Orthodontics is the area of dentistry that involves straightening of the teeth and monitoring and management of the development of the teeth and jaw bones. Orthodontic treatment is best performed by an orthodontist.

An orthodontist is a dentist who has returned to University (after practising as a dentist for at least 2 years) to undertake a further 3 years of full-time education to gain a Masters or Doctorate in Orthodontics. An orthodontist is then considered a specialist dentist.

Yes a dentist can provide orthodontic treatment. A dentist is obliged to inform you that there are dental specialists (orthodontists) whose considerable training places them in the best position to provide the ideal treatment for you or your family.

Similar questions: Should I straighten my teeth? Do I need braces?

There are many benefits of having straight teeth. A beautiful smile can enhance self-confidence and self-image, which is important at any age. Properly aligned teeth and jaws can facilitate jaw function and contribute to healthier teeth and gums.

Crooked teeth and jaws can interfere with jaw function and speech, and lead to long-term dental problems such as tooth wear and gum damage. Orthodontic treatment can fix these problems, and lay the foundation for you or your children’s long-term dental health.

If you would like to read more on the benefits of straight teeth, then check out this link to the Australian orthodontic Society.

Similar questions: What are braces? Can I straighten my teeth without braces?

There are a number of ways to straighten teeth. We can also straighten teeth without braces. Braces are usually the most precise and effective way to straighten teeth. Braces are small devices that are used to straighten and align the teeth. Braces are individually bonded to your teeth. Braces may be tooth coloured or metal. Invisalign® is an aesthetic alternative that can straighten your teeth without braces. Lingual braces is an aesthetic alternative. The braces are attached to the inside surface of the teeth and cannot be seen.

Removable plates can also be used to straighten teeth. Your orthodontist will be able to advise what is most suitable for you or your children.

Most orthodontic problems are best treated when a person is young. We recommend that you take your child to see an orthodontist around 8 years of age. This will allow the orthodontist to assess the development of your child and determine the need for treatment. Treatment does not usually start at this age unless there is a specific problem. If your child is not ready for treatment, the orthodontist can monitor their growth and development to determine the ideal time for treatment. This will help to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of orthodontic treatment.

Similar questions: Will braces affect my flute-playing? Will braces affect my lifestyle?

No. Despite wearing braces you can still work, talk, sing, play a musical instrument, dine out, etc. However, you should be careful about what and how you eat. Commonsense is a good guide. Be sure to avoid hard, sticky and sugary foods and acidic drinks such as soft drinks, sports drinks and fruit juices.

Similar questions: Will braces hurt? Will orthodontic treatment hurt?

Wearing braces is simple and generally quite easy with the modern techniques available. However, braces need to be regularly adjusted, and this may make the teeth feel tender for a few days. During this short period, soft foods and a mild analgesic may be needed.

Similar questions: Am I too old for braces? How old is too old for braces?

Many people who missed out on having their teeth straightened as a child can still benefit from treatment as an adult. Orthodontic treatment can normally be done at any age, providing that you have healthy teeth, gums and bones. We have many patients who are adults.

Yes and no. The main differences for adults are lack of growth, increased potential for gum problems, and worn, broken or missing teeth. Due to these factors, some adults may need to see other dental specialists as well as an orthodontist for the best treatment.

Orthognathic surgery surgery to move the position of the teeth and the jaws.. Orthognathic surgery may be required when the orthodontic problems cannot be readily treated with braces. Orthognathic surgery can be a very rewarding treatment option that a modern orthodontic team can offer.

There are two main questions to ask when deciding whether orthodontic treatment is necessary:

• Are the teeth in the right place?
• Are the jaws in the right place?

It is relatively easy to see when the teeth are crowded or protruding, but perhaps not so easy to see if the jaws do not match in size or if one jaw is positioned either too far forward or too far back in comparison to the other.

ORTHODONTIC CAMOUFLAGE

A mild mismatch in jaw position can be treated with orthodontic treatment . The orthodontic treatment can camouflage the jaw discrepancy. This is very common treatment. However, a significant mismatch in jaw position, may require the correction of the jaws by repositioning them. The teeth can then be moved to a better or ideal position. Another common benefit of jaw repositioning is that it can produce a significant improvement in facial appearance.

THE ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON – A TEAM APPROACH

If it is desirable to reposition both the teeth and the jaws, the orthodontist will work in collaboration with another specialist, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. These surgeons are usually fully qualified medical practitioners as well as specialist dentists. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs an operation for the patient in hospital to reposition either one or both jaws.

TREATMENT

Treatment is divided into three parts.

Part 1 is the pre-surgical orthodontic phase. Braces are fitted to the teeth in order to “de-compensate” them: that is, straighten the teeth and place them in the correct positions in the supporting bone. Normally this takes 12 to 18 months of active tooth movement. You should be aware that by the end of this phase your facial profile and the position of your teeth are liable to look worse rather than better. This is deliberate and unavoidable because your orthodontic treatment has been undoing nature’s attempt to mask the skeletal discrepancy of your jaws, in preparation for the surgical correction.

Part 2 is the surgical phase. With the braces still attached to the teeth, you will be admitted to hospital where your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will make the necessary surgical corrections to your jaws.

Part 3 is the post-surgical orthodontic phase, usually lasting about six months, when the final orthodontic positioning of your bite is carried out.

No. You can contact an orthodontist directly for an appointment with no referral required.

Treatment time depends on the original problem. Generally, orthodontic treatment can take between six months and two years.

Retainers are required to maintain teeth in their new position after the braces are removed. Retainers are required to ensure that the teeth do not drift back towards their original position. Retainers are worn to allow the gums and bones to adapt to the new positions of the teeth. Ideally, but not always, retainers are worn periodically for life.

Diagnostic records are additional items that are taken in concert with a clinical assessment. Diagnostic records are used to determine an accurate diagnosis and formulate an ideal plan for treatment. These additional items include x-rays of the jaws and teeth, photographs of the face, mouth and teeth, and impressions of the teeth which are made into study models. Occasionally other records are taken, such as video footage of the face and teeth and other x-rays or scans of the jaws.

The cost of treatment will depend on the severity of the problem and the type of treatment selected. We will provide you with a written quote and payment options prior to commencing treatment.

Yes – we offer an interest free payment plan. This contract can be arranged over a set period of time. There is usually an initial deposit when treatment commences, then monthly direct debit or credit payments can be made until the contract fee is paid in full.

Payment can also be made upfront at the start of treatment. The treatment fee is reduced for this option because there are no administration fees.

Payments can be made by cash, cheque, direct debit card or credit card.

PAYMENT FOR BREAKAGES AND REPAIRS

These may be charged on a per visit basis and are due at the time of the repair.

RECEIPTS

Receipts can be issued upon request.

We recommend that you check with your health fund due to the wide variety of health insurance policies. Health funds will pay a portion of the cost of orthodontic treatment for fund members who have the appropriate level of dental insurance.

If you have dental health insurance, please contact your fund directly to organise your maximum rebate. At the start of active treatment we will provide a letter for your health fund detailing your treatment fee and repayment plan. Direct payment from a health fund is available for some procedures.

If you are planning to join a health fund, we recommend that you carefully review the premiums, conditions and level of rebate before joining. Important questions you should ask your health fund before commencing any treatment include: · What is my maximum rebate? · What is the maximum benefit I can receive per year? · Does this work on a calendar or financial year basis?

For more information, download our Tax Rebate Information Sheet (PDF format – 83KB).