Orthodontic
FAQs

Orthodontics is a dental specialty that covers the diagnosis, prevention, interception and correction of dental and orofacial irregularities. In other words, it helps to control proper facial growth and tooth and jaw alignment.

Just like doctors can choose to specialise in areas such as cardiology or neurology, dentists can also choose to specialise. An orthodontist is a dental professional who has undergone at least 3 years of education to specialise in the proper alignment of the teeth and jaws.

While you visit a dentist for fillings and regular cleanings, you visit a Specialist Orthodontist to straighten your smile with braces or clear aligners.

Orthodontic treatment uses fixed or removable appliances to guide your teeth into the proper alignment using gentle, targeted pressure. Your Specialist Orthodontist will design a custom treatment plan to take you from start to finish of treatment - when you reveal your straight smile.

Orthodontic treatment can not only help you achieve an aesthetically attractive smile, it can also optimise the health and function of your teeth and jaws.

Everyone has different orthodontic needs and responds to treatment at different rates, but the average treatment time is between 12-20 months. Following your Specialist Orthodontist’s instructions carefully will help you ensure your treatment is as efficient as possible.

No, orthodontic treatment doesn’t hurt, but you might feel some slight discomfort after fitting and adjustment appointments as your teeth adjust to new positions. This discomfort should only last a day or two and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relief if needed.

Our team is experienced in the use of traditional metal braces, tooth-coloured ceramic braces, hidden lingual braces and clear aligners, as well as a range of other functional appliances. We will help you decide what treatment is best at your full orthodontic consultation.

If you are being treated with traditional or lingual braces, you may need to adjust your eating habits slightly. Hard, sticky and chewy foods can dislodge or damage your braces - setting back your treatment results. Overall, life with braces shouldn’t affect your eating habits greatly.

If you are using our in-house aligners or Invisalign® clear aligners, you won’t need to adjust your diet at all! You can simply remove your aligners for mealtimes and enjoy all your favourite foods.

There is no one-size-fits-all cost for orthodontic treatment. Depending on the type of treatment you choose, the complexity of your orthodontic issue and the goals you have for your smile, treatment costs can vary. In fact, you get a completely custom quote for your treatment with us.

If you are concerned about the cost of braces or clear aligners, rest assured that we have flexible payment plans and financing options available to help you fit treatment into your budget.