Orthodontic Treatment

Nearly all orthodontic problems are evident by the age of 7-9 years.

Early treatment is effective and desirable in certain situations.

However, most orthodontic problems are best treated with a course of orthodontic treatment (involving braces) as soon as the last baby tooth has been shed. This usually occurs between the ages of 11-15 years.

The stages involved in a typical course of orthodontic treatment are outlined below:

The Consultation

The consultation visit serves to introduce the orthodontist to the patient and to his or her parents. During this visit the patient is examined and a tentative treatment plan is proposed.

A guide to the type of treatment available, when this treatment should commence, and the approximate cost and duration of this treatment is given.

If treatment is to proceed, an appointment is made to collect full records which are used to help finalise the treatment plan.

Records

A firm treatment plan (including whether the extraction of teeth will be necessary) is established after records have been collected and evaluated.

Records include:

• The taking of impressions from which plaster study models of the teeth are constructed.
• The taking of photographs of the teeth and of the face.
• The analysis of x-rays which reveal the shape and position of the teeth and jaws.

Treatment Planning

A third visit is arranged to discuss the final treatment plan. Arrangements are made to commence treatment or, if it is too early to commence treatment, to review the patient periodically until it is time to commence treatment.

Extractions

If the extraction of teeth is necessary, these extractions are performed by the referring dentist. The cost of extractions is not included in the orthodontic fee.

Braces

The correction of most orthodontic problems requires braces. Braces  are made of a silver metal and are attached to individual teeth.

Clear braces are also available.

Braces remain on the teeth for the entire duration of treatment.

The braces are tied to an archwire using tiny rubber bands called modules.  Modules are usually grey, but coloured modules are available.

The aligning archwires are elastic and, as they return to their ideal form, they straighten the teeth.

Cleaning and Care of Braces

The teeth are more difficult to clean when braces are fitted. Therefore, additional time and care must be spent on tooth-brushing to maintain a clean and healthy mouth. Oral hygiene will be monitored throughout treatment. Patients are requested to clean their teeth meticulously before each visit.

The braces are delicate and they will not tolerate stress of an abnormal nature. Hard and sticky foods can bend the wires and loosen the braces thus preventing them from working properly. Sticky or hard sweets and the chewing of chop or chicken bones are not permitted during orthodontic treatment.

If the braces are not damaged, and if good oral hygiene is maintained, then treatment will not be prolonged and no damage to the teeth or gums will occur.

How Long?

To be successful, orthodontic treatment requires cooperation and time. Orthodontic treatment usually takes 18 - 24 months. Some cases may be finished earlier and others may take two years or more to complete.

Appointments

Fitting the braces involves two visits (each almost one hour long). Patients attend every 4-6 weeks thereafter for adjustments, wire changes, etc. These appointments are approximately 15 minutes in duration.

No guarantee can be given that appointments will be scheduled at the most convenient time for you. Priority is given to Year 12 students for the popular after school time slots.

Missing an appointment or arriving late for an appointment usually leads to longer total treatment times.

Rubber Bands and Headgear

During the course of treatment it is often necessary for the patient to wear such items as rubber bands and / or headgear. These items play an important role in the overall treatment and it is important that patients co-operate by wearing them according to instructions.

If these instructions are not followed, treatment will be unduly prolonged and the result may be inferior.

Dental check-ups

The patient should continue to attend his or her dentist for regular check-ups during the course of orthodontic treatment.

Retention

At the completion of the active part of orthodontic treatment, the braces are removed and retaining appliances are fitted to hold the teeth steady in their new position. These appliances may take the form of removable plates or a small wire fitted behind the lower front teeth.

These devices play an important role in orthodontic treatment for, if they are not worn according to instructions, the teeth will tend to revert to their original position.

The retaining appliances are usually worn:

• Every night for one year
• Phased out altogether over several years

The corrected teeth are observed occasionally for up to five years after the retainers have been phased out.

During the periods of retention and subsequent observation, patients are expected to attend once or twice a year.

Fees

The current fee for treatment involving upper and lower braces ranges from $5800 - $6200.

This fee covers the entire treatment including fitting of braces, monthly adjustments, removal of the braces, and the retention and observation periods thereafter.

It does not cover such items as the Consultation ($90), Records ($215), or other preparatory steps prior to the fitting of braces.

This fee is usually divided into a deposit, payable when treatment commences, and instalments, payable quarterly, until the balance has been paid off. Repayments can be scheduled so that you obtain your maximum health fund rebate. 

The fee holds good provided appointments are kept and cooperation is shown in the areas of appliance maintenance and the wearing of rubber bands, headgear, etc., and provided the payment of accounts is kept up to date.

Should treatment involve braces in only one arch, the current fee is $2800.

Tooth-coloured braces are available (for the upper six front teeth) at an additional cost of $300.

Dental Benefit Funds

Currently, the Health Funds offer some rebate on orthodontic treatment.

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