Ashlyn's New Smile

All Ashlyn needs is her top two, adult, front teeth but due to multiple extra teeth growing above her top baby teeth (see gallery pic) this will not happen naturally. Without any treatment her baby teeth will not last, leaving her with the possibility of no front teeth which will not only be difficult for her but be detrimental to her self image. She needs surgery to remove the baby and extra teeth, and also chains attached to the top teeth (sitting just under her nose) and to the braces she will need to slowly wind the adult teeth into place.

The cost of all this treatment is $4500.00 and the work is scheduled to commence in February at Hutt Hospital.

Unfortunately Ashlyn's mum, Melina, is a sole care parent and unable to afford this treatment. She has approached Work and Income and they have offered her only $500.00 to have this treatment fulfilled. Melina is raising two beautiful girls and always willing to help out friends when they are in a bind.

See below for the detailed information of the treatment Ashlyn requires.

Ashlyn's main orthodontic problems are:

- The upper left and right central incisors (teeth 21 and 11) have not yet emerged into the mouth and remain buried underneath the gum.

- The upper left and right central baby incisors are still in place.

- There are many (3-4) extra teeth (called supernumeraries) that remain buried underneath the gum.

Ashlyn's treatment plan:

- Place fixed braces on some of the upper teeth. This will act as a anchor.

- Surgery will be carried out by Lower Hutt Hospital for the removal of the extra teeth, the upper left and right central baby incisors, the exposure of, and to bond a gold chain on to teeth 21 and 11.

- The goal of treatment is to simply bring the teeth 11 and 21 into the mouth.

- When teeth 21 and 11 are in place, the next stage is Retention.

- The braces will be removed and Ashlyn will be given a small upper removable plate to wear full time for some months and then part-time for at least another 12 months or longer if necessary. This is an important part of the treatment as the plate helps guide the teeth as they settle into their new positions. The upper retainer will need to be remade regularly i.e. every time Ashlyn loses a baby tooth or the upper jaw grows significantly.

- Regular review to monitor the movement of the remaining adult teeth.

Estimated active treatment time:

- 12-24 months

Orthodontic treatment cost:

- The quoted fee of $4500 covers the fitting of appliances, their adjustment during active tooth movement, their removal and a period of retention checks.

This work will all be carried out by Hutt Valley Orthodontics.

Let's show NZ cares and help meet this financial need.