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Orthodontics in
Harrington Park and Oran Park
Some people seek orthodontic treatment because of concerns about the appearance of their teeth, while others may have functional or oral health considerations. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, understanding the options available is a useful place to start.
Orthodontic treatment has come a long way, and there are more options available today to suit different lifestyles and preferences. Our dental teams at Harrington Park Dental Care and Oran Park Dental Care offer orthodontic treatment for children, teens and adults alike.
Your first appointment is an opportunity to have your teeth, bite and jaw assessed, and to ask any questions about which treatment options might suit your individual needs.
What can orthodontic
treatment address?
Orthodontic treatment can be used to address a range of concerns involving the position of the teeth and the way the upper and lower teeth come together. These can include:
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Crowded teeth, where there is limited space for teeth to sit alongside each other
- Gaps or spacing between teeth
- Bite concerns, including overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite
- Uneven tooth wear or jaw discomfort associated with the way the teeth meet
- Oral habits in children (such as thumb sucking) that may influence dental and jaw development.
Our Orthodontic Treatment Options
There are several ways to move and straighten teeth, and the most appropriate approach will depend on factors such as your age, your teeth and bite, the movements required, and your treatment preferences.
Expanders
An orthodontic expander may be recommended for some children with a narrow upper jaw. The appliance is designed to gradually widen the upper jaw while growth is still occurring and may help create additional space for developing teeth.
Early interceptive orthodontics & Myobrace
For some children, orthodontic assessment or treatment may begin before braces would typically be considered.
Early interceptive orthodontics may be used to manage certain aspects of jaw growth, tooth development or oral habits while a child is still growing. Myobrace appliances may also be considered for some children where habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing or tongue position are affecting dental development.
Initial obligation-free appointments for
Orthodontics & Clear Aligners | Dental Implants | Veneers
Teeth Straightening
for Kids, Teens and Adults
Orthodontic treatment can be considered at different stages of life.
At Harrington Park Dental Care and Oran Park Dental Care, we see children for early orthodontic assessments, teenagers who may be considering braces or aligners, and adults who would like to explore discreet teeth straightening options.
Age alone doesn’t necessarily determine suitability of orthodontic treatment. The health of your teeth, gums and supporting structures also needs to be considered, which is why an in-person assessment with a qualified practitioner is an important first step.
What to Expect from
orthodontic treatment
Starting orthodontic treatment can feel like a big step, so knowing what to expect can make the process a little easier.
Complimentary Initial Assessment
Your first appointment is completely free and gives us a chance to learn more about you, and what’s brought you in to see us. We’ll assess your teeth, bite and oral health, listen to any concerns you have and talk you through the orthodontic treatment options that may be suitable for you. T&Cs apply. Please refer here for full details.
Planning your treatment
If you decide to explore treatment, we’ll gather the information we need to understand your teeth and bite in more detail. This may include photographs, digital scans and X-rays. Fees apply from this stage onwards. From there, we can develop an individual treatment plan and explain the recommended approach, what’s involved, and the anticipated treatment timeframe.
Getting Started
When you’re ready to begin, we’ll get everything set up for your chosen treatment. For braces, this involves fitting the brackets and wires to your teeth. For clear aligners, you’ll receive your first series of custom-made aligners and instructions on how to wear and care for them. We’ll also make sure you know what to expect at home.
Checking in Along the Way
We’ll see you for regular appointments throughout your treatment to check your progress and make any necessary adjustments. With braces, this may involve adjusting the wires or other components. With clear aligners, we’ll check how your teeth are tracking as you move through your prescribed series of aligners.
Finishing active treatment
When your teeth have reached their planned positions, it’s time to complete the active stage of treatment. Your braces will be removed or you’ll finish your prescribed aligner series. We’ll check your teeth and bite before talking you through what comes next.
Looking After your Results
The final stage is retention. Teeth can move after orthodontic treatment, so retainers are generally recommended to help maintain their position. We’ll provide instructions on how and when to wear your retainer, how to look after it, and any ongoing appointments that may be recommended.
Checking in along the way
We’ll see you for regular appointments throughout your treatment to check your progress and make any necessary adjustments. With braces, this may involve adjusting the wires or other components. With clear aligners, we’ll check how your teeth are tracking as you move through your prescribed series of aligners.
Finishing active treatment
When your teeth have reached their planned positions, it’s time to complete the active stage of treatment. Your braces will be removed or you’ll finish your prescribed aligner series. We’ll check your teeth and bite before talking you through what comes next.
Looking after your results
The final stage is retention. Teeth can move after orthodontic treatment, so retainers are generally recommended to help maintain their position. We’ll provide instructions on how and when to wear your retainer, how to look after it, and any ongoing appointments that may be recommended.
What does orthodontic
treatment cost?
Because every smile has different needs, there’s no one-size-fits-all cost for orthodontic treatment. The cost will depend on the treatment recommended, the changes your teeth need, and the time involved. If you wish to spread the treatment cost, payment options available may include:
- An in-house payment plan for eligible orthodontic treatments, arranged directly with our practice
- Afterpay, subject to Afterpay’s eligibility requirements and terms
- TLC payment plans, subject to eligibility, approval and TLC’s applicable terms and conditions. Apply through TLC
If your private health insurance extras policy includes orthodontic benefits, you may also be able to make a claim through HICAPS. Coverage, limits and waiting periods vary between insurers and policies, so it is worth checking directly with your health fund.
We also accept major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
Frequently Asked Questions
Orthodontic treatment timeframes vary between patients and depend on factors such as the type and amount of tooth movement required. Some treatments may take a number of months, while more complex orthodontic treatment may take longer.
Whether braces or clear aligners are more appropriate depends on your teeth and bite, the movements required and your individual treatment preferences. Clear aligners provide a removable option, while fixed braces may be recommended for certain orthodontic concerns.
Adults of different ages may be suitable for orthodontic treatment. Your dentist will consider factors including the health of your teeth, gums and supporting structures before recommending treatment.
An orthodontic assessment may be considered around the age of seven or eight, when a mix of baby and adult teeth is often present. An early assessment does not necessarily mean your child will need orthodontic treatment. It can help your dentist assess how their teeth and jaws are developing and determine whether monitoring or treatment may be appropriate.
You don't need a referral to book an orthodontic consultation with a dentist at Harrington Park Dental Care or Oran Park Dental Care. You can contact either clinic directly to arrange an assessment and discuss braces, clear aligners or other orthodontic treatment options.
Book a Complimentary Orthodontic Consultation
in Harrington Park or Oran Park
Whether you’re exploring orthodontic treatment for yourself or would like your child’s teeth and jaw development assessed, an orthodontic consultation can help you understand the options available.
You can book online or contact Harrington Park Dental Care, open six days a week, or Oran Park Dental Care, open seven days a week with after-hours appointments available on Monday and Thursday evenings.
Harrington Park Dental Care and Oran Park Dental Care are located around eight minutes apart, and patient records can be shared between the two practices, giving you the option of attending either location where appropriate.
