Considering braces or Invisalign in Dural? Here’s what you need to know about orthodontic treatment, costs, treatment times, early intervention, Phase I and Phase II treatment, clear aligners and more.
If you or your child has crooked teeth, crowding, gaps or a bite that doesn’t feel quite right, you may have started searching for answers.
Do I need braces? Is Invisalign better? How much does orthodontic treatment cost? Is my child too young? Is it too late for me? Will braces hurt? And does my child need Phase I and Phase II orthodontic treatment?
These are all reasonable questions.
At Dural Dental Practice, orthodontic care is provided by Dr Gustavo Vivaldi, who has more than two decades of orthodontic experience and a particular interest in clear aligner therapy. He has also worked with Invisalign for more than 17 years.
The important thing to understand is that orthodontics isn’t a “one treatment fits all” process. The right approach depends on your teeth, bite, jaw development, oral health, age and treatment goals.
This guide answers some of the most common questions patients and parents ask about orthodontic treatment in Dural.
What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is used to improve the alignment of teeth and, where appropriate, the relationship between the upper and lower teeth and jaws.
Treatment may help address: crowded teeth, crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, protruding teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and certain functional bite problems.
The goal isn’t simply to create straight teeth. Good orthodontic treatment aims to achieve a healthy, functional and stable bite while also improving the appearance of the smile.
How do I know if I or my child needs braces?
Some common signs that an orthodontic assessment may be worthwhile include: teeth that overlap or appear crowded, large spaces between teeth, teeth that stick out, difficulty biting or chewing comfortably, an upper or lower jaw that appears significantly out of position, a crossbite, an obvious overbite or underbite, teeth that are difficult to clean because of their position, baby teeth lost unusually early or late, and concerns about the development of your child’s adult teeth.
However, not every crooked tooth requires orthodontic treatment. An assessment allows Dr Vivaldi to determine whether treatment is appropriate, whether treatment should begin now, or whether monitoring is the better option.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
There isn’t one magic age when every child should get braces. Some children benefit from an orthodontic assessment while they still have a mixture of baby and adult teeth. Other children may be better monitored until more of their permanent teeth have erupted. This is where early orthodontic assessment can be valuable.
The purpose of an early assessment isn’t necessarily to put a child straight into braces. Sometimes the best treatment is simply: “Let’s monitor your child’s development and review them at the right time.” In other situations, early intervention may be recommended.
What is Phase I orthodontic treatment?
Phase I orthodontic treatment, sometimes called early or interceptive orthodontic treatment, refers to treatment carried out while a child is still developing and may still have a mixture of baby and permanent teeth.
It may be considered when there is a specific orthodontic problem that could benefit from being addressed earlier rather than waiting until all the permanent teeth have erupted. Depending on the individual problem, early treatment may aim to: address certain developing bite problems, improve dental arch development, create or preserve space for permanent teeth, correct particular crossbites, influence certain developing jaw relationships, and reduce the severity of some orthodontic problems.
But here’s an important point for parents: Phase I treatment is not automatically necessary. Some children can be treated successfully with a single comprehensive course of orthodontic treatment later. Others may benefit from early intervention followed by further orthodontic treatment once their permanent teeth have developed. The decision should therefore be based on your child’s individual growth and dental development, rather than simply their age.
What is Phase II orthodontic treatment?
When Phase I treatment is recommended, Phase II treatment generally refers to comprehensive orthodontic treatment undertaken later, once the permanent teeth have erupted sufficiently. Phase II may involve braces, clear aligners or another appropriate orthodontic approach. The purpose is to complete the alignment of the permanent teeth and optimise the bite and final result.
In simple terms: Phase I addresses a specific developing problem at an earlier stage; Phase II completes comprehensive orthodontic treatment when the permanent teeth and development make this appropriate.
Not every child who has an orthodontic assessment will need two phases. Some children may need early treatment and then Phase II treatment. Others may be better suited to a single phase of treatment later.
Why not just wait until all the adult teeth come through?
Sometimes waiting is exactly the right decision. However, there are situations where an orthodontic problem may be better addressed earlier, for example, certain developing bite problems, crossbites, significant crowding or jaw-related concerns may warrant earlier assessment or intervention. This is why an orthodontic assessment during childhood can be useful even when braces aren’t immediately recommended.
The aim isn’t to start treatment as early as possible. The aim is to start the right treatment at the right time.
