What To Expect
New To Orthodontics?
We understand that orthodontic treatment is a commitment, and we respect your decision for wanting to improve your smile and self-confidence. Our practice will work with you to facilitate a rewarding and personable experience, by guiding you through your orthodontic journey. The latest technology and a variety of treatment options makes your treatment individualised to your needs.
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment goes beyond just straight teeth. It involves optimising facial and dental aesthetics, as well as periodontal health to provide a great smile that lasts a lifetime. The latest digital imaging technology combined with a detailed examination, helps us create a customised treatment plan to produce a beautiful smile, an optimal bite and healthy joints.
It’s never too late to consider orthodontic treatment!
Your Initial Consultation
Your journey begins at the first visit! At the initial consultation, you will meet our Principal Orthodontist Dr. David Zhang to address your concerns, followed by a comprehensive orthodontic clinical exam, and an in-depth analysis of the treatment options that will best suit your needs.
Review Your Dental & Medical History Forms
Dr. David will go through your dental and medical history to gather information that may be relevant to your orthodontic treatment. There are certain conditions that may prohibit or make orthodontic treatment difficult, which is why it’s important to not miss this step!
Perform A Comprehensive Orthodontic Clinical Examination
Dr. David will undertake a comprehensive orthodontic assessment of your face, smile and teeth. This includes:
- a detailed examination of your jaw joints
- an assessment of your facial growth, development and smile
- an assessment of the condition of your teeth and gums to screen for decay, periodontal disease
- an assessment for any other potential oral health issues
Obtain Orthodontic Records Including X-rays & Photographs
In your orthodontic case, x-rays and photos are crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning. It allows Dr. David to determine the best treatment options available, and for him to discuss these with you after all records are obtained.
Perform A Digital 3D Scan Of Your Entire Dentition
We'll use our latest iTero machine to obtain a 3D scan of your teeth and bite outside of the mouth. Dr. David can use this scan to simulate the finished results and show you what your teeth will look like after performing orthodontic treatment.
Discussion Of The Options & Finalisation Of Your Treatment Plan
After gathering all the relevant information, Dr. David will formulate the best treatment plan and present this to you in an easy to understand manner. If there are multiple options available, Dr. David will provide the pros and cons of each option, so you have the all the information to make the best choice for your smile.
Gather Insurance Information To Present A Customised Financial Plan
Please be sure to bring your health insurance card to this visit! We accept health fund claims in our clinic, and we can give you a quote on your private health insurance rebate.*
*Subject to your PHI provider.
The Big Day!
The exciting day when you get your braces or clear aligners on!
- Metal & Ceramic Braces: requires 60 minutes to fit
- Clear Aligners: requires 45 minutes to fit
Both are painless on the day of fitting, however there may be discomfort the following day as the teeth start moving. We will provide you with an oral hygiene pack and instructions on how to care for your braces or clear aligners.
Successive Visits May Vary Depending On Treatment Stages & Duration
Periodic visits are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Usually, we will want to see you every 4-6 weeks to check your progress and adjust your appliances. During this time, you will need to keep appointments, follow instructions, as well as practice good oral hygiene and proper nutrition. You should also continue to visit your dentist regularly during orthodontic treatment to ensure your oral health is in tip-top shape!
Payment Information
We strive to provide you with quality treatment that fits your budget. If you choose to pay your fee in full at the beginning of your treatment, we are happy to offer a reduction in fee as our paid-in-full courtesy. A variety of flexible payment options, including a personalised financing plan, are also available to meet different needs. Every payment plan includes a detailed breakdown of all applicable fees prior to the start of treatment.
Orthodontic benefits from your insurance policy may be applicable in certain cases. Several insurance policies have a lifetime orthodontic benefit distinct from regular dental insurance. Insurance policies vary and we will review and verify your orthodontic insurance benefits prior to beginning your journey to a new smile. We are a HICAPs practice and as a courtesy, we will file your benefit on your behalf to help you maximise your benefit. If your insurance benefits change during the course of treatment, the financially responsible party is accountable for all charges.
Our practice accepts direct debit, Visa, Mastercard, and bank cheques.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Blackburn Orthodontics, our goal is to provide a perfect smile for a reasonable price. Treatment cost and treatment times vary depending on the complexity of your orthodontic treatment and type of treatment you are after. After evaluating your case, we will be able to determine an individual treatment fee that fits your specific orthodontic needs.
We offer flexible interest free payment plans to suit your needs. The payment can be spread out over 6, 12, 24 months, or all the way up to your active treatment period.
Orthodontists and dentists share many similarities – they work together to help you improve your overall oral health – but they actually work in very different ways. Dentists cover a broad range of oral health issues. An orthodontist, on the other hand, is a specialist with a more singular focus: straightening teeth and aligning jaws.
Orthodontists are registered dental specialists who have completed an additional three years of full-time university training in orthodontics, facial growth and development, biology and biomechanics (they hold a General Dental Degree + Specialist Orthodontic Degree).
Orthodontics Australia recommend children between the ages of 7-10 years visit a specialist orthodontist for an assessment.
And no referral from a dentist is needed.
No. You can make an appointment with us at any time without previously having a referral from another dental professional.
There are many factors that cause crooked teeth and one of them is due to not having not enough space in the mouth to fit all the teeth. There are ways to create more space without removing any teeth but sometimes there just is not enough room to do so.
In these circumstances, forcing to fit all teeth without extractions of teeth can cause gum recession which can cause severe sensitivity and place the teeth in unstable position.
We don’t like teeth extracted and we will avoid any unnecessary extractions if possible.
Because there is just so much variations of orthodontic problems there is no set duration for all orthodontic treatments. Simple crowdings can be resolved between 6-12 months and severe problems can last even more than 24 months!
But on average, it usually takes about 18-24 months for most orthodontic treatments.
Most definitely! If only we knew how to keep teeth from moving after treatment!
Unfortunately, teeth will always have the tendency to move towards where it came from when braces come off or when you stop wearing your aligners.
Therefore, you need to keep wearing your retainers every night to maintain the beautiful outcome we have achieved after spending 18 to 24 months on orthodontic treatment.
