Thinking About Straight Teeth?

If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth, it can be worth understanding the options, costs and process involved before booking a consultation. This guide covers common reasons patients consider orthodontic treatment, what the main options look like, what’s involved in getting started, and what to expect in terms of cost and timeframe.

Crowding, spacing, and bite concerns are common reasons patients consider orthodontic treatment. Some patients are motivated primarily by appearance, while others are more focused on function – crowded teeth can be more difficult to clean effectively, which may contribute to a higher risk of plaque build-up in hard-to-reach areas. Straighter teeth can make daily brushing and flossing easier, which may support better oral hygiene over time, though this depends on the individual case.

Common Signs Patients Consider Orthodontic Treatment

There’s no single sign that means orthodontic treatment is necessary – this is always determined through a clinical assessment – but some common reasons patients book a consultation include:

• Noticeable crowding or overlapping teeth, particularly in the front of the mouth
• Visible gaps or spacing between teeth
• A bite that feels uneven, or teeth that don’t meet comfortably when biting down
• Difficulty cleaning certain areas effectively due to tooth position
• Self-consciousness about tooth position in photos or social situations
• A general sense that teeth have shifted over time, sometimes following the loss of a retainer or previous orthodontic treatment in the past

If any of these sound familiar, a consultation is the most reliable way to understand whether treatment is recommended and what your options would look like.

What Are My Options?

Two main options are generally considered: traditional braces and clear aligners, including Invisalign. Which option may be recommended depends on the complexity of your case, and is determined following a clinical assessment.

Traditional braces use fixed brackets and wires, adjusted periodically throughout treatment. They don’t rely on patient compliance in the same way as removable aligners.

Clear aligners (Invisalign) are removable, custom-made aligners that gradually move teeth using a series of aligners changed roughly every one to two weeks. They’re generally less visible than traditional braces but require consistent wear, typically 20-22 hours a day.

For a detailed side-by-side comparison, see our Invisalign vs Braces guide.

What Happens at an Orthodontic Consultation?

An initial consultation typically involves a clinical examination of your teeth and bite, a discussion of your goals and any concerns, and – if orthodontic treatment appears to be a suitable option – some form of digital scanning or imaging to assess your case in more detail. This information is used to determine which treatment options are appropriate, provide an estimated treatment timeframe, and prepare a personalised quote.

What Are the Costs Involved?

As a general guide, Invisalign treatment in Melbourne ranges from approximately $3,500 to $10,000 depending on complexity, while metal braces typically range from $3,000 to $6,000. See our braces cost guide for a full cost breakdown across all orthodontic options.

Following your consultation, you will be provided with a personalised treatment plan and quote based on your specific case. Flexible payment plan options, including interest-free plans, are available to help spread the cost of treatment.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Treatment length varies significantly depending on case complexity and the option chosen. As a general guide, straightforward cases may be completed in as little as six months, while more complex cases can take 18 months or longer.

Do I Need to Get My Teeth Checked Before Starting Treatment?

A dental check-up is generally recommended before starting orthodontic treatment, to assess overall oral health and identify any issues – such as decay or gum disease – that may need to be addressed first.

Is There an Ideal Age to Start?

Orthodontic treatment can be suitable for both children and adults, and there isn’t a single ideal age that applies to everyone. For children, some orthodontic concerns are best monitored from a younger age, even if active treatment doesn’t begin until later. For adults, there’s no upper age limit on orthodontic treatment, provided teeth and gums are otherwise healthy enough to support treatment. See our children’s orthodontics information for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can I start orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment can be suitable for both children and adults, subject to individual assessment.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment length varies depending on case complexity and the option chosen, generally ranging from several months to around two years.

Where do I start?

The first step is booking a consultation and clinical assessment to discuss your options, costs and expected timeframe.

Do I need a check-up before an orthodontic consultation?

A dental check-up is generally recommended first, to assess overall oral health and address any issues before starting orthodontic treatment.

Can I straighten just one or two teeth without treating my whole smile?

In some cases, limited or partial orthodontic treatment can address a specific concern. Whether this is suitable depends on your individual case and is determined during a consultation.

How do I know if I need braces or Invisalign?

This depends on factors including case complexity and personal preference, determined following a clinical assessment. Our Invisalign vs Braces guide covers this comparison in more detail.

Book a Consultation

The first step is a New Patient Exam and Clean, which allows your dentist to assess your overall oral health before discussing orthodontic options. Existing patients with a recent check-up on file can proceed directly to an orthodontic consultation.

There are risks, benefits and limitations associated with all orthodontic treatments, and individual results and timeframes vary between patients. For more information, see our Treatment Risks page.