What are braces and orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment involves moving or straightening teeth to improve the appearance of your smile, with the help of braces. Treatment can also help to improve the long-term health of your teeth and jaws by changing the way the teeth work together when biting (function).
How are teeth moved?
Teeth can be moved using different methods. A fixed appliance (braces) consists of brackets and bands that are stuck to the teeth and joined together by wire and cannot be taken out. A removable appliance moves teeth by relying on power from the muscles. The type of appliance will depend on the type of treatment required. Some treatment can be performed using clear aligners (such as Invisalign).
What is the best age to have orthodontic treatment?
Treatment with fixed braces is often undertaken during the teenage years as this takes advantage of the large amount of growth happening at this age. However, sometimes treatment is started earlier. It is also becoming increasingly popular for adults to have cosmetic orthodontic treatment, but this isn’t necessarily suitable for everyone.
Will I need to have teeth taken out?
This will depend on whether your teeth are very crowded (close together or overlapping) and how much space is required to move the teeth.
How long will the treatment take?
Cosmetic treatment for adults (front teeth only) can take less than 12 months. Treatment for teenagers to correct the way the teeth bite together takes around 2 years on average.
How do I start treatment?
Orthodontic treatment can only be undertaken on someone who is dentally fit (no decay or unstable gum disease).
To plan treatment, some information is required. This includes photos (face and teeth), panoramic and cephalometric x-rays and a digital intra-oral scan. This will be used to determine suitability for different treatment options such as fixed braces or clear removable aligners. It will also help to determine the complexity and estimated length of treatment.
Treatment options, cost and payment plans will be discussed prior to starting treatment.
Do I have to see a specialist?
Claire, our lead dentist, is undertaking a 2-year postgraduate diploma in orthodontics and is able to provide fixed braces and aligner treatment. However, complex treatment will require referral to a specialist orthodontist.
It is best to discuss your suitability for treatment with our dental team.
Our Orthodontic Pricing
| Initial Orthodontic Treatment Assessment (includes panoramic and lateral ceph xrays/photos/digital intra-oral iTero scan) |
|
|---|---|
| Fixed Appliances / Traditional Braces |
$6,490 |
| Invisalign Complete Treatment |
$7,490 |
Want To Know More?
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