Integrating Orthodontics

Into General Dental Practice:

A Starter Guide
Unlocking New Opportunities in Dental Care
Contents

Introduction 3
Understanding the Basics of Orthodontics 4
Benefits of Integrating Orthodontics 7
Getting Started with Orthodontics in Your Practice 9
Next Steps 14
References 16

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Introduction
Expanding dental practice services to include the popular
treatment of orthodontics offers numerous benefits for patient
care and presents significant opportunities for business growth.
Orthodontic treatments are seen as a practice builder for many
reasons, and offer a conservative and natural way to reach
aesthetic goals requested by patients. By offering orthodontic
services, dental practices can provide more comprehensive
care to their patients who would otherwise need to seek
treatment from a separate orthodontist, making their care more
convenient and integrated with their general dental needs.

Orthodontic treatments can attract new patients of all ages,

as well as improve retention of existing lists. As orthodontic
treatments can span many months, offering orthodontic services
ensures a long-term clinic-patient relationship. Additionally,
having orthodontic services within the same practice enables
better coordination of patient care, resulting in more effective
and efficient treatment for patients. Many practices who provide
orthodontic treatments for their patients will see organic growth
of their patient list through recommendations and referrals of
patients happy with their treatment and results.

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Understanding the Basics
of Orthodontics
Orthodontics plays an important role within general dentistry by
addressing issues related to the alignment of the teeth and the
position of the jaw which can affect overall oral health, aesthetics,
occlusion, and function. Ultimately, the combination of services
under one roof contributes to the patient’s overall well-being.

During routine dental check-ups, early signs of malocclusion

(misalignment) and bite problems can be identified. Early
intervention can help prevent more severe orthodontic issues
from developing later in life. Orthodontists and general dentists
often work together in a collaborative approach to develop
comprehensive treatment plans for patients. Providing
orthodontic and general dentistry services in the same office
ensures that orthodontic treatment aligns with other dental
needs, such as restorative work or periodontal treatment,
to achieve optimal results.

Hawley retainer
Clear plastic retainer

Fixed bonded retainer

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Common treatments within the orthodontic scope include:

• Traditional Metal Braces: These consist of metal brackets

bonded to the teeth and connected by wires that
are changed periodically. They apply constant pressure
to gradually move teeth into the desired position.

• Ceramic Braces: Similar to traditional metal braces but

with aesthetic colours that simulate the teeth, making
them less noticeable.

• Lingual Braces: These metal braces are attached

to the lingual surface of the teeth, making them less
visible than traditional metal or ceramic braces. They
are custom-made for each patient for a precise fit.

• Clear Aligners: Clear aligners are custom-made,

transparent trays that fit over the teeth. They apply gentle
pressure to shift teeth into alignment and are barely
noticeable when worn. Attachments are commonly placed
on some teeth in combination with the use of aligners to
apply pressure and facilitate the movement of the teeth.

• Orthopaedic devices: These appliances are used to

modify skeletal irregularities of the jaw and facial skeleton,
encouraging proper growth and development. Examples
are functional appliances, headgear, and palatal expanders.
A combination of an orthopaedic approach followed
by orthodontic tooth movement is often required for
comprehensive treatment.

• Retainers: After orthodontic treatment, retainers are worn to

maintain the new position of the teeth and prevent them from
reverting to their prior position. Retainers can be removable or
fixed (bonded to the lingual surfaces of the teeth).

• Space Maintainers: These devices are used to hold space

for permanent teeth that have not yet erupted or to prevent
adjacent teeth from shifting into open spaces created by
premature tooth loss.

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These treatments are tailored to address various orthodontic
issues, such as crowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites,
and other malocclusions. The choice of treatment depends
on factors such as the severity of the orthodontic problem,
patient preferences, and aesthetic concerns.

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Benefits of Integrating
Orthodontics

Enhanced Patient Care

Offering orthodontic services can contribute to more holistic

patient care and satisfaction in several ways:

1. Comprehensive Treatment Approach: Orthodontic treatments

address not only the alignment of teeth but also the overall
function of the oral and facial structures. By offering orthodontic
services in the practice, dentists can provide a more
comprehensive approach to addressing various dental and
skeletal issues, preventing future dental problems, and improving
the overall health and aesthetics of their patients’ mouths.

2. Functional and Aesthetics Benefits: Aligned teeth and

jaws contribute to better chewing and speech function.
They can also alleviate pain associated with bite problems
and, occasionally, temporomandibular disorders as well.
Additionally, orthodontic treatments can significantly improve
the appearance of a patient's smile and facial profile which
boosts self-esteem and self-confidence, leading to overall
improved well-being and a higher quality of life.

