An orthodontist is a specialist dentist in the area of diagnosing, preventing and treating problems related to improper bites and tooth position irregularities. Our orthodontists are highly experienced and regularly keep up to date with the ever-advancing body of knowledge in this field. They are all members of the Australian Society of Orthodontists and the Australian Dental Association. They also have experience teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the University of Melbourne and the University of Western Australia. Furthermore, they have lectured at continuing professional education conferences and forums attended by dental professionals.
Whilst some general dentists offer orthodontics (in addition to general dental services), only a specialist orthodontist has undergone a further three years of full-time specialist training. This gives orthodontists the required expertise in facial growth and dental development, so they are the best people to move your teeth into their correct positions within the face and jaws. This gives you not only a great smile but also ideal function of the bite.
More information is available at the Australian Society of Orthodontists.
There are a variety of orthodontic problems which are specific to each individual. Some of these issues are best dealt while your child is young. So if you or your dentist/oral health therapist are concerned about your child’s teeth or bite, we recommended coming in to see us. We can then assess the need for treatment and plan for it in relation to your child’s growth. If treatment is not required at the time, we will monitor their growth and intervene (if necessary) when the time is right in their growth and development.
If your child has had a baby tooth extracted due to decay or infection, we recommend coming in to see us to assess the need for a space maintenance appliance to avoid the impaction of successive adult teeth.
Comprehensive treatment with braces is usually done once all the adult teeth have erupted, however, there are many orthodontic problems which can and should be corrected earlier. We believe in early intervention – by having orthodontic problems diagnosed and treated early, the overall treatment required in the teenage years will be simplified and shorted. It will also help prevent further problems.
Absolutely not. We see many adults. Orthodontic treatment can be done at any age.
If you are familiar with orthodontic treatment if your children have undergone it, be mindful that your treatment as an adult may undertaken differently.
If also offer aesthetic options such as ceramic braces, inside braces and Invisalign.
We avoid extractions where possible. However, in a small number of cases having teeth extracted will provide the best outcome. We will talk you through your different options so that you can decide what is best for you.
Treatment costs vary depending on individualised treatment plans. We offer all our patients payment plans to make it more affordable.
Conventional treatment with braces typically takes 18-24 months. With Suresmile, treatment is even faster and with less appointments.
You do not need a referral. However, you still need to see your general dentist regularly to examine and maintain your general oral health.
Along with tooth-coloured porcelain braces, we also offer lingual braces – that is, braces that are glued to the inside of your teeth as a more aesthetic option. We also do invisalign – invisalign are a series of thin trays which you wear over your teeth which progressively straighten them. It is best to come in for a consult to discuss these options with an orthodontist to determine what would be the best option for you.
There is no pain when braces are put on. We will see you regularly to have your braces adjusted – following these visit there may be some discomfort afterwards which can last for a few days after. However, the any discomfort if easily managed with over the counter pain relief.