Private orthodontic treatment without extractions: Unique approach from award-winning Edinburgh clinic

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A Palestinian refugee who fled war as a child, found a safe place and education in Poland, then a career and a family in the UK, has set up his own orthodontic clinic with a view to doing things differently.

Now his Edinburgh-based practice is winning awards and plenty of custom, based around the friendly and flexible approach from Dr Mustafa Mustafa and his team.

“Being privately run allows me much more creativity. An NHS orthodontist won’t offer patients options, and has to look as overcrowding and go for the quickest, most cost effect option, which is removing teeth.

“But I specialise in non-extraction techniques, where possible, widening arches, moving jaw alignment and delivering for my patients.”

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This means he truly listens to what his patient wants out of treatment. For some, it will be a cosmetic smile, for others, a better bite, and for many, help with breathing and snoring issues that stem from dental problems.

And the earlier he sees patients, the more he can help prevent longer-term health issues.

Dr Mustafa, who as well as being a qualified dentist and orthodontist has a doctorate in orthodontic research, said: “My oldest patient is 76. He had paid off his mortgage; done all the travelling he wanted to do, now he wanted to invest in his smile.”

And young patients often are brought to him by their parents as early as six or eight years old, not to begin treatment, but to seek advice.

“The child might be breathing through their mouth, or snoring, or have problems chewing, and these things can all be influences by the teeth and jaws. I can assess then, refer to ENT or the GP if I think it is necessary, or plan a longer term process.

“I think my profession should be protecting teeth at all costs and aiming to prevent long term problems, not extracting. I think that makes us unique, we are dedicated to no extraction where at all possible.”

This custom-built approach will deliver exactly what the customer wants and within the budget they want to spend, another flexibility allowed to him as a private business owner.

What else makes Ocean different?

Firstly the clinic is far from clinical! Offering a five-star service, there are fresh flowers and comfy chairs in the waiting room, and stylish, relaxing décor, as he aims to put patients at their ease the moment they walk in.

They will be the only patient in the clinic during their appointment too, meaning that the entire team will be focussed on them, their wellbeing and their outcome.

And being his own boss, Dr Mustafa can also run things his own way.

“By running my own clinic I have lower stress, lower pressure, and can decide exactly what is the right thing to do after discussion with my client and their budget. People are often astonished that it costs less than they think. With nobody setting the agenda for me, other than my training, ethics and statutory bodies, I can do things the way I want to.”

That includes an incredible amount of self-funded continuous professional development, visiting countries across the world to learn about the latest techniques and meet orthodontists whose goals match his own, and ever evolving for the good of his patients.

Since he started in 2023 he has won six awards, including best newcomer and number one in Scotland overall. His first awards were received around 15 years ago – a highly prized ‘Against the Odds’ award from the British Orthodontist Society for taking on difficult cases and literally transforming lives through his non-extraction process.

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But, he says, the best awards of all are the feedback from his clients.

In their own words

Naseem Akhtar rated him five stars, writing: “We had an excellent experience with Dr Mustafa. From the very start, he truly listened to us during our consultation; there was no rush at all. He acknowledged all of our concerns and gave us the space to explain why we needed a second opinion regarding the orthodontic treatment my child is currently receiving. I was particularly cautious due to a bad experience we had previously with my older daughter, and Dr Mustafa completely understood this. He carefully checked everything and gave us his honest, professional opinion, which reassured us and helped us feel confident in continuing with the treatment plan with our current orthodontist. What really stood out was how comfortable he made us feel while listening to our background story with patience and empathy. I would highly recommend Dr Mustafa without hesitation, an excellent professional who genuinely cares.”

Client Lisa wrote: “I couldn’t be happier with my results from my orthodontic treatment with Dr Mustafa. I had angel aligners and (in my case) my smile has completely transformed within a year. I couldn’t thank Dr Mustafa and his staff enough for their warmth, professionalism and dedication to the work they do. Dr Mustafa in particular is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to his craft so you feel totally at ease from start to finish that you are in safe hands! I would highly recommend to anyone looking to start their journey to a more confident smile!”

And Derek Jenkins was also a very happy customer, saying: “World Class. Incredible results especially considering the added restrictions from my cleft palate. Honestly didn't think would be achievable as was told as a teenager I would need a metal plate to bring the jaw forward. No surgery but two experts Dr Mustafa and Dr Bashir giving me there best and for the first time in my life physically being able to smile.”

But the feedback Dr Mustafa is proudest of comes from a Ukrainian mother, whose daughter received help from his team.

“When a year ago a doctor put braces on my daughter and promised a beautiful smile, no-one knew what awaited us in four months. Loss of loved ones, foreign country, a broken life. And when the whole world is collapsing around, the question becomes acute – what to do with braces? Where to go? Who will help?

“Angels exist on earth! Incredibly charming, professional with a capital P, very attentive to patients and with a huge heart. Dr Mustafa! Your work is the smile of my happy daughter. My thousand thanks. Special thanks to all your staff and Emma personally. Always on the top! The best clinic in Edinburgh.”

Appointments when you need them

His clinic near Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh, is open six days a week, with evening and weekend appointments available by arrangement, there are emergency appointments available every day.

The name of the business – Ocean Orthodontic Clinic – was inspired by its location in Leith, as the team wanted it to become an active part of the local community. They are proud to contribute to social initiatives and charitable work, including supporting refugees from Ukraine.

Ocean Orthodontic Clinic also promises to be responsive, with patients and potential new clients who email or leave a message getting a reply within the hour. It’s all part of the friendly, customer-driven service Mustafa is determined to deliver to the people of Scotland and beyond.

Find out more by visiting here.