How much do braces cost in Australia?
There isn’t one universal price for braces. The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on factors such as: the complexity of the case, the type of orthodontic treatment, whether one or two phases of treatment are required, the expected treatment duration, whether additional dental treatment is required, and the type of retention required after treatment.
A short, straightforward alignment case is obviously different from a complex bite correction requiring comprehensive treatment. This is why online “average prices” can be misleading. A proper assessment allows you to understand what treatment you actually need, how long it is expected to take and what the associated costs will be.
Are braces painful?
Orthodontic treatment is usually better described as uncomfortable rather than severely painful. You may notice pressure or tenderness: when braces are first fitted, after certain adjustments, when teeth begin moving, or when starting a new clear aligner. The discomfort is generally temporary. Your dental team can also provide advice about managing tenderness and looking after your teeth during treatment.
How long do braces take?
Treatment time varies from patient to patient. Factors can include: the amount of tooth movement required, the complexity of the bite, whether jaw growth is involved, the type of appliance used, your individual response to treatment, how well treatment instructions are followed, and broken appliances or missed appointments.
For children receiving Phase I and Phase II treatment, the overall treatment journey can naturally be longer than a straightforward single-phase case. That doesn’t mean two-phase treatment is always better, it means the treatment plan should be based on the individual problem and the stage of development.
Braces vs Invisalign: which is better?
This is one of the most common questions we hear. The honest answer is: neither is automatically better for everyone.
Traditional braces use brackets and wires to move the teeth. Clear aligners such as Invisalign use a series of removable, transparent aligners. Clear aligners can be particularly attractive to adults and teenagers who want a more discreet treatment option, and they can also be removed for eating and cleaning. However, clear aligners rely heavily on patient compliance, if they’re not worn as instructed, treatment may not progress as planned.
Dr Vivaldi has a particular interest in clear aligner therapy and has been working with Invisalign for more than 17 years. The best treatment is the one that is clinically appropriate for your teeth and bite and realistic for your lifestyle.
Can Invisalign fix severely crooked teeth?
Clear aligners can treat many different orthodontic problems, but they are not suitable for every case. The important question isn’t “Does Invisalign work?”, it’s “Is Invisalign appropriate for my particular orthodontic problem?” Some cases are relatively straightforward. Others involve complex tooth movements or bite relationships that require a different approach. An assessment is the best way to determine whether clear aligners are a realistic option.
How long do I have to wear Invisalign each day?
Clear aligners need to be worn consistently according to the instructions provided for your treatment. Because the aligners are removable, patient compliance is an important part of treatment. You generally remove them for eating, drinking anything other than water and cleaning your teeth, then put them back in. The convenience of removable aligners is one of their biggest advantages, but only if you’re prepared to wear them consistently.
Can braces fix an overbite?
Orthodontic treatment can be used to manage many types of overbite. However, the underlying cause matters, an overbite may relate primarily to tooth position, jaw relationships, or a combination of factors. This is particularly important when assessing growing children because the timing of treatment can influence the available treatment options.
Can braces fix an underbite?
Some underbites can be treated orthodontically, while more significant jaw discrepancies may require a different approach. The earlier a developing bite problem is identified, the more opportunity there may be to assess growth and treatment timing. This is another reason why an orthodontic assessment can be useful for children even before they are ready for comprehensive braces.
Can braces fix crowded teeth?
Yes, orthodontic treatment can often improve dental crowding. However, the appropriate approach depends on: how severe the crowding is, the available space, facial and jaw development, the position of the teeth, your age, and your overall treatment goals. There isn’t one universal solution for every crowded smile.
Will braces change my face?
Orthodontic treatment can change the appearance of your smile and, depending on the treatment and underlying problem, may influence aspects of facial appearance. For growing children, jaw development can also be an important consideration. However, orthodontics should not be sold as a guaranteed way to “change your face” or create a particular facial shape. The realistic goal is to achieve the best possible dental and functional result for the individual patient.
Is it too late to get braces as an adult?
Usually, no. Adults can undergo orthodontic treatment provided their teeth and supporting tissues are suitable for treatment. Adults may choose traditional braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic approaches where appropriate. The biggest difference is that adult treatment needs to take existing dental health into account, previous dental work, gum health, missing teeth, crowns, implants and other factors may influence the treatment plan.
