BRACES in RINGWOOD AND HAWTHORN AU
Your Smile
with Advanced Braces Technology
At Virtuosum Orthodontics, we understand the value of a radiant smile—it’s your greeting to the world and a key to your self-confidence. Our mission is to provide exceptional orthodontic care that’s both effective and accessible. With so many types of braces to choose from, our team is dedicated to finding the best one that suits your needs.
Whether you’re looking to correct your bite, straighten your teeth, or simply enhance your smile’s aesthetics, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our patient-centric approach ensures that your journey towards a healthier smile is as smooth and stress-free as possible with braces Ringwood and Hawthorn AU.
Why Choose Braces?
Braces are a cornerstone in promoting better oral health, besides giving you a more balanced-looking smile. Misaligned teeth can lead to challenges in cleaning, which might escalate to cavities and gum disease. Correcting issues such as crooked teeth, gaps, and bite issues enhances your ability to bite, chew, and speak more effectively.
Our Braces Options
Finding Your Perfect Fit
Once the only choice available, metal braces have transformed to become more comfortable and visually appealing. These braces are incredibly efficient at correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues, from simple to complex.
Metal braces are celebrated for their durability and effectiveness, making them a popular choice among our younger patients and those with more significant alignment issues. Plus, the brackets, smaller than ever, are made from high-quality stainless steel, and you can personalize them with a spectrum of elastic tie colors.
Pros:
- Metal braces are highly effective for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, including severe misalignment.
- They offer a cost-effective solution compared to other types of braces.
- The modern design of metal braces is smaller, making them more comfortable than older versions.
- Patients can customize their braces with colored elastics, adding a personal touch to the treatment.
- Metal braces are durable and rarely require repairs during the treatment process.
Cons:
- They are more visible than ceramic or lingual braces and clear aligners.
- Requires caution with food choices to avoid damaging the braces.
- Oral hygiene can be more challenging, necessitating more meticulous cleaning around brackets and wires.
- The metal components can sometimes cause minor disruptions during dental X-rays.
For patients prioritizing a discreet look, ceramic braces offer a less noticeable alternative. The brackets are crafted from a clear, tooth-colored ceramic material that blends seamlessly with your teeth, making your orthodontic treatment hardly noticeable.
Clear ceramic braces function just like metal braces but with an aesthetic advantage. While they offer a cosmetically appealing solution, it’s important to handle them with care due to their material.
Pros:
- Ceramic braces are less noticeable than metal braces, as they blend in with the color of your teeth.
- They offer the same level of effectiveness as metal braces for most orthodontic issues.
- Suitable for patients who are looking for a more aesthetic orthodontic solution.
Cons:
- Ceramic braces can be more expensive than their metal counterparts.
- The brackets are larger and can cause more irritation to the inside of the mouth than metal brackets.
- They can stain if not properly cared for, particularly the elastic ties, which may require more frequent changes.
Simplifying the traditional braces system, self-ligating braces eliminate the need for elastics by using a specialized clip in place of ties. This innovation reduces the amount of pressure exerted on the tooth and requires fewer adjustments.
Available in metal or ceramic options, self-ligating braces are designed for comfort and efficiency, potentially shortening treatment times and reducing the number of visits to our office.
Pros:
- Self-ligating braces often require fewer dental visits for adjustments, saving time and providing convenience.
- They can provide a quicker treatment time in some cases due to their efficient design.
- Less friction on the teeth can make the movement more comfortable for some patients.
Cons:
- They can be more expensive than traditional metal or ceramic braces.
- While they are available in clear materials, metal self-ligating braces will still be visible.
- The initial cost upfront can be higher due to the technology used in these braces.
Offering the ultimate in orthodontic discretion, lingual braces are attached to the back surfaces of the teeth. This placement makes them invisible to others, providing an ideal solution for adult patients and those concerned about the visual aspect of braces.
Custom-made for each tooth, lingual braces can effectively correct a wide range of dental misalignments while staying completely out of sight.
Pros:
- Lingual braces are completely hidden from view, offering the most discreet form of treatment.
- They are effective for most types of orthodontic issues, including complex cases.
- Customization to the individual’s teeth provides a precise and comfortable fit.
Cons:
- Lingual braces can be more expensive due to the customization and specialized technique required for placement.
- They may cause discomfort and irritation to the tongue, especially in the initial stages of treatment.
- Some patients find them more challenging to clean due to their placement.
For a truly invisible orthodontic experience, clear aligners like Invisalign offer an innovative solution. These custom-made, removable trays are virtually undetectable when worn and allow for the correction of mild to moderate alignment issues.
