Orthodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating dental and facial discrepancies, primarily related to misaligned teeth and jaws.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed dental school and has undertaken an additional 3 year full-time postgraduate additional training after dental school to become an expert in aligning teeth, correcting bites, and enhancing smiles.

You do not need a referral to see an orthodontist. While some individuals are referred by their general dentist, it is common for patients to directly seek an orthodontist on their own. An orthodontist will often liaise and collaborate with your general dentist to ensure that your general dental needs are looked after while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatment can begin at any age, but an early assessment (7-9 years) can help identify and address potential issues while a child’s jaw is still growing. However, age is not a barrier to orthodontic treatment. Adults can still benefit from having straighter teeth, a more aesthetic smile and improved oral health.

The duration of orthodontic treatment varies based on the individual case’s complexity, the chosen treatment method and also patient compliance. On average, treatment can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years. We will provide an estimate during your consultation.

Common orthodontic issues include overcrowding (lack of space for teeth), overbite (upper teeth extend over lower teeth), underbite (lower teeth protrude beyond upper teeth), and crossbite (misalignment of upper and lower teeth). These issues can result in difficulty cleaning teeth, increased risk of tooth decay and gum problems, uneven wear on teeth, jaw pain, and compromised aesthetics.

Orthodontic emergencies are uncommon but if you do experience an orthodontic emergency, please contact our friendly team ASAP and we would be happy to help you address your concerns. Below we will outline what an orthodontic emergency is as opposed to some common orthodontic issues that can happen and are not considered emergencies.

These are issues that require prompt treatment and could include:
1. Broken orthodontic appliance that interferes with movement or functionality
2. Uncontrollable bleeding
3. Severe pain, swelling or infection
4. If you experience trauma to the mouth, teeth or braces due to a fall or accident, seek immediate attention with your healthcare provider and call us to determine if any repairs or adjustments are required
5. Wires that are poking into the cheek and causing trauma to the mouth

If a bracket is loose but still attached to the wire, leave it in place and use orthodontic wax to prevent discomfort and irritation. If the bracket comes off completely, there is no need to keep it. For both instances, give us a call to let us know which bracket has come loose or detached completely and we will schedule an appointment to have it replaced.

It is common to experience discomfort and soreness for a few days after placement of braces.This can be managed with pain relief medication such as Panadol. Should you experience mouth sores, warm salt water rinses and anaesthetic gels will provide relief and assist in their healing. If there is some uncomfortable rubbing of your cheeks against the brackets, apply some relief wax onto the brackets to smooth out the surface. Please call our practice if the discomfort does not reduce after a couple of days.

If a wire sticks out, try to use tweezers to gently push the wire back into a comfortable position and cover it with wax to prevent irritation and hold it in position. Then book an appointment with us to have the wire trimmed or replaced.

If you break or lose your retainer, call us to organise for it to be replaced or repaired as soon as possible to prevent your teeth from shifting.