Metal Mouth Message Board

Hello!

This is a question for those in the UK receiving the surgery under the NHS.

I was just wondering how much choice you had in regards to dates? And also how much notice you were given before your surgery and whether you were able to change it or not?

I know I'll probably have to go private if I want more flexibility, but as a teacher I'm hoping it would be possible to get it either in the summer holidays or within two weeks or so before. Any chances of that happening?!

I suppose it would be different for each trust but I know there is some scope for flexibility as my surgeon actually asked me if I needed to be fit in around my uni holiday times and told me that this could mean waiting longer as every other student wanted to be fit in during the holidays too so I chose to just get it done as soon as possible. Me and my surgeon came up with the date together taking into account when the ortho side of things would be ready and I had about 6 weeks notice

I would be speaking to your ortho/surgeon about it asap as they may need to tailor your orthodontics accordingly to be ready on time/or not rush things as needed but it may not be possible at all. Why not just have the time off, you are entitled to it.

I was worried about this a lot too. But once I was told I was ready for the operation I was sent to see my surgeon (was told to expect a letter from the surgeon in March, got the appointment for April). After the surgeon checked everything himself he then was the one who I arranged the date with - it was based on his schedule and mine and it was decided on the spot. He was happy to accommodate for any exams/university start dates and I'm sure they'll respect that you want to do it in the summer too. I was worrying it was this pot luck system where I'd get told in a letter when a space was free in the operating theatre, but in reality it was a lot more informal than I'd anticipated. I am imagining this will also be the case for you, the only difference will be how busy your surgeon will be, and of course when your orthodontist wants to get your operation into motion.

Oh and my surgery was booked for July. Only a 3 month wait, which isn't bad considering it's a busy London hospital and he has 2 hospital's worth of patients.