Teeth Straightening Options at Noosa Hinterland Dental
Braces and Clear Aligners for Teenagers and Adults
Orthodontic treatment gently moves teeth over time to improve how they line up and how your bite comes together. It can help with crowded or crooked teeth, gaps, and bite problems such as an overbite or crossbite.
At Noosa Hinterland Dental in Pomona, we offer both traditional braces and clear aligners. We’ll take the time to understand what you’d like to achieve, explain what’s realistic for your teeth and help you choose the option that suits you.
What Is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment uses gentle, steady pressure to move teeth gradually into new positions. Depending on your teeth and bite, this can be done with fixed braces or removable clear aligners.
As well as changing how teeth line up, treatment can make teeth easier to clean and improve how they meet when you bite. Every mouth is different, so treatment always starts with a thorough assessment and a plan made for you.
When Is It Worth Having an Assessment?
It’s worth booking an orthodontic assessment if you or your child have:
- crowded or overlapping teeth
- gaps between teeth
- teeth that are rotated or sitting out of line
- an overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite
- teeth that have moved over time, for example after earlier braces
- difficulty biting or chewing because of how the teeth meet
Not every difference in tooth position needs treatment. Your dentist will let you know what’s worth treating, whether anything else should be looked after first, and whether a referral to a specialist orthodontist is recommended.
Your Options: Braces and Clear Aligners
Both braces and clear aligners move teeth gradually. The main differences are how they look, how they’re worn and the kinds of tooth movement they suit. Your dentist will explain which options are suitable for you, and the pros and cons of each.
Braces
Braces are small brackets attached to the teeth and joined by a fine wire. Because they’re fixed in place, they work around the clock without you having to remember to wear them, and they can be used for a wide range of tooth movements, including more complex cases.
You’ll need to take extra care cleaning around the brackets, and avoid very hard or sticky foods.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a series of thin, clear, custom-made trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Each set moves the teeth a small step, and you change to a new set as planned. They’re removable, so you can take them out to eat and clean your teeth, and they’re usually less noticeable than braces.
They need to be worn for around 20 to 22 hours a day, and they suit many, but not all, types of tooth movement.
How Treatment Works
- Assessment. We examine your teeth, gums and bite, and take digital scans, photos and X-rays as needed.
- Your plan. We explain your options, the estimated treatment time and the cost, so you can decide with all the information.
- Treatment. Your braces are fitted or your aligners are provided, and we see you regularly to check progress and make adjustments.
- Retainers. Once your teeth are in their new positions, retainers help keep them there. Wearing them as advised is important, because teeth can drift over time.
It’s normal for teeth to feel tender for a few days after braces are adjusted or a new aligner is started. Some people also notice a slight change in their speech when they first start wearing aligners.
Treatment time depends on how much the teeth need to move and how closely the plan is followed. Your dentist will go through what to expect before you start.
Orthodontic Payment Plans
Orthodontic treatment takes place over months, so payment plans are available through DentiCare to help spread the cost. If you’re interested, our team will explain how the plans work, including the terms and conditions and who is eligible, when you ask.
You’ll receive a written quote before you start. Some private health funds include orthodontic cover, so it’s worth checking with yours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics
The easiest way to find out is an assessment. We’ll look at your teeth and bite and let you know whether treatment would be worthwhile, and what your options are.
Braces are fixed to the teeth, while clear aligners are removable trays you wear over them. Both move teeth gradually, but they suit different types of cases and lifestyles.
It depends on how much the teeth need to move. Simple cases may take a few months, while more complex cases can take a year or two. We’ll give you an estimate as part of your plan.
Most people feel some pressure or tenderness for a few days after an adjustment or a new set of aligners, which usually settles quickly.
Yes, many adults have orthodontic treatment. Age alone isn’t a barrier, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy.
We keep an eye on how your child’s teeth and bite are developing at their regular check-ups, and we’ll let you know if an orthodontic assessment is worthwhile. Some problems are easier to manage when they’re picked up early.
Teeth can move after treatment, which is why retainers are so important. We’ll explain how and when to wear yours.
Many cases can be treated here by our dentists. If your case is more complex, we may recommend referral to a specialist orthodontist.
Talk to Us About Straightening Your Teeth
Whether you’re thinking about braces or clear aligners, for yourself or your child, book an orthodontic consultation at our Pomona practice. We’ll look at your teeth and bite, talk about what you’d like to achieve, and explain your options, timeframes and costs. There’s no obligation to go ahead.
We welcome patients from Cooroy, Noosaville and across the Noosa Hinterland and Sunshine Coast.