The timing of orthodontic treatment is extremely important and greatly affects the treatment result. Since no two patients are alike, there is no specific age that is best to begin treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists and Australian Society of Orthodontists recommend that children receive a specialist orthodontic examination by age 7-8years if a parent or the family dentist discovers a potential problem. Fortunately not all of the children examined at that age will require immediate or urgent treatment. For those that don’t, an appropriate recall/review protocol can be created so that their dental and facial development is closely monitored during the important growth years.

Treating children during their growth stages allows orthodontists to achieve results that may not be possible when the face and jaw bones have fully developed. When indicated, this early treatment can prevent more serious problems from developing and simplify future care.

Typically, comprehensive treatment with braces is started when all the permanent teeth have erupted usually between the ages of 10 and 13. In some cases, it is an advantage to start just before the last baby teeth are shed.

In the past, orthodontic treatment was generally restricted to children. However, the basic process involved in moving teeth is the same at any age and orthodontic treatment is also successful for adults.

Aside from the obvious improvements in smile aesthetics and self-esteem, orthodontic treatment can also lead to improvements in oral health and function. Orthodontic treatment will:

• Create beautiful looking teeth and an attractive smile
• Contribute greatly to facial aesthetics
• Enhance your self confidence
• Reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by improving “cleanability”
• Decrease the risk of irregular or excessive tooth wear
• Help establish normal oral function related to chewing, breathing and speech
• Decrease the risk of dental trauma (accidental chipped, broken or lost teeth)
• Correct improper jaw relationships and reduce stress on the facial muscles and jaw joints

Each individual’s orthodontic needs are different and deserve personalised attention. Your initial visit is an opportunity for us to get to know you and to help determine your orthodontic goals. 

At your first visit, Dr Holmes will give you (or your child) a comprehensive orthodontic examination. This entails looking at your teeth and jaws, and how they fit together. An assessment will also be made of gum health, oral hygiene and facial symmetry. Dr Holmes will then review his findings with you and give advice on the treatment options available, when treatment should commence, the expected duration of treatment, and the approximate cost.

If it is determined that orthodontic treatment is necessary, arrangements will then be made for the taking of pre-treatment diagnostic records (Dental Casts, Photographs and X-rays). These records provide essential information for diagnosis and treatment planning. A subsequent consultation appointment can then be arranged to discuss the findings of these records, present a detailed treatment proposal and outline the financial aspects of the proposed treatment.

Each individual case presents unique challenges, with unique opportunities to achieve a beautiful and functional smile. That is why we take the time to fully diagnose and explain the details of our findings before starting any recommended treatment.

Once you are comfortable with the proposed treatment plan and treatment objectives then you are ready to proceed into orthodontic treatment. If you require extractions or any other general dental treatment, this will need to be arranged with your general dentist before the orthodontic appliances are fitted. A general dental check-up and scale and clean is strongly advisable prior to the fitting of braces.

Treatment times vary significantly depending on age, the severity of the initial problem, type of orthodontic appliances used and patient compliance. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment typically lasts between 18 and 24 months with appointments scheduled every 4-8 weeks. Complex treatments and adult orthodontic treatment may take in excess of 2 years to complete

Our fees for comprehensive treatment vary greatly depending on the nature and severity of the presenting problems, the age of the patient, the treatment method, the type of appliances used and the anticipated treatment duration. The total cost of treatment can vary between $800 and $8000 depending on the case.

We will provide a detailed quotation once a thorough examination has been completed and all the relevant diagnostic information has been analysed. Private health insurance funds may rebate up to 50-75% of the total cost of treatment and any out of pocket expenses over $1500.00 are tax deductible.

No. We offer the latest innovative and cosmetic options in orthodontic treatment, particularly for our adult patients. These include tooth-coloured braces and Invisalign® tooth aligners. Colourful rubber bands used in conjunction with metal braces make braces fun for many of our younger patients.

Having separators and braces put on is a relatively easy and painless procedure. Putting in separators is as easy as flossing a tiny rubber ring between two teeth and leaving it there. Many patients describe separators as like having a piece of food stuck between your teeth.

No needles or "drilling" are involved in the fitting of braces, as they are simply glued to the teeth. The majority of patients will experience slight pressure or discomfort for about two or three days after their braces are first fitted and then again for a day or two after each adjustment. Even though braces only protrude out about 2-3 millimetres from your teeth, it may take your lips, cheeks and tongue a few days to a few weeks to become accustomed to rubbing against the braces. If part of the braces is irritating your mouth, you can place orthodontic wax to help smooth the rough area. Any small ulcers that develop usually resolve with a few weeks.

In the old days, only stiff orthodontic wires were available so there was more discomfort. Now, with new technology and flexible wires, there is significantly less discomfort associated with tooth movement. In fact, some patients complain about not having any pain because they think that without pain, their teeth are not moving. Remember, "It does not have to hurt to work!"

At the completion of the active part of orthodontic treatment, the braces are removed and retaining appliances (retainers) are fitted to hold the teeth steady in their new position while the surrounding bone and gums adjust around them. These appliances may be plastic removable plates or fixed wires fitted behind the teeth.

Retainers play an important role in long-term orthodontic treatment success. If they are not worn according to instructions, the teeth will move back towards their original position. The removable retaining appliances are usually worn:

• Full-time for approximately six months
• Just at night for a further year
• One or two nights a week for the rest of your life

Fixed or "bonded" retainers are usually secured to the inside surfaces of the front six teeth and are designed to be kept in place indefinitely. The longer a fixed retainer is worn, the better, as it maximises the chance of the teeth staying perfectly straight as you age.