The Process - what you need to know

Planning your orthodontic treatment starts with a personal consultation with one of our skilled principal dentists

Dr John Burford, Dr Lance Mundy and Dr James Philpott. During your consultation, we'll talk with you about your concerns and what you hope to achieve.

In some cases, we may decide to monitor your dental development and growth and review this before commencing treatment. We also may need to take x-rays, photographs and models of your teeth. These help us in our diagnosis and treatment planning. Once we've thoroughly examined your teeth, we'll explain why your teeth are causing problems and talk about treatment options. We won't start any treatment until you're totally happy with the plan and have had all of your questions answered.

In a nutshell, orthodontic treatment involves applying light and sustained forces on the teeth to move them into an ideal position. This may involve the use of removable plates, fixed braces or functional appliances. Treatment time varies, but allow for around 18-24 months. We'll need to see you at regular intervals during your treatment to check on progress and make minor adjustments. Once treatment is complete, you'll need to wear a retainer overnight for some time to help keep your teeth in their new position.

Want to know more about the orthodontic process, costs or what aftercare is involved? Find out more on our FAQ page.