Orthodontic FAQs

We offer a comprehensive evaluation to every patient upon their first visit to our practice. We examine the teeth, jaws and gums, take measurements, and discuss the need for orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specialises in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

After dental school, orthodontists have finished advanced education courses to develop the knowledge and skills involved in managing tooth movement and guiding facial development.

There are a lot! Here are some of them:

• A healthier smile
• Better teeth function
• Better distribution of force and wear patterns on the teeth
• Better oral and gum health in the long run
• Better positioning of permanent teeth for children
• Optimisation of other dental treatments
• Reduced risk of injury to protruded front teeth
• Easier teeth cleaning

The following cases are worth a trip to a Specialist Orthodontist:

• Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth
• Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)
• Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)
• Upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
• Teeth are crowded or overlapping
• Centre of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
• Finger or thumb-sucking habits continue after six or seven years old
• There is difficulty chewing
• Teeth wear unevenly or excessively
• Lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
• Spaces between the teeth

Absolutely! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. A significant proportion of patients at Pymble Orthodontics are adults, and therefore we specialise in aesthetic orthodontic treatment.

Braces and clear aligners use steady, gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper positions gradually.

Braces consist of brackets attached to the teeth and an archwire connecting them. With the help of elastics and some fine tuning by Dr Foo during your adjustment appointments, pressure is applied to specific areas of your smile to guide your teeth into alignment.

Clear aligner treatment involves a series of custom aligners that are all shaped slightly differently to move your teeth into their proper positions a bit at a time.

There’s no single answer. Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is 16 to 24 months. Actual treatment time can be affected by the rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary.

Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are both important in keeping treatment time on schedule.

Braces shouldn’t hurt. However, you may experience some soreness for one to four days after fitting and adjustment appointments as your mouth adjusts to your appliance. Discomfort can be managed with dental wax and over-the-counter pain relief.

No. It’s recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouthguard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouthguards are inexpensive, comfortable and come in a variety of colours and patterns.

No. However, there may be an initial adjustment period.

Yes! It is actually even more important to visit your dentist during orthodontic treatment. You should see your dentist every six months for cleanings and dental exams.