Orthodontics

A dentist is trained to diagnose and treat general oral health concerns such as fillings, extractions, gum disease, and preventive care.

An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional 3 years of specialist training focused solely on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.

You may see a dentist for routine dental care and an orthodontist for concerns related to alignment, bite, or facial growth.

No. You can book directly with an orthodontist without a referral.

However, we recommend having an up-to-date general dental check-up and cleaning before your orthodontic consultation to ensure there are no untreated cavities or gum issues that could delay treatment.

Treatment is tailored to each patient and may include:

• Metal braces
• Ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces
• Clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign-style systems)
• Functional appliances
• Plates and expanders
• Early/interceptive treatment for young children
  Your orthodontist will recommend the most suitable option for your goals and dental condition.

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends a first assessment at age 7–8.

This doesn’t mean treatment will start early—most children are simply monitored until the right time. Early visits help identify issues such as crossbites, crowding, or jaw growth imbalances.

Treatment duration varies depending on complexity, age, and compliance.

• Simple cases: 6–12 months
• Moderate cases: 12–24 months
• Comprehensive treatment: 18–30+ months
  Your individual plan will outline expected timeframes.

Costs vary by treatment type and complexity.

We provide a detailed written quote at your consultation, including item numbers you can use for private health insurance claims.

We offer several payment options:

• Interest-free instalment plans
• Pay-as-you-go for aligners or staged treatment
• Discounts for upfront payment
  Our team will help tailor a plan that suits your budget.

Braces and aligners may cause mild discomfort for the first few days after placement or when adjusted.

This is normal and typically feels like pressure or tenderness, not sharp pain.
Over-the-counter pain relief and softer foods can help while you adjust.

It depends on your treatment type:

• Braces: every 4–8 weeks
• Aligners: every 6–10 weeks
• Early treatment or appliances: varies based on the appliance
  Regular attendance is important to keep treatment progressing on schedule.

Avoid anything hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy including:

Hard lollies, nuts, popcorn

Sticky toffees, chewing gum

Hard crusty bread, corn on the cob (unless cut off)
These foods can damage wires or brackets.
Soft foods are recommended for the first few days after adjustments.

Good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment. We recommend:

• Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Using an interdental brush to clean around brackets
• Daily flossing or use of a water flosser
• Regular professional cleans with your general dentist

You will receive retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions.
Retention is lifelong—teeth naturally tend to shift over time.

Your orthodontist will schedule periodic reviews to ensure stability.

Retainers are custom-made appliances that prevent relapse.

• Initially, you’ll wear them full-time for several months.
• After that, retainers are usually worn night-time only.
  Most patients need long-term or indefinite night-time wear to maintain results.

Yes—there is no age limit.

Many adults choose clear aligners or ceramic braces for a more discreet option.

Adult treatment times may be slightly longer due to slower bone remodelling, but results are excellent when oral health is stable.

Orthodontics can correct:

• Crowded or spaced teeth
• Overbites, underbites, crossbites, deep bites
• Jaw growth discrepancies
• Early baby-tooth loss issues
• Impacted teeth
• Habits affecting growth (thumb-sucking, mouth breathing)

Most patients experience minimal or temporary changes, especially with aligners or upper appliances.

Speech typically normalises within a few days as you adapt.

Yes. We recommend wearing a custom mouthguard for contact sports.

Musicians may need a short adjustment period, but braces do not prevent playing wind or brass instruments.

Contact the clinic as soon as possible.

Minor issues can often be managed temporarily at home using orthodontic wax.

Delaying repairs may prolong treatment time.

Most extras policies include some level of orthodontic cover, often with lifetime limits.

We provide item numbers after your consultation so you can check your rebate.

Yes. Orthodontic assessment typically involves radiographs to evaluate jaw growth, bone levels, airway, tooth position, and root health.

These are important for accurate diagnosis and safe treatment planning.

Orthodontic appliances do not damage teeth.

However, poor oral hygiene can lead to:

• White spots
• Decay
• Gum inflammation
  We work closely with your general dentist to minimise risks.

Active dental disease must be treated before starting orthodontics.
A comprehensive exam with your general dentist is essential.

We cannot move teeth predictably in unhealthy bone or gum tissues.

This refers to treatment performed in younger children to correct developing problems with jaw growth, bite, or tooth eruption.

The goal is to reduce future severity and sometimes avoid more invasive treatment later.

Aligners are excellent for mild to moderate cases.

Braces may be recommended for:

• Severe crowding
• Complex bite issues
• Impacted teeth
  Your orthodontist will advise which is best for your situation.

Signs to look out for include:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing
• Mouth breathing
• Protruding teeth
• Crossbites or asymmetry
  A specialist consultation is the best way to assess this.

Clear aligner systems have child-specific options (e.g., mandibular advancement, eruption guides).

They are typically started from age 7–8 depending on the brand and case type.

Orthodontics can subtly enhance facial balance by aligning teeth, improving jaw position, and supporting lips and smile aesthetics.

Your orthodontist will discuss expected changes before beginning treatment.

Whitening is best performed after braces are removed.

Aligner patients can whiten during treatment using compatible whitening gels.

We will advise you based on your treatment plan.

Initial orthodontic records include photos, scans, and radiographs.

Additional scans or photos may be taken during treatment to track progress.

X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary and follow ALARA radiation principles.

• Phase 1: Early/interceptive treatment (ages 7–10) to correct growing jaw issues or severe bite problems.
• Phase 2: Comprehensive finishing treatment (usually braces or aligners during adolescence).
  Not all children need two phases.

Missed or delayed appointments may extend treatment time and impact results.

Please contact us early if you need to reschedule.

Yes. Most modern orthodontic clinics use digital intraoral scanners to take comfortable, accurate 3D models without messy impressions.

Orthodontics can assist in managing jaw development and bite issues that may influence airway space.

If indicated, your orthodontist may work with an ENT specialist, paediatric dentist, or sleep physician.

It depends on the cause.

Some bite corrections improve joint symptoms, while others may not directly influence TMJ disorders. 

Your orthodontist will assess your individual case. 

Research shows late teen teeth movement is due to natural aging and bite maturation—not just wisdom teeth.

Retainers are the best way to maintain alignment long-term.

1. Initial consultation and exam
2. Records (photos, scans, X-rays)
3. Treatment planning and quotation
4. Fitting of braces/aligners
5. Regular review appointments
6. Retainer phase
   The entire process is explained thoroughly before starting.