Children….. The Australian society of orthodontists recommends a child is seen by the age of 8 and earlier orthodontic consultation is recommended if the parents or family dentist detect a developing problem.

Early examination allows the orthodontist to plan treatment to obtain maximum improvement with the least time and expense. In many patients, early treatment obtains a result that would not be possible once the jaw and face have finished growing. Early treatment often involves dentofacial orthopaedics which involves the use of simple, often removable, appliances.

If early treatment is not indicated then more comprehensive treatment is usually carried out once most of the permanent teeth have erupted at adolescence and usually involves the use of fixed braces.

We have a child-friendly waiting area suitable for toddlers to teens and a comfortable space for grown ups to catch up on their reading.

…..And What About Adults ? Orthodontic treatment can be carried out at any age and more and more adults have decided to undergo orthodontic treatment in recent years. Healthy gums and teeth are very important for treatment to be successful.

There are many different orthodontic appliances available to adults including clear braces, tooth coloured wires and more recently availability of “invisible” braces which are becoming increasingly popular. The latter have the added advantage of increased patient comfort and ease of cleaning.

As adults are no longer growing, severe jaw malalignments may require treatment with a combination of orthodontics and jaw surgery and this can bring about dramatic changes in facial appearance.