3. Long-Term Stability: Retention devices aim to maintain the

stability achieved after orthodontic treatments, reducing the
need for future dental interventions.

4. Patient Education: Due to long-lasting treatments, orthodontists

and dentists have the opportunity to educate patients about
the importance of oral health and proper dental care practices.
Knowledge and understanding can lead to greater compliance
with treatment and improved long-term outcomes.

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Business Growth
and Revenue

Adding orthodontic services to a dental practice can have

several benefits:

By adding orthodontic services, a dental practice can offer

a wider range of treatments which can attract new patients
who are seeking orthodontic treatment or comprehensive
dental care as well as retain existing patients who wish to begin
orthodontic treatment. The convenience of receiving multiple
dental services in one location eliminates the need for patients to
seek treatment from a separate orthodontic specialist. In return,
this can also strengthen the relationship between the dentist
and their patients. Patients who receive orthodontic treatment in
their regular dental practice may feel more loyal and inclined to
continue receiving other dental services from the same provider,
leading to higher patient retention rates and word-of-mouth
referrals that ultimately improve practice revenue.

Incorporating orthodontic services into the practice provides

opportunities for targeted marketing efforts. Dentists can
promote their orthodontic services through various channels
to attract new patients interested in orthodontic treatment.

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Getting Started with
Orthodontics in Your
Practice
Education and Training

Proper training and certification are crucial for general dentists

to offer orthodontic services for several reasons:

Orthodontic treatment involves a series

of complex procedures that require
a deep understanding of dental and
facial anatomy, biomechanics, and
treatment planning. Properly trained
dentists are equipped to diagnose
orthodontic issues accurately and
devise effective treatment plans tailored
to each patient's needs. Incorrect planning
or treatment development can produce long-
term effects that inadvertently cause harm or complications
to patients. Training ensures that dentists can provide and
maintain a standard of high-quality care.

Training and certification helps dentists to recognize the limits

of their expertise. While some general dentists may be proficient
in providing basic orthodontic care, more complex cases may
require referral to an orthodontic specialist for optimal results.
Offering orthodontic services without proper training or
certification may raise legal and ethical concerns. Dentists
have a responsibility to provide competent care within their
scope of practice to ensure patient safety and well-being.

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Equipment and Space Requirements

The initial investment needed to perform orthodontic treatments

requires careful consideration of various factors, including
acquiring the necessary orthodontic tools and equipment and
optimising the clinic space to conduct orthodontic procedures.
Here's an overview of the initial investments that are necessary:

1. Orthodontic Tools and Equipment:

• Orthodontic Instruments: This includes a range of specialised

instruments such as pliers, tweezers, band pushers, wire cutters
used for adjusting braces, and other orthodontic equipment.

• Brackets and Bands: There are different types and sizes

of band and brackets which can vary in quality among
the different brands.

• Archwires: Different types of archwires are used in orthodontic

treatment to apply pressure to the teeth and guide them into
the desired positions.

• Elastics and Ligatures: These are used to secure archwires

to brackets and apply additional pressure to move teeth.

• Impression Materials: Alginate or silicone impression

materials are needed for taking moulds of a patient's teeth
in order to create custom orthodontic appliances. However,
digital orthodontics is growing and intraoral scanners are
being used to capture impressions more frequently.

2. Diagnostic Equipment

• X-ray Machine: Besides the panoramic X-ray machine, a

lateral cephalometric X-ray is also part of the radiographic
records needed. Although this investment is not compulsory
per se, having this device in-office does simplify the process
instead of referring the patient to a radiographic centre to
acquire additional scans.

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3. Clinic Space Considerations:

• The space required to treat the orthodontic patient is no

different than any other dental treatment. However, the
equipment previously mentioned does require extra space
and every patient needs to have diagnostic models taken of
their mouth. This requires storage space in the office unless
digital records are captured with an intraoral scanner.

4. Training and Education:

• Training Courses: Dentists and staff may need to undergo

training courses to learn proper orthodontic techniques and
procedures, as well as how to use the specialised orthodontic
tools and equipment effectively.

Building Your Orthodontic Team

When hiring or training staff for

orthodontic services, it's essential to
focus on finding individuals who are
not only skilled and knowledgeable
but also dedicated to providing
excellent patient care. Look for
candidates who have experience
working in orthodontic practices
or dental offices. Invest in training
programs to ensure that staff
members are familiar with evolving
orthodontic procedures, equipment,
and terminology. Consider offering on-
the-job training or enrolling staff in continuing
education courses focused on orthodontics. By promoting
a collaborative work environment and encouraging open
communication with teamwork, staff members can work together

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seamlessly to provide comprehensive orthodontic care and
ensure a positive patient experience.

• Training for the dentists and the staff who will provide
orthodontic services

• Acquiring the necessary equipment to provide first-hand

quality services

• Ensuring that the location has adequate physical space in

terms of storage

Marketing Your New

Orthodontic Services

Marketing your expanded

orthodontic services to current and
potential patients can help raise
awareness, attract new patients,
and encourage existing patients
to take advantage of the additional
service offerings. Some other strategies
for effectively marketing could be:

Keeping an updated website with current information and

dedicated sections that detail the types of orthodontic
treatments that are offered, good quality before-and-after
photos, patient testimonials, and information about your
orthodontic team. Patients may find it interesting to see realistic
testimonials and treatment outcomes. Patients can also learn
about the team that will be treating them, which is appealing
to potential patients and helps to establish a connection.

Social media platforms currently offer advertising as a tool

to showcase services and practice philosophies. By sharing
engaging content, including educational posts about orthodontic

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treatments, success stories from patients, and behind-the-
scenes glimpses of your orthodontic practice, people can
learn about what you do in the practice. Using social media
allows you to reach a wider number of potential customers.

Along these lines, educational events and seminars where

community members or schools are informed about
the benefits of orthodontic treatment can also serve as
a connecting tool to new or existing patients, providing
opportunities for attendees to ask questions and interact with
your orthodontic team. Consider participating in health fairs,
school events, or sports sponsorships to connect with potential
patients and build goodwill within the community.

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Next Steps
Integrating orthodontics into a general dental practice offers
numerous benefits, both for the dentist and their patients. The
comprehensive patient care that can be provided is integral
to these benefits. Patients will have their needs addressed at
the same location, enhancing their overall satisfaction and
experience within the clinic. This not only expands the patient
base but ensures a steady stream of income thanks to an
increased acceptance of long-term treatments.

Taking the first steps to seamlessly integrate orthodontics

into your general dental practice need not be overwhelming
if you take the appropriate steps in doing so:

• Invest in your personal development through high level

postgraduate education courses or structured training
programmes

• Update the practice infrastructure, incorporating additional

equipment and everything necessary to perform orthodontics
safely and effectively.

• Market the new services offered in order to reach out to new

or existing patients. Make other colleagues aware of the new
services being offered so that referrals can be sent your way.
Additionally, build relationships with orthodontic specialists to
ensure that patients with complex cases receive the highest
quality of care.

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Learn tips for integrating orthodontics in your clinical practice
and much more in the Diploma in Orthodontics & Dentofacial
Orthopaedics, offered by the London Dental Institute.

This 12 month online postgraduate programme is designed

specifically for the GDP seeking to incorporate orthodontic
treatments in their clinical practice and provides:

• A comprehensive orthodontic syllabus designed for the GDP

• 1:1 case support from our expert team of specialist

orthodontists

• Learn under tuition from our world-leading faculty of clinical

educators

• Practical hands-on training on clinical orthodontic techniques

• Flexible study through our innovative VLE

• UK-Accredited Level 7 Diploma qualification

• Membership of a global community of like-minded colleagues

• Suitable for UK and international applicants

Take your career to the next level with Diploma in Orthodontics

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References
1. Aslam, S. (2024, January 10). 7 orthodontic marketing ideas to get more
patients in 2024. Omnicore Agency. https://www.omnicoreagency.com/
orthodontic-marketing-ideas/

2. Effective team management techniques for your orthodontic practice.

(2023, October 5). OrthoSynetics. https://www.orthosynetics.com/
effective-team-management-techniques-for-your-orthodontic-
practice/

3. Holliday, S. (2023, November 13). How to build a strong orthodontic team.

OrthoMasterClass. https://orthomasterclass.com/blog/how-to-build-
a-strong-orthodontic-team/

4. Martinez, S. (2024, February 27). How to build a great orthodontic team.

Orthodontic Products. https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/practice-
management/staff-issues/how-to-build-a-great-orthodontic-team/

5. Parekh, J. (2017, January 20). Setting up in orthodontic practice.

DB Orthodontics Limited. https://dbortho.com/blogs/orthodontic-digest/
setting-up-an-orthodontic-practice

6. The basics of orthodontics. (n.d.). Oral Health Foundation. Retrieved 12 March

2024, from https://www.dentalhealth.org/safe-smiles-orthodontics

7. Williams, B. (2021, August 31). 5 steps to successfully adding orthodontics

to your dental practice. Williams GP Orthodontic Seminars. https://
williamsgporthodontics.com/adding-orthodontics-dental-practice