Traditional metal or fixed braces are a treatment option that is ideal for straightening teeth in both adults and children. Braces are comprised of metal or ceramic brackets, which are attached to teeth. Wire links the brackets and is adjusted periodically throughout treatment to correct tooth position and bite and chew function.
As with all braces, we start by assessing your suitability as a candidate for treatment. Your Chelsea Dental Group dentist will perform a thorough examination, including photos, x-rays, and scans. At the same session, we’ll follow this with a detailed explanation of your treatment options, including the likely costs. We advise patients treatment times are a guide and may vary at the time of treatment.
We tailor every fixed braces treatment at our clinic in Chelsea to the individual and treatment costs vary accordingly. Before commencing treatment, we’ll provide a detailed treatment plan, which outlines costs. We understand the importance of commencing transformative braces treatment and offer payment options which help make them accessible sooner. Depending on your health fund coverage, you may also be able to access cover for a portion of costs. Our friendly team can provide item numbers on request.
We will take photos and x-rays of your teeth, mouth and face, using a scanner or impressions to capture the shape of your teeth. These images are used to formulate a fixed braces treatment plan.
Once the treatment plan is completed, we’ll see you again for a follow up appointment at which treatment is explained, along with information about payment options. If you consent to proceed, we’ll complete relevant paperwork and book you in for your first treatment appointment.
At your first treatment appointment, we’ll bond the brackets to your teeth and place the wires. Thereafter, we’ll see you every four to eight weeks, depending on your treatment. It is essential that you attend these appointments so progress can be monitored.
Once treatment is completed, we’ll fit you with retainers to ensