinicians rather than the orthodontist directly.

If you’re still open to exploring other trusted practices, Shire Doctors and Dentists could be a helpful option to consider. They’re known for their patient-focused approach and comprehensive orthodontic services, with strong local recommendations. You can click here to check out more about them and their location.

Ultimately, choose the provider that offers both expertise and reassurance for both you and your daughter.

Do any of them widen the palette and then straighten the teeth, they come in straighter as there is room for them and then wearing the braces is a shorter experience. Both of my younger 2 had this. The youngest is going through it now. Removing teeth shouldn’t be a go to as your teeth are the foundations for the bottom of your face. There are a lot of people around who had loads of teeth removed before braces in the 80s that now have that sunken face look. We have spent a stupid amount of money on braces over the years and have to wear retainers now to keep them straight but it has been money well spent.