FAQ

What is an orthodontist?
When is the best time for orthodontic treatment?
What happens at the first visit?
What happens at the second visit?
Will the treatment be expensive?
How long does it take to fit braces and does it hurt?
How long does orthodontic treatment take to complete?
Is non-extraction treatment better than extraction treatment?
Do I have to have visible braces?
Do I need a referral?

What is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a specialist dentist who has completed Dentistry, and then another course of 2-3 years full time study to specialise in Orthodontics. Registration with the Dental Board of Victoria is required to be recognised as a Registered Specialist. An orthodontist is a specialist who corrects bad bites (malocclusions). This involves correction of crooked teeth, crowding, bite problems (such as overjets and overbites) and jaw disharmonies.

When is the best time for orthodontic treatment?

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends orthodontic assessment of every child at age 7 or 8. Orthodontic treatment, however, can be carried out at any age provided that the teeth and gums are healthy. Our patients range in age from 7 to 77!

What happens at the first visit?

At the first visit we listen to your concerns. We then assess your face, jaws, smile, teeth and your bite. We then discuss your orthodontic problems and options available to correct them, making sure that these options address your concerns. At this point we also discuss approximate duration of treatment and approximate costs. If you wish to proceed with treatment we will then collect the necessary diagnostic records (photographs, models, x-rays) or make another appointment for collection of these records. These records will be used to assess the health of the teeth, facial and jaw relationships and as well facial aesthetics.

What happens at the second visit?

This is our treatment planning session. We discuss the clinical, photographic, x-ray and study model (plaster casts) measurements with you. We then discuss in detail treatment options available to correct your concerns and enhance the positive features of your smile and bite. Treatment limitations, potential risks and complications are also discussed. This is also the time that we discuss what you should expect from us, and in turn what we expect from you. It is this team approach to treatment that ensures that you receive the best possible result.

Will the treatment be expensive?

We aim to be very competitive in our pricing yet we do not compromise on the quality of the materials or treatment outcome. Your treatment cost may be different to some one else who is undergoing treatment with us and this difference will reflect the differences in the treatment complexity or anticipated treatment duration. We are very open and honest in our fee discussions with you and you will know exactly what is covered by your fee and which services are not. You will also have the peace of mind that your fee is fixed, and under normal circumstances will not change.

How long does it take to fit braces and does it hurt?

It usually takes 20-30 minutes to fit upper and lower braces and then another 15 minutes to discuss how to care for your braces and your teeth. Fitting the braces is an easy and pain free procedure. The teeth will feel tender and there will be mild discomfort in the first day or two after the fitting of the braces. In most instances a weak analgesic (Panadol or Nurofen) will be more than sufficient to take the edge off the discomfort.

How long does orthodontic treatment take to complete?

In most cases the treatment is completed within 16-24 months. Some complex treatments do take longer, while simple treatments are usually completed in less than 12 months. The most impressive changes to your teeth occur in the first 3-6 months. The rest of the time is spent correcting the bite and making sure that the teeth are positioned to give you the best possible smile.

Is non-extraction treatment better than extraction treatment?

There is a great desire to avoid extractions (removal of teeth). This is understandable. In the majority of cases, we can achieve very good results without removing teeth. In some cases we have to remove teeth in order to achieve a stable result and preserve the health of the teeth and gums. Not removing teeth in these cases is just as bad as removing teeth in cases where such removal is not necessary. If you do require extraction of teeth, you can rest assured that we have explored every possible way of not removing teeth.

Do I have to have visible braces?

The days of "metal mouth" are over. Today it is not necessary to have big metal braces. We have a range of braces to suit everyone's needs. We use metal micro-braces, self-ligating braces (like Damon, Innovation), ceramic braces (Clarity, Ice) and finally, the most invisible braces of all, the Lingual braces which are fitted to the inside surfaces of the teeth. We choose the braces that will deliver the treatment goals with minimal aesthetic impact. See our treatment for adults section for the special steps we take to make sure your treatment has minimal visual impact.

Do I need a referral?

We encourage you to get a referral from your dentist especially if the orthodontic treatment is required to help the dentist restore your teeth. You can also see us without a referral from your dentist.