Common questions
about orthodontics

A specialist orthodontist is a dental professional who has completed additional training and education in orthodontics, specifically focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting dental and facial irregularities (such as misaligned teeth and jaws). After completing their general dental degree, orthodontists undergo at least 3 extra years of postgraduate education to specialise in orthodontics.

General dentists may offer basic orthodontic treatments like clear aligners, but they do not have the same level of expertise as a specialist orthodontist. A specialist orthodontist has extensive training in orthodontic care and can create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. They are experienced in managing a wide range of orthodontic issues, from simple cases to more complex problems that may involve jaw alignment, bite correction, or significant crowding.

Seeing a specialist orthodontist ensures you receive expert care and the best possible results. In many cases, having the right treatment from the start can save time, money, and the need for corrective treatments later.

Yes, you will still need to see your general dentist for routine check-ups, cleanings, and other general dental care. Orthodontists focus only on aligning your teeth and jaws, while dentists manage your overall oral health. Both work together to ensure your smile is both healthy and well-aligned.

No, a referral is not required to see an orthodontist in Australia. You can book a consultation with a specialist orthodontist directly if you have any concerns about your teeth or jaws.

Dentists will also often refer patients to orthodontists when they identify issues that require specialised care, such as misaligned teeth, bite problems, or jaw alignment issues. Orthodontists have advanced training to handle these complex cases and provide effective treatment options.

The frequency of your visits depends on your specific treatment plan. We will discuss this with you during your initial consult. These appointments allow us to monitor progress, adjust appliances, and ensure everything is progressing as expected. In the early stages of treatment, you may need to visit more frequently as we make initial adjustments and ensure the appliances are fitting correctly. As your treatment progresses, appointments may become less frequent.

During routine check-ups, we assess the alignment of your teeth, adjust your braces or aligners, and make any necessary changes to wires or elastics. These visits are crucial for keeping your treatment on track.

If you experience an issue such as broken brackets, loose wires, or discomfort, please refer to the patient information section for relevant information. 

Don't hesitate to call us if you encounter any problems as you may need to visit the clinic between routine check-ups for a quick repair. 

The cost of orthodontic treatment will vary based on factors like the complexity of your case, the type of treatment (e.g. braces, clear aligners), and the length of the treatment. During your initial consultation, we will provide a clear, no-hidden-fees quote on your expected treatment cost.

We also offer payment plans to make treatment more affordable. These plans allow you to spread the cost over the duration of your treatment with regular monthly payments. 

Many private health funds in Australia offer coverage for orthodontic treatment under extras or general dental plans. The extent of coverage depends on your specific policy, level of cover and any annual or lifetime limits that apply. We recommend checking with your health fund for details on your entitlements.

We can also provide a detailed quote for your treatment, including out-of-pocket costs, through our HICAPS machine. You can claim directly at the clinic, making the process quick and convenient.

We have a HICAPS machine at our clinic, so you can claim your treatment directly with your health fund on the spot. For any out-of-pocket expenses, you can pay the gap at the clinic. Additionally, we can provide a quote through the machine before treatment to show how much your insurance will cover.

Alternatively, we also provide an invoice with the necessary item codes for you to submit manually through your insurer's app, online portal, or at a branch. This is all you need to submit your claim to your health insurer.