Do I need a dental check up before starting Orthodontics?

Yes, a dental check up and teeth cleaning are essential prior to starting orthodontics, and this needs to be maintained during orthodontic treatment as well. We recommend six monthly dental hygiene visits to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

Will the treatment hurt?

It is normal for teeth to be tender. This will last for a few days. The intensity and duration of this discomfort will vary with each patient. Painkillers may need to be taken to relieve any discomfort. It is recommended that you see your pharmacist for the medication that would suit you. Teeth can feel “tight” after an adjustment but it is usually mild and disappears quickly.The cheeks and lips also need time to become accustomed to braces or other appliances. A “settling in” period is also normal for other functional appliances.

If you eat hard and/or sticky foods, wires can bend or break and brackets and bands can come loose. Sweets and lollies are usually hard and should not be eaten; minties, toffees, boiled lollies, hard chocolate, ice blocks, hard biscuits, nuts and other similar foods ill all damage braces. On special occasions, it is nice to have sweets and it is better to choose a softer alternative such as a cake, a soft centred chocolate or ice cream. Most bread, meat, fruit and vegetables are ﬁne, however, hard or crisp foods such as apples and raw carrots should be sliced or shredded before eating. It is also best to cut meat off bones and corn off the cob.

Will I have teeth removed?

Our goal is to place the teeth in the ideal aesthetic position that is best for your smile and suits your face.In some cases, it is necessary to remove teeth as part of the orthodontic treatment. We carry out meticulous planning to formulate and orthodontic treatment plan. The decision to extract any teeth is not taken lightly, and you will be involved in the planning phase while we go through all the possible options available.

How long will I need braces?

The normal period for treatment with full braces is generally 18 months to 24 months. This can vary considerably depending on the case. We will discuss in detail with you the expected treatment timeline based on your own individual circumstances.

Do I have to wear retainers?

Retainers are an important step in any Orthodontic Treatment. It keeps your teeth stable in their new position, and prevents any relapse. Retainers can be either made in a clear Essix material or a Hawley style retainer with metal wires. Costs will be discussed. If you want your teeth to remain in this new ideal position, it is best to wear your retainers as directed by our Smile Designer team.

What are the benefits of Orthodontics?

The idea is to create a more attractive, natural and pleasing smile. Our aim is to create better functionality of your teeth. Studies show that people with straight teeth have better self confidence, while it encourages long term better health of the teeth and gums. This is because there is an increased ability to clean teeth due to less crowding. Teeth that are protruded are also a lower risk of injury once they are straightened. As the phrase goes- ‘healthy smiles, healthy life’.

What are some of the signs that braces may be needed?

If you notice general crowding or overlapping of teeth, of the midlines and centres of your teeth do not line up, then you may require orthodontics. Some people have spacing, deep bites, underbites and open bites. All these issues cause the teeth to not fit in its proper position, and can lead to difficulty in chewing and long term dental wear. Habits such as finger or thumb sucking that continue after six or seven years old can cause dental related problems.

What is Phase 1 and Phase 2 Treatment?

Phase i is orthodontics that is starting at an early age, before all the adult teeth have erupted into position. Treatment can start from 8 years of age, and can help in the correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, and certain habits.Phase 2 treatment is done at an older age once all adult teeth have come through. Typically, this is around 12-15 years old for girls and 13-16 years of age for boys.

Can we play sports with braces?

Yes, it is ok to continue playing sports. We would recommend using a mouthguard. If you have a removable appliance, this can be removed during sports.

Will Braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

In most cases, braces do not affect your musical abilities. There will be a period of adjustment that is required but most of our patients have not noticed a huge impact.

Do Widsom teeth cause dental or teeth crowding?

Studies have shown that there is no correlation between wisdom teeth and dental crowding. It is important to continue wearing your retainers for life if you want to maintain straight teeth. Teeth will continue to move as we grow older due to the ageing process and bone movement. Regular dental hygiene visits are recommended so that we can review and track your dental health and teeth over the years. We can recommend wisdom tooth removal if and when it is warranted.

Because there are so many treatment options available for each child, at your initial consultation, our team will put together a treatment plan that is catered specifically for you. We offer complimentary Orthodontic Consultations at The Smile Designer so that we can go through all the options available to you and your child.

Where is our dental clinic located?

We are located in Melbourne at 118-120 High street, Thornbury. We are on the border of Thornbury and South Preston, close to Bell Street, and just a stones throw away from surrounding suburbs like Northcote, Brunswick, Preston and Heidelberg.

Expert Orthodontic Treatment for All Ages

This page is provided for educational purposes only, to help patients understand traditional braces and orthodontic treatment options. While we are happy to provide an orthodontic assessment and discuss the most suitable approach for your smile, our practice now focuses exclusively on clear aligner treatments.

It doesn’t matter if you’re exploring braces for your child or considering a discreet option like clear aligners as an adult; our experienced team provides tailored treatment options to suit your needs.

We understand that orthodontic treatment varies depending on a person’s age, oral anatomy, and lifestyle, which is why all our patients are given personalised plans.

Our dental professionals take a holistic approach to tooth alignment and bite correction and are committed to helping you and your family achieve a healthier smile with confidence.

Why not book a consultation to get started?

Join us for an Orthodontic Consultation at The Smile Designer Dental Studio.

Before and After

The outcomes shown in these pictures above are only relevant to these patients and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience. Treatment risks and considerations can be found here.

What Are Braces and How Do They Work?

Braces are orthodontic devices that are designed to gradually move teeth into positions that offer better alignment, function, and aesthetics.

They apply gentle, consistent pressure to shift teeth over time, and, in the process, correct crowding, gaps, and bite issues.

Traditional braces use brackets and wires, while clear aligners and ceramic braces offer more discreet options. Fixed braces remain attached throughout treatment, whereas clear aligner systems are removable.

Orthodontic treatment also promotes better oral health by making your teeth easier to clean and reducing wear caused by misaligned bites. The exact treatment you have will depend on your individual needs and oral anatomy.

Types of Braces Available in Melbourne

At The Smile Designer in Melbourne, we offer a range of orthodontic treatment options using our Clear Aligner systems. We work closely and refer patients to our specialist orthodontists for those wanting Fixed Braces.

Each method is designed to effectively treat different orthodontic issues, which include everything from minor spacing to complex cases.

Traditional Metal Braces

These fixed braces use high-grade stainless steel brackets and wires to gently move teeth into new positions. They are suitable for both children and adults and are highly effective for correcting bite alignment, overcrowding, and other more complex orthodontic needs.

While regular adjustments are required, modern designs are smaller, more comfortable, and easier to clean than ever before.

Clear Ceramic Braces

For those who prefer a less noticeable option, clear ceramic braces offer the same function as traditional braces with tooth-coloured or clear brackets that blend in with your smile.

They are especially popular among patients who are looking for a balance between effectiveness and aesthetics.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are custom-made and attached to the inner surfaces of your teeth, which makes them virtually invisible from the outside.

Invisalign and Clear Aligners

Clear aligner systems like Invisalign are removable, virtually invisible trays that gradually move your teeth.

They are ideal for a range of issues, ranging from mild, moderate to certain complex situations, and because they’re removable, you can eat, brush, and floss as normal.

Do I Need Braces?

If you’re dealing with crowding, gaps, overbite, or difficulty chewing, braces or clear aligners may be the right solution for you. That is because straightening teeth not only improves their appearance but also enables better oral health.

A professional consultation with our Melbourne team will help determine the most suitable treatment you need based on your orthodontic issues and overall oral anatomy.

What to Expect

Your orthodontic journey at The Smile Designer begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this time, we assess your teeth’s health, bite alignment, and tooth positioning using X-rays and digital scans.

Our dental professionals then recommend the most suitable treatment options based on your orthodontic needs.

Our goal is to provide optimal results for you with minimal discomfort. So, once you’ve chosen your preferred method, we’ll guide you through every step of the treatment, from fitting to regular adjustments.

How Much Do Braces Cost in Melbourne?

The cost of braces in Melbourne will depend on the type of treatment you receive, the complexity of your case, and how long you’ll need to wear them.

Factors That Influence Cost

Some of the key factors that will affect the cost of your treatment include whether you choose traditional braces, ceramic brackets, or clear aligners.

Other considerations to take into account are the number and complexity of treatments and how many adjustments are required. As every patient’s needs differ, we tailor treatment options to suit our patients’ budgets and orthodontic needs.

Payment Plans & Insurance

We’re committed to making high-quality orthodontic care affordable for Melbourne families. That is why we offer interest-free payment plans to help spread the cost of treatment over manageable installments.

Braces vs. Other Teeth Straightening Options

Braces is an effective method to treat complex orthodontic issues, while alternatives like clear aligners and Invisalign offer discreet, removable solutions for mild, moderate or certain complex cases.

We’ll guide you through every option to ensure you receive the best outcome for your smile.

Why Choose The Smile Designer?

At The Smile Designer, we believe every patient deserves expert care. Our holistic approach to orthodontics will make sure your comfort, results, and long-term dental health are always our top priorities.

Experienced Team
Conveniently Located in Preston, Melbourne
Personalised Treatment Plans

Our team of skilled dentists has years of experience treating a wide range of orthodontic issues. Additionally, they stay up to date with the latest techniques in clear aligner solutions to ensure that you receive modern, evidence-based care that delivers the best results.

Located in the heart of Preston, our practice is easily accessible for patients residing in most Melbourne suburbs.It doesn’t matter if you’re coming from the northern suburbs or the CBD, we offer flexible appointment times to suit your schedule. We also provide interest-free payment plans to ensure that high-quality orthodontic treatment is never out of your reach.

The type of orthodontic treatment you receive will vary depending on factors like your tooth anatomy, lifestyle, and goals. From your very first consultation, we’ll work with you to create a bespoke treatment plan.

Dr Dev Boparoy

B.D.S Otago NZ 2007
Dentist, General Registration
DEN0001145304

Dr Osman El Souki

D.D.S University of Melbourne
Dentist, General Registration
DEN0002477963

Frequently Asked Questions

Do braces hurt?

It’s normal to feel some discomfort when braces are first fitted or after adjustments, but it usually subsides within a few days.
Whether you choose traditional metal braces, clear braces, or self-ligating braces, any soreness can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Our practitioners will guide you on how to ease discomfort during each stage of treatment.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times will vary depending on your orthodontic issues and what method is used. As a guide, some clear aligner cases may finish in under a year, while more complicated cases with fixed braces can take 18–24 months or more.

What age should my child have their first orthodontic consultation?

We recommend that children have their first orthodontic consultation at around age 7. At this stage, our team can identify early bite concerns, airway blockage, or breathing issues.

Early intervention is vital as it can support proper jaw growth and prevent more serious problems later on.

How much do braces cost in Melbourne?

The cost of braces depends on various factors like treatment complexity, the type of appliance used, and the length of treatment.

Should my child wear a mouthguard while playing sports with braces?

Yes, a custom-fitted mouthguard is essential to protect both the braces and your child’s teeth during sporting activities. It helps reduce the risk of injury from impact and prevents damage to the braces or mouth.

Can adults get braces, too?

Absolutely. There’s no age limit for orthodontic treatment. In fact, many adults choose clear aligners or ceramic options as they provide more discreet teeth straightening.

Braces Melbourne