Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth may impact more than just how your smile looks. They can make cleaning difficult, impair gum health and bite function, as well as lead to uneven wear of teeth – which can ultimately affect your quality of life.
At Geelong West Dental, we use modern orthodontic techniques to provide personalised treatment for braces. Our team takes a tailored and structured approach to diagnosis and treatment planning, aiming to support long-term oral health at our welcoming clinic.
Considering dental braces in Geelong? We invite you to book a complimentary orthodontic consultation with us to explore suitable treatment options and understand what to expect before making any decisions.
What Are Braces?
Dental braces are orthodontic devices used to correct misaligned teeth applying gentle, controlled pressure to move them into the ideal positions over time.
Conventional fixed braces usually consist of brackets (metal or ceramic) attached to the front surfaces of the teeth, along with wires and elastic bands that can be tightened to apply the pressure needed to pull the teeth into the desired positions.
Invisible braces such as Invisalign® , meanwhile, are made of custom-made clear aligners that you wear over your teeth. They are removable for eating, brushing, and will also gradually move your teeth into position as you replace the aligners throughout the treatment.
The duration of a braces treatment in Geelong varies depending on factors such as:
- Severity of misalignment
- Patient age
- Overall oral health and condition
- Any previous dental treatment
How Can Braces Help?
If you face issues such as crowding, spacing, bite issues, and/or jaw alignment concerns, braces can be an effective way to address those problems and improve your overall wellbeing. Other benefits of a personalised braces treatment include:
Improved Oral Health
Braces can straighten and align crowded or overlapping teeth, making daily brushing and flossing easier and reducing the risk of plaque build-up or gum issues over time.
Straighter Teeth
Braces help guide teeth into improved positions. Correcting crowding or spacing can create a more balanced arch and support overall dental function.
Better Bite Function
Braces may help correct bite problems such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites, thus distributing chewing forces more evenly and reducing uneven enamel wear.
Improved Chewing and Speech Support
In some cases, braces may support overall oral function when significant alignment or bite concerns affect chewing efficiency or speech clarity.
Types Of Braces
Conventional Fixed Braces
Fixed braces consist of mental brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by an orthodontic wire to gradually guide teeth into improved alignment.
Ceramic Braces
While functioning similarly to fixed braces, ceramic braces use tooth-coloured or clear brackets for a more discreet appearance.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign®)
Clear aligners are removable, custom-made aligner trays that gradually straighten your teeth, making them a convenient and nearly invisible alternative to fixed braces.
What Is the Process of Getting Braces?
Step 1: Consultation and Assessment
Your braces treatment in Geelong begins with a complimentary orthodontic consultation at Geelong West Dental. During this visit, we assess your oral health and review your medical history. This includes a thorough examination of your teeth, jaw, and bite to determine whether braces are the proper treatment for you and which type will work best for your dental needs.
For clear aligner options such as Invisalign®, your dentist will take digital scans of your teeth. They will provide a simulation of the orthodontic movement of your teeth during treatment and the predicted final position of your teeth after treatment using Clincheck, a 3D Invisalign® technology.
Step 2: Treatment Planning
Based on the examination and/or digital scans, we develop a tailored orthodontic plan where we will lay out our recommendations, the treatment duration and timeline, as well as any necessary preparations beforehand.
Step 3: Fitting of Braces
During this appointment, we will clean and dry your teeth, then bond the brackets (metal or ceramic) to the front of your teeth using dental bonding. Once the brackets are set, we will secure the archwire on the brackets, which will start to help move the teeth.
If you are undergoing clear aligners treatment such as Invisalign®, we will bond dental attachments on your teeth. You will receive custom-made clear aligners and your dentist will guide you in wearing them, as well as ensure they fit accurately.
Step 4: Scheduled Adjustments
The dentist will see at scheduled interval appointments – usually 4 to 12 weeks – to check on the treatment progress and perform necessary adjustments. These may include replacing, adjusting, or tightening the wire to control the teeth movements. For some patients, elastic bands, expanders or other appliances may also be used to correct bite issues as needed.
Invisalign® patients, meanwhile, will return to replace the previous aligners with new sets following the assessment and instructions of your dentist.
Step 5: Braces Removal
At your braces removal appointment, we will remove the braces, clean and polish your teeth, and fabricate a custom-made retainer for you to wear to maintain the longevity of the treatment.
What Is the Recovery Process?
After you complete your orthodontic treatment, you will need to wear your retainers (custom-made removable orthodontic appliances) as much as possible in the first few months. Following that, the retainer may be worn nightly according to the advice of your dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need braces?
