Frequently Asked Questions

Answers To Common Questions

An orthodontist is an expert in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of misaligned teeth and jaws.  Orthodontists provide treatment that straightens the teeth and corrects the bite.

To qualify as a specialist orthodontist, a qualified dentist must complete an additional 3 years of full-time orthodontic training at university, in additional to their 5 year general dental degree.  This means that an orthodontist, has the specialist training, knowledge and experience required to best diagnose and treat problems relating to the alignment of the teeth and jaws.

Your smile is something that everybody notices.  Make it one of your greatest assets!

Having orthodontic treatment will correct your bite and give you a set of beautiful straight teeth.  This will positively impact your life and give you a reason to always be smiling!

In addition to the positive confidence boost, straight teeth makes it easier to clean your teeth, which reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.  A correct bite also means that you can prevent damage and wear of your teeth and gums.

Parents are often the first to recognise developing orthodontic problems in their child.  Below is a list of orthodontic problems commonly found in children:

  • crowded/crooked teeth
  • spaces, gaps or missing teeth
  • “overbite” – the upper teeth and jaw protrudes too far forward and ahead of the lower teeth and jaw
  • “underbite” – the lower teeth and jaw sit ahead of the upper teeth and jaw
  • “open bite” – the upper and lower front teeth fail to overlap even when the back teeth bite together
  • crossbite – the upper jaw is narrow compared to the lower jaw, leading to an incorrect bite relationship, where the lower teeth bite outside of the upper teeth
  • persistent oral habits – including thumb/digit sucking or tongue thrusting

If you notice any of these problems in your child or have any concerns with the alignment of your child’s teeth or jaws, please book them in for an orthodontic assessment so that any problems can be identified and managed early.

For more information, please follow the link below to read an article by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) about what orthodontic problems to watch for in growing children.

AAO Link to Orthodontic Problems To Watch For In Children

We generally recommend that you bring your child in for an initial orthodontic assessment when they are 8 years of age.

Getting the timing right for starting orthodontic treatment is very important as some orthodontic problems are best treated early, whilst your child still has baby teeth and plenty of growth remaining. 

An early assessment gives the orthodontist the opportunity to identify any developing orthodontic problems early and to advise you on the best course of action.

The length of orthodontic treatment varies considerably depending on the complexity of each individual case.

Cases with mild crowding can be successfully treated in about 6-9 months.

However, in most cases, you can expect the average treatment time to be 18-24 months in duration.

The length of your treatment is also dependent on patient compliance.  To finish your treatment as efficiently as possible, it is important to attend all your scheduled appointments and to follow your orthodontist’s instructions regarding elastic wear.

Yes! People often think that orthodontic treatment is not possible when you are an adult, however, this is a common misconception

It is possible to straighten teeth your teeth as an adult, meaning that it is never too late to have the perfect smile you have always dreamed about!

Come in today for a consultation and we can discuss using invisible treatment options such as Invisalign or inside braces to create your beautiful smile! 

At Wyndham Orthodontics, we understand that many of our adult patients prefer not to have braces showing during treatment.

Modern advancements and innovations in orthodontics means that invisible treatment options are now a reality!

We offer a range of discreet treatment options such as:

  • Invisalign– custom aligners that are removable and made from clear plastic, making them virtually invisible
  • Clear braces– made of translucent porcelain and much less noticeable compared to metal braces
  • Inside/Invisible Braces– these braces are attached on the inside surfaces of your teeth and are truly invisible from the front

No, a referral is not required to see us.  You can book in for a consultation directly, without the need for a referral.  However, a referral from your dentist is always welcome and often preferred, as it allows us to better address any concerns you or your dentist have and to keep them informed of the progress of your treatment.

Yes, we offer our patient’s tailored interest free payment plans.  After an initial deposit is placed, monthly repayments extending over the length of your treatment are paid.

We accept payment by:

  • Direct deposit
  • Cash and personal cheque
  • Credit cards- Visa, Mastercard, American Express

Patients with private health insurance and Extras cover may be eligible to claim benefits for orthodontic treatment. 

It is important to be aware that orthodontic benefits and limits do vary between the different health funds and your level of cover.  Generally you will need to serve a 12 month waiting period before you will be eligible to claim any benefit.

We strongly recommend that you enquire with your health fund prior to starting treatment so you know what orthodontic benefits you will be able to claim.

Any benefits are claimed directly through your health fund.  We will provide the information and invoices necessary for your claim.

For further information and resources about orthodontic treatment, please visit the Orthodontics Australia and the American Association of Orthodontists websites.

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