What happens if I don’t straighten my teeth?
Not every crooked tooth needs to be straightened. But significant crowding or bite problems can sometimes make teeth harder to clean, affect function or contribute to uneven tooth wear. For children, certain developing orthodontic problems may also benefit from assessment before they become more difficult to manage. Ultimately, orthodontic treatment is a personal decision. A consultation can help you understand the potential benefits of treatment versus simply monitoring the situation.
What can I eat with braces?
You can still enjoy most foods during orthodontic treatment, but certain hard or sticky foods can damage brackets and wires. Your orthodontic team will explain which foods you should avoid or modify. You should also be particularly careful with sugary foods and drinks. Orthodontic treatment doesn’t replace the need for good general dental care, in fact, keeping your teeth clean during braces is critically important.
Can braces damage your teeth?
Braces themselves don’t automatically damage healthy teeth. However, orthodontic treatment can make cleaning more difficult, which can increase the risk of plaque accumulation and enamel damage if oral hygiene is poor. White spot lesions can develop around brackets when plaque remains on the teeth and enamel loses minerals. Dural Dental specifically recommends thorough brushing, daily cleaning between teeth, fluoride toothpaste and regular dental care during orthodontic treatment. This is why orthodontic treatment should always go hand-in-hand with good preventive dental care.
How do I clean my teeth with braces?
A good orthodontic cleaning routine should include: brushing carefully around every bracket, paying particular attention to the gumline, cleaning between your teeth every day, using interdental brushes or other cleaning aids recommended by your dental team, using fluoride toothpaste, and keeping your regular dental examinations and professional cleans.
Straight teeth are only part of a healthy smile. Healthy teeth matter too.
Why do my teeth look worse before they look better?
Orthodontic treatment is a process. As individual teeth move, spaces can temporarily appear and teeth may look different from how you expected during certain stages. This doesn’t necessarily mean something is going wrong. Orthodontic treatment should be assessed based on the overall progress and planned outcome, not on a single snapshot halfway through treatment.
What happens after braces?
Once your active orthodontic treatment finishes, you’ll generally move into the retention phase. Retainers help keep your teeth in their new positions. This is important because teeth can continue to move throughout life. Dural Dental’s guidance on retention notes that long-term, and often lifelong, retainer wear may be recommended to help preserve orthodontic results. Think of retention as maintenance for the result you’ve invested time and money to achieve.
Do I have to wear my retainer forever?
If you want to maintain your straight smile over the long term, ongoing retention is usually necessary. Exactly how often you need to wear your retainer will depend on your treatment and individual circumstances. The important thing is not to assume that once the braces come off, your teeth are permanently locked into position. They aren’t.
What happens at an orthodontic consultation at Dural Dental?
An orthodontic consultation is an opportunity to understand what is happening with your teeth and bite and what treatment options may be available. Dr Vivaldi can assess your individual circumstances and discuss: your dental alignment, your bite, your orthodontic concerns, your treatment goals, whether treatment is appropriate now, whether monitoring is more appropriate, whether early intervention may be beneficial for a child, whether Phase I and Phase II treatment should be considered, whether braces or clear aligners may be suitable, expected treatment time, retention after treatment, and treatment costs.
The goal isn’t to put everyone into treatment. It’s to determine the right treatment, or the right time to treat, for you or your child.
Orthodontic Treatment in Dural
If you’re looking for braces, Invisalign or orthodontic treatment in Dural, Dural Dental Practice provides orthodontic care with Dr Gustavo Vivaldi. Dr Vivaldi brings more than 20 years of orthodontic experience to the practice, with a special interest in clear aligner therapy.
Whether you’re an adult considering orthodontic treatment for the first time, a teenager thinking about braces, or a parent wondering whether your child should be assessed, the first step is understanding what is actually happening with the teeth and bite.
Sometimes treatment should begin now. Sometimes early intervention is appropriate. Sometimes Phase I followed by Phase II treatment is considered. And sometimes the best advice is simply to wait and monitor development.
There is no substitute for an individual assessment.
Ready to explore your orthodontic options?
Book an orthodontic consultation at Dural Dental Practice to discuss your smile or your child’s developing teeth and bite with Dr Vivaldi.
Dural Dental Practice Suite 1, 644 Old Northern Road Dural NSW 2158 Phone: (02) 9651 2085
You can also enquire about an appointment through the practice website.