If you are facing dental problems such as:
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Bite misalignment, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite
- Excessive spacing between teeth
- Functional issues, including chewing difficulty, cheek biting, and speech issues
You may be a viable candidate for braces treatment at Geelong West Dental. Book a complimentary consultation with us and we can advise further.
Are there any risks associated with getting braces?
Braces are very common procedures, but as with any dental treatment, your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your oral health to ensure you do not have any pre-existing dental conditions that may be aggravated by tooth movement.
You may experience some mild discomfort during the initial treatment phase as your teeth begin to move. Maintaining oral hygiene will also be important as proper gum and teeth cleaning can become more difficult with braces on. Avoiding excessive sugary food and drinks, as well as taking care when brushing, will be instrumental in minimising gingivitis or gum infections.
Do braces hurt?
Getting braces put on should not hurt. There may be some mild soreness or tenderness as your teeth move, especially in the first few days after getting your braces and after adjustments. To manage the discomfort, you can consider taking over-the-counter pain medication or having soft foods.
How long will I have to wear braces?
In general, braces treatment may take between 12 to 24 months to complete, however the exact timeframe depends on your existing dental condition. Our dentists will provide a more accurate timeline during the initial consultation.
How should I brush and floss my teeth with braces?
To brush and floss effectively with braces, rinse your mouth with water to help loosen food particles that may be stuck in between your braces. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for orthodontic care, focusing on cleaning around each bracket and wire. Floss daily using an orthodontic flosser or a water flosser.
Will getting braces affect my diet?
It is best to avoid hard (nuts, ice, hard lollies), sticky (toffees, gum), and crunchy (popcorn, chips) foods to prevent damaging brackets and wires. You must remove the clear aligner trays when eating. It is also recommended to cut whole fruits and vegetables into small pieces.
Can I still play sports or musical instruments after getting braces?
Absolutely. Playing sports with braces is still possible, but caution and protection are necessary to prevent dental injuries, especially with contact sports. It is recommended to protect your teeth with a custom-made mouthguard.
You may find musical instruments like brass or reed instruments to be more challenging to play, but it can be done. If certain mouth positions cause your braces to rub against the inside of your mouth while playing, using orthodontic wax can help ease the discomfort as you adjust.
How much does getting braces cost in Geelong?
Costs vary depending on the type of braces and the complexity of your case. Following the initial assessment, we’ll provide a personalised treatment plan outlining all fees involved and discuss available braces payment plan options in Geelong to help make treatment more accessible.
Case Studies For Our Braces Treatment
Photography and permission to post given by patients. Photos are indication of results which may vary between individuals. Please visit our website for risks and recovery.
The contents of this post do not substitute professional dental advice. Consultation is required for further assessment.
Case 1:
This patient requested for conventional braces to address spaces in between her teeth and a congenitally missing tooth. We aligned her teeth and placed a composite buildup to replace her missing upper right tooth, secured by a fixed palatal wire. This will hopefully serve the patient until adulthood when she is ready to have a dental implant.
Photos were taken at baseline and 8 hours after removal of braces.
Case 2:
This patient presented with two over-retained deciduous (baby) upper canine teeth (eyeteeth). The treatment involved removing both baby teeth, creating adequate space on both sides for the adult canines to be aligned, and levelling the arch. Some refinements were required due to the discrepancy between the widths of the baby and the adult canine teeth.
Photos were taken at baseline and 8 hours after removal of braces.
Case 3:
Conventional metal braces to improve deep bite, level the arch, and align the teeth.
Photos were taken at baseline and eight hours after removal of braces.
Case 4:
Conventional braces to align teeth, level the arch and improve bite.
Photos were taken at baseline and 1 week after removal of braces.
Why Choose Us?
Patient-Centred Care
Our highly skilled dentists work closely with you to understand your dental concerns and goals. You will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and discuss your options before we start the treatment.
Tailored Approach
Whether you are considering fixed braces or custom-made clear dental aligners, we work with you to deliver effective care.
Complimentary Orthodontic Consultation
We offer complimentary orthodontic consultations so you can learn more about the process of orthodontic treatments.
Quality Materials
The components used in our dental braces treatment in Geelong are made of high-quality, durable materials that are resistant to staining and wear with proper maintenance.
Welcoming Environment
We are committed to delivering personalised dental care in a welcoming environment with a team that prioritises comfort, clarity, and professional service.
Accessible Payment Options
We do our best to ensure that our treatments are as accessible as possible. We offer several payment options for your convenience, including payment plans.