Orthodontics
At My Family Dental, our Orthodontic Braces services provide Queensland residents in Bowen, Emerald, Ingham, Innisfail, and Townsville with beautiful smiles. We are committed to giving our patients the best possible care and achieving exceptional results. Contact us today for a consultation and to learn more about our expert team.
Orthodontic braces are a highly effective teeth-straightening solution suitable for individuals of all ages. While braces can address even the most complex alignment issues, it’s important to understand the process and benefits before starting your treatment.
What are Orthodontics?
Orthodontic braces are a tried-and-true solution for straightening teeth and correcting bite issues. Unlike clear aligners, braces use brackets and wires to gradually align teeth, making them an excellent choice for individuals seeking a more comprehensive approach to orthodontic care. Patients visit their orthodontist regularly for adjustments, ensuring steady progress throughout the treatment.
Traditional braces have remained a reliable and effective option for decades, particularly for addressing complex alignment issues. However, it’s important for patients to consider the costs associated with braces. While some health insurance plans may partially cover orthodontic treatments, patients should confirm their coverage options before beginning treatment.
How Do Orthodontics Work?
Orthodontic braces use a system of brackets and wires attached to the teeth to gradually straighten them. These components work together to apply consistent pressure, shifting teeth into the desired position over time. Patients will visit their orthodontist regularly for adjustments, ensuring steady progress toward their ideal smile.
Because of their versatility, braces are recommended for patients with a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including mild to severe malocclusion problems and TMJ disorders. Braces remain the gold standard for achieving precise and long-lasting results, especially for complex cases that clear aligners may not address effectively.
If you’re considering orthodontic braces and want to understand the procedure, here’s how it works:
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Initial Consultation: The orthodontist will evaluate your smile and discuss a customized treatment plan. This may involve taking digital scans, photographs, and x-rays of your teeth and jaw.
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Fitting Braces: Braces are carefully applied to your teeth, and the wires are adjusted to start the alignment process. This procedure is typically painless, though mild discomfort may occur as your teeth begin to adjust.
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Ongoing Adjustments: You’ll visit the orthodontist periodically for adjustments to the wires or elastics, ensuring continued progress.
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Daily Care: Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial during treatment. Special tools, such as orthodontic brushes, may be recommended to clean around brackets and wires effectively.
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Completion: Once your teeth have reached their desired alignment, the braces will be removed, and you’ll be provided with a retainer to maintain your results.
Braces may take some time to adjust to, especially in the first few days after they’re applied or tightened, but they remain one of the most reliable ways to achieve a perfectly aligned smile.
Benefits of Orthodontics
With orthodontic braces, you can expect the following benefits:
- Highly effective and versatile: Braces are designed to address a wide range of dental issues, from mild crowding to severe malocclusion. They are effective in treating complex cases that other methods, such as aligners, may not fully resolve.
- Durable and reliable: Braces are made from strong materials, such as stainless steel or ceramic, ensuring they can withstand daily wear and deliver consistent results throughout treatment. Once fitted, they work continuously without requiring frequent adjustments by the patient.
- Customisable options: Modern braces come in various styles, including ceramic braces for a less noticeable appearance and lingual braces, which are attached to the back of the teeth for added discretion.
- Continuous alignment: Unlike removable aligners, braces remain fixed in place, ensuring 24/7 progress towards your perfect smile. There’s no need to worry about forgetting to wear them or losing them.
- Long-lasting results: Braces deliver highly precise alignment and bite correction, with results that are both functional and aesthetic. Retainers provided after treatment help maintain these results for years to come.
- Consistent care with regular check-ups: Patients typically visit their orthodontist every 4–6 weeks for adjustments. These visits are important for tracking progress and ensuring optimal results.
- Comprehensive correction: Braces address alignment, spacing, and bite issues simultaneously, making them a comprehensive solution for improving oral health and aesthetics.
When Should I Get Orthodontic Braces?
You may consider using orthodontic braces if you:
- Need to address complex dental issues, such as severe misalignment, overcrowding, or bite problems
- Prefer a treatment that offers precise and comprehensive results
- Are comfortable with a fixed orthodontic solution that doesn’t rely on patient compliance
- Want a tried-and-true method with a long history of success in orthodontics
- Are looking for a customisable option, such as ceramic or lingual braces, for a more discreet appearance
How Much Do Orthodontics Cost?
The cost of orthodontic braces in Queensland, Australia, can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the type of braces you choose, and the duration of your treatment. On average, the price for braces ranges from $3,500 to $9,500. Your orthodontist will provide a more accurate quote after discussing your treatment plan during your initial consultation.
The type of braces and materials used will also impact the price. Here is an estimated cost breakdown for different types of braces:
- Traditional metal braces: $3,500 to $7,500
- Ceramic braces (less noticeable): $4,500 to $8,500
- Lingual braces (placed behind teeth): $8,000 to $9,500
These prices generally include initial consultations, fittings, regular adjustments, and a retainer at the end of treatment. Payment plans may be available to make treatment more affordable. If you have private health insurance, your provider may cover part of the cost—check your orthodontic coverage to confirm.