Clinic 334 in Wilmslow | Locations, Category, Services Offered, Prices List, Top Ratings, Prices, Reviews & More

I have no doubt that Stephen is very experienced in his line of work, there is however, something I feel necessary to bring attention to with regards to anyone suffering as I have been. This is not a slight against Stephen or the practice, but is meant to help and inform others also searching/suffering.

In dental terms, there is a term called Phantom Bite Syndrome, in which a pateint will become hypersensitive to their bite, occlusion and become an issue for dentists to handle. Many simply refuse to handle these patients, or believe it’s impossible for their occlusion to cause such woes as the patient experiences. They blame their suffering on psychiatry, rather than the direct cause (occlusion). Picture these patients as having a red neon sign over their heads titled: DANGER INCOMING. You won’t be far from the reality, and you are classed as this quite quickly dependent on how you present.

I had no idea when I went for my consult that I fit this description (anxious, prev treatment, pain with bite etc), but now understand that I very likely was due to the manner in which I was handled and spoken to. Which, being honest, I found patronizing, labelling, stereotyping, and rude in parts. Before we embarked on a journey to fix the bite, mental health related therapy (psychotherapy of sorts) was pushed (yes, pushed) upon me, and because I knew this was not the cause of my discomfort, I refused, and Stephen’s attitude towards the success of the treatment plummeted, our journey ended there.

I did, however, find someone in Manchester willing to help me without placing labels or stereotypes upon me, who has experience in prosthodontics (which is advanced dental study into the bite, implants and the like) and TMJ, and who from the moment I sat down allowed me to explain fully and completely my journey thus-far. He spoke to me like an individual rather than a cluster of labels, and he understood immediately where the discomfort came from, and we’re now in the process of fixing it. I have seen improvements already, though it is a journey with an open bite as complex as mine following bad orthodontics. It will take time, but my new dentist is more than willing to take that time with me. Phantom Bite Syndrome is something my new dentist actively rejects, he doesn’t remotely see me as having any mental disorder, and the intrusive questions Stephen asked on my mental health/the assumptions made – were never ever touched. PBS is a perfect way of blaming the patient from the get-go so that if the treatment doesn’t work as planned, the patient can be easily moved on (to therapy etc), so as to not take anymore of the dentists time. (Time is money.)

If you are suffering with your bite, just know there is hope out there, I am getting better and trust my new dentist will fix it completely. Don’t give up, I write this review as a lighthouse as I know how many out there like me will read it looking for reassurance that you will be able to rest your mouth in comfort again/eat freely/lose the headaches etc etc. You will. And no, you’re not mad.

I had to have an impacted canine, deciduous canine and premolar removed to be able to have braces. My impacted canine was not erupted so the surgery was not simple. I contacted Clinic 334 in February and I had a consultation with Gavin, their surgeon. He explained to me in great detail what the surgery would likely entail and what options I had (including going on the NHS waiting list). There was a deep understanding and emphasis on ensuring that the patient is comfortable and catered for. I was recommended sedation for my procedure, something which I’d never experienced before despite having many dental procedures done in the past. I decided to progress with the surgery as I felt very well informed and I trusted Gavin. I was sent a link to book a 3D X-ray which I did and then contacted reception to organise my pre op and surgery. The pre op ended up being thr afternoon before my procedure, where we discussed the x-ray and what the likely plan was. As the sedation was IV and this is something i was concerned about (as I’m not a fan of needles despite being quite tattooed and pierced) we also discussed this.

On the day of the surgery I sat in the waiting room and was greeted by one of the nurses who went through paperwork with me and my partner who was my escort (needed if you have sedation). She was very calm and professional. I had been sent some other paperwork the day prior. Not long after I was brought to the room and I had my BP taken. At my request Gavin attempted to insert the canula into my hand, but due to my stress was unable to. He very patiently allowed me to calm down and then slowly guided me through inserting it into my arm (which I am very grateful for). After this, I had my first small dose of the sedative. I was advised by Gavin and his team how I’d feel under sedation and it was made clear that the goal was just to relax you enough that you didn’t care what was going on, not to completely knock you out – I barely remember much of the surgery other than the first few numbing injections and having my premolar pulled out (that I remember giggling at). It felt like a really short surgery until I was done, at which point I was walked back into the waiting room to greet my partner who told me I’d been in there 3 hours!

The sedation wore off mostly after 6 ish hours (slightly drowsy and not with it) but I think it also affected me for at least until a day afterwards.
Overall I’d say despite being very anxious with regards to dental work and surgery, I was looked after very well, given all the information necessary and cared for in a compassionate, patient manner. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Clinic 334 and Gavin and his team to anyone, especially someone anxious like me. Thank you to everyone, including the receptionists!

I had a very unpleasant experience at this dental practice. The receptionist was rude and unprofessional. She ignored me when I arrived and snapped at me when I asked a question. The dentist refused to see me because I didn’t have a referral, even though I had an appointment and a toothache. I wasted my time and money going there. I do not recommend this place to anyone. They need to improve their customer service and communication skills.