Long waiting lists for orthodontic treatment have been a source of complaints for years, but now those queues are disappearing in Tallinn. Dentists are also seeing a decline in workload, as people tend to postpone aesthetic treatments during economically challenging times.
By law, patients must be able to see an orthodontist within nine months, but in recent years, waiting lists have been significantly longer — sometimes stretching to several years in certain areas. This issue was especially pronounced in Tallinn. However, the situation has begun to improve. For example, Meliva, one of the larger clinics offering orthodontic care, now has appointments available as early as July through its website.
“Waiting lists in Tallinn have shortened. On the one hand, this is because new doctors have joined our team, and on the other, the high demand we previously saw has subsided. Purchasing power definitely plays a role. After years of high inflation, people simply have less disposable income,” said Marja-Liisa Alop, CEO of Meliva.
According to Alop, there has been a noticeable trend since last summer of patients postponing more expensive dental procedures.
“We’re seeing this across Estonia — people are holding off, asking about the cost and thinking they might take it on next year instead,” Alop explained.
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