Ideal for adults and teens seeking a flexible and discreet option, clear aligners let you maintain your lifestyle without the dietary restrictions associated with traditional braces. Plus, the ability to remove the aligners makes oral hygiene as straightforward as ever.
Pros:
- Clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them a highly discreet option for straightening teeth.
- They are removable, allowing for easier eating and oral hygiene practices.
- Treatment with clear aligners can sometimes be quicker than with traditional braces for certain cases.
Cons:
- Clear aligners are not suitable for all orthodontic problems, especially more complex cases.
- They require discipline; patients must wear them for the recommended 20-22 hours a day for effective treatment.
- Clear aligners can be more expensive than traditional braces, depending on the treatment plan and duration.
Braces Cost and Ways to Manage It
Average Cost of Braces
The cost of braces in Australia can vary widely based on several factors, including the type of braces chosen, the complexity of the dental issues being addressed, and the duration of the treatment. To give you a clearer idea of what to expect, here’s a simplified breakdown and the average costs associated with different types of braces.
Metal Braces
These are typically the most affordable option. Prices can range from $4,500 to $6,000 for a full treatment course.
Ceramic Braces
Offering a more discreet look, ceramic braces tend to be slightly more expensive than metal braces, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $7,500.
Lingual Braces
Because they are custom-fitted to the back of your teeth, lingual braces are among the most expensive options, ranging from $7,500 to $11,500.
Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign)
Similar to lingual braces in terms of discretion, removable, clear aligners typically cost between $6,500 and $8,500 on average.
Ways to Manage Orthodontic Treatment Costs
Interest-Free Payment Plans
To ease the burden of upfront costs, we offer interest-free payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment over a period of time. These plans are designed to fit comfortably within your monthly budget, making it easier to manage your expenses without sacrificing the quality of care.
No Deposit Options
For patients who prefer not to make an initial deposit, we provide options that allow treatment to commence with zero upfront cost. This ensures that financial constraints do not delay the start of your journey towards a perfect smile.
Insurance Claims Assistance
Many dental insurance plans offer coverage for orthodontic treatment. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you navigate your insurance benefits, file claims on your behalf, and ensure you maximize your entitlements. We aim to make the process as seamless as possible, reducing the administrative burden on you.
Caring for Your Braces
With braces, it’s vital to brush your teeth well to prevent food particles from getting trapped.
- Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Use fluoride toothpaste for added protection against cavities.
- Employ a floss threader or orthodontic flosser daily to clean between teeth and braces.
Certain foods can damage your braces or get caught in them, leading to issues like cavities or gum inflammation. You need to:
- Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage braces.
- Cut fruits and vegetables into small pieces.
- Opt for soft foods that are easier on your braces.
If you play sports, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your braces and mouth from potential injury. Also, avoid habits like biting your nails or chewing on pencils, as these can damage your braces.
It’s normal to experience some discomfort after your braces are adjusted. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate pain. If you encounter any issues with your braces, such as a broken wire or loose bracket, contact us promptly for advice and to schedule a repair appointment.
Treatment Journey with Braces
Choosing to improve your smile with braces is the start of an exciting journey towards a healthier, more confident you. Here’s what you can expect from the moment you step into our office:
- Initial Consultation: Your path to a perfect smile begins with a comprehensive evaluation by one of our experienced orthodontists. During this visit, we’ll discuss your dental history, conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and jaws, and take necessary imaging. This helps us understand your specific needs and design a personalized treatment plan.
- Treatment Planning: Based on the initial consultation, we’ll present you with the most suitable braces options for your case. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each choice, how they fit into your lifestyle, and what you can expect in terms of duration and results. Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
- Braces Fitting: Once you’ve selected your braces, we’ll schedule an appointment to fit them. This process is typically straightforward and painless. Our team ensures that you’re comfortable throughout and will guide you on how to care for your braces, including cleaning tips and dietary advice.
- Regular Check-ups: Throughout your treatment, you’ll visit us for regular check-ups. These appointments allow us to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your braces. It’s also a great opportunity for you to ask questions and share any concerns you might have.
- Final Reveal : The most rewarding part of the journey is when we remove your braces, and you get to see your new smile for the first time. It’s a moment of celebration, marking not only the end of your treatment but also the beginning of a lifetime of confident smiles.
- Post-Treatment Care: Once your braces are off, we’ll provide you with a retainer to ensure your teeth stay in their new positions. We’ll also schedule follow-up visits to check on your progress and make sure your smile remains perfect.
Perfect Smile
with Virtuosum Orthodontics