Waiting list for braces, Galway

houseyhouse

We’ve been advised by a private orthodontist that our son needs orthodontic treatment, including braces and possibly a gum surgery. We’re waiting for assessment by the HSE but I believe this will be considered a stage 5 problem. How long should we expect to be waiting? We’re in Galway.

The specific problem is that one upper canine tooth is not coming down (baby tooth still there). The X-ray showed the tooth heading in the wrong direction and there’s a risk it will start to damage the roots of the front teeth if not treated. The teeth look perfect. He’s in first year but didn’t have a 6th class check up due to Covid so it didn’t get picked up.

We’re seeing the HSE dentist soon but on the phone they said there’s a three year waiting list for orthodontics. From what the private orthodontist said, that kind of delay could cause serious damage to his other teeth.

kirving

If you can afford it at all, I would recommend to go private. Most places will do payment plans.

I'm 34yo and currently at home recovering after a second jaw operation and almost 5 years of treatment, which could have been avoided had the HSE done their job 20 years ago.