Orthodontics in Moorooka

What orthodontic treatment can fix

Orthodontic treatment moves teeth into a better position over time. People come to us about:

• crowded or crooked teeth
• gaps between teeth
• top teeth that stick out, or a bite that doesn’t meet properly
• teeth that are hard to clean because they overlap

It can work at any age, from children to adults. For children, we keep an eye on how the teeth and jaws are developing at their check-ups, and we’ll tell you if and when it’s worth looking at treatment.

Your options

We offer clear aligners: a series of thin, clear plastic trays made for your teeth, changed every week or two. They’re hard to notice, but not invisible. You take them out to eat and clean, so they only work if you wear them most of the day. They usually suit mild to moderate crowding and gaps.

Whether aligners suit you depends mainly on how much your teeth need to move. We’ll tell you honestly at your free consult. If you’d need braces or more complex treatment, we’ll refer you to a specialist orthodontist.

What happens

1. Free consult. We look at your teeth and bite, talk about what you’d like to change, and tell you whether treatment would help.
2. Records and a plan. If you’d like to go ahead, we take x-rays, photos and a scan, then go through a plan with you: how long it should take and the full cost.
3. Treatment. Regular check-ins to see how your teeth are moving and adjust as needed.
4. Retainer. Teeth tend to drift back after treatment, so you’ll wear a retainer afterwards — fixed behind the teeth, removable at night, or both.

Treatment usually takes between one and three years, depending on how much your teeth need to move.

Living with treatment

• Teeth often ache for a few days when treatment starts and with each new set of aligners. Over-the-counter pain relief usually helps.
• Brushing well matters more than ever. Food trapped under aligners can leave white marks or decay on the teeth, especially with sugary food and soft drinks.
• Teeth and gums need to be healthy before treatment starts, so we’ll check for decay and gum disease first.

We’d steer you away from straightening kits sold online without a dentist checking your teeth in person. Moving teeth without an examination can damage the teeth, gums and jaw joints.

What it costs, and what to check in a quote

The cost depends on the type of treatment and how long it takes, so we’ll give you the price after your consult. When you compare prices, check whether they include:

• x-rays and scans
• all the aligners or adjustments you’ll need, plus any extra visits
• retainers at the end, and the reviews afterwards

Many extras policies cover orthodontics as its own category, often with a longer waiting period and a lifetime limit. Check with your fund before you start.