Fixed Braces in Mount Waverley

Achieving Beautiful Smiles

Traditional metal or fixed braces are a treatment option that is ideal for straightening teeth in both adults and children. Braces are comprised of metal or ceramic brackets, which are attached to teeth. Wire links the brackets and is adjusted periodically throughout treatment to correct tooth position, bite, and chew function.

As with all braces, we start by assessing your suitability as a candidate for treatment. Your Dickson Street Dental dentist will perform a thorough examination, including photos, x-rays, and scans. During this session, we’ll provide a detailed explanation of your treatment options, including the likely costs. We advise patients that treatment times are a guide and may vary during the course of treatment.

How Much Do They Cost?

We tailor every fixed braces treatment at our practice to the individual, and treatment costs vary accordingly. Before commencing treatment, we’ll provide a detailed treatment plan outlining costs. We understand the importance of commencing transformative braces treatment and offer payment options to make them accessible sooner. Depending on your health fund coverage, you may also be able to access cover for a portion of the costs. Our friendly team can provide item numbers on request.

What Are the Treatment Steps?

Step 1: We will take photos and x-rays of your teeth, mouth, and face, using a scanner or impressions to capture the shape of your teeth. These images are used to formulate a fixed braces treatment plan.
Step 2: Once the treatment plan is completed, we’ll see you again for a follow-up appointment to explain the treatment and payment options. If you consent to proceed, we’ll complete the relevant paperwork and book your first treatment appointment.
Step 3: At your first treatment appointment, we’ll bond the brackets to your teeth and place the wires. Thereafter, we’ll see you every four to eight weeks, depending on your treatment. It is essential to attend these appointments so progress can be monitored.
Step 4: Once treatment is completed, we’ll fit you with retainers to ensure the beautiful smile you’ve achieved isn’t lost through tooth movement.

FAQs

What Materials Are Used in Fixed Braces?

High-quality stainless steel and titanium are used in fixed braces, while brackets can be either ceramic or metal depending on patient preference.

What Can I Eat During Braces Treatment?

We strongly recommend avoiding hard and chewy foods, including bubble gum, toffee, caramel, and chocolate bars with nuts. Take extreme care with other hard foods like nuts, raw fruit, and vegetables (e.g., carrots and apples) as these can damage brackets. If in doubt, avoid them completely.

Will I Experience Pain with Fixed Braces?

It is likely you will experience discomfort at the start of treatment and after appointments where adjustments have been made to brackets and wires. Discomfort may last for just a couple of days or as long as a week. We will recommend pain relief to help manage the discomfort.

How Long is Fixed Braces Treatment?

Treatment times vary from six to 24 months depending on each individual’s circumstances and complexity of their case. Before commencing treatment, we’ll provide an indication of an approximate timeframe. It’s important to be aware that treatment times are influenced by many factors. We strongly advise patients to attend all monitoring appointments to ensure treatment remains on track.

What About Cleaning My Teeth with Fixed Braces?

Braces treatment is not a reason to overlook your oral hygiene. In fact, it’s vitally important to continue daily brushing and flossing. Maintaining your daily oral hygiene habits and visiting us for your regular six-monthly hygiene visits are the two best ways to avoid gum disease and cavities during treatment.

Do I Need to Have Teeth Extracted for Fixed Braces?

During our initial assessment, we will determine whether it is necessary to have teeth extracted for your braces treatment at our Mount Waverley practice. We will make recommendations based on your specific case and, if possible, provide two options: one with extraction and one without.

Still Have Questions About Fixed Braces?

The best way to have those answered is to visit us at Dickson Street Dental, and we’ll address any concerns you have regarding treatment.

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