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.
Our Orthodontics Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment involves procedures designed to correct misaligned teeth and improve oral function. It helps address issues like gapped teeth, overbites, and chewing difficulties, ensuring that teeth align properly for both aesthetics and function.
Why is orthodontic treatment important?
Properly aligned teeth contribute to a confident smile and improve oral health by ensuring that teeth fit together correctly. This enhances biting and chewing efficiency, reducing the risk of dental problems in the future.
What are the different types of orthodontic treatments available?
Common orthodontic treatments include:
- Braces – Traditional metal braces or ceramic braces help realign teeth.
- Invisalign – A nearly invisible, removable aligner alternative to braces.
- Retainers – Used after braces or aligners to maintain teeth alignment.
How has orthodontic treatment evolved over the years?
Modern orthodontic treatments are more comfortable and effective than in the past. Braces have become less bulky, and options like Invisalign offer a discreet way to straighten teeth without traditional wires and brackets.
How do retainers help after orthodontic treatment?
Retainers play a crucial role in maintaining teeth alignment after braces or Invisalign treatment. They help prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions, ensuring long-term results.
Can orthodontic treatment fix an overbite?
Yes. Orthodontic treatments can correct an overbite, where the upper teeth extend too far over the lower teeth. Proper alignment ensures that the upper and lower teeth fit together like pincers for better function.
What orthodontic services does My Family Dental offer?
At My Family Dental, we provide a full range of orthodontic services, including:
- Traditional braces
- Invisalign clear aligners
- Retainers
- Other customised teeth alignment solutions
Additionally, we offer general dental care, such as extractions, fillings, crowns, implants, and cleanings.
How can orthodontic treatment boost confidence?
Misaligned teeth can make some people feel self-conscious about their smile. Orthodontic treatments help straighten teeth, leading to a more confident smile and improved self-esteem.
What are my options for orthodontic treatment in North Queensland?
We offer both traditional braces and Invisalign. Our team can help you understand the differences, costs, and benefits of each treatment to determine the best option for your needs.
How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
Costs vary depending on the treatment type and duration. At My Family Dental, we offer flexible payment options to make orthodontic care accessible for everyone.
How can I get started with orthodontic treatment?
To learn more or book a consultation, contact us today or fill out our online enquiry form. Our team will guide you through the process and answer any questions you have.
