Orthodontic FAQs

An orthodontist is the most qualified person to diagnose, prevent, and treat issues with the alignment of your teeth and jaws. They started as a dentist, and specialised in the field of orthodontics by completing:

• Bachelor degree in Dentistry (Five years)
• Masters degree in Orthodontics (Three years)
• Registration as a Specialist in Orthodontics by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

People have orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance, health, and function of their teeth. Straightening your smile can help your:

Hygiene

Having your teeth straightened will make it easier for you to look after them. It’s more difficult to clean your teeth when they are crowded and overlapping, and inadequate cleaning is a major factor in tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Tooth wear

Bad bites may lead to clenching, grinding, and excessive or uneven wear of your teeth.

Gum health

In severe malocclusions, such as deep bites, the lower front teeth can damage the upper gum line.

Jaw joints

Some bad bites may stress the jaw joint, causing damage and pain in and around the joint.

Speech

Some people have difficulty speaking properly because of alignment problems with their teeth and jaws.

We would recommend that any child aged seven or older be seen. Benefits of early intervention include:

• Reducing the need of tooth extraction
• Reducing the need for future jaw surgery
• Preserving or gaining space for permanent teeth
• Reducing the risk of tooth injury
• Correction of bite problems
• Reducing and simplifying treatment time

No, you don’t need a referral to start treatment with us. However, we are always happy to accept a referral from your dentist, and will work closely with them throughout your treatment with us.

No! You may feel some slight tenderness or discomfort after fitting and adjustment appointments, but this will go away in a few days. In the meantime, you can manage any soreness with over-the-counter pain relief.

Most comprehensive treatment takes between 15-24 months, but some minor issues can be treated in as little as 3 months! We won’t know the length of your treatment until we assess your smile at your free consultation.

Each patient at our practice receives a 100% customised treatment plan, which means their treatment price is custom as well. To find out the cost of your treatment, we will need to examine your smile and design your treatment plan at your free consultation.

Rest assured that we have a range of budget friendly treatment options with affordable payment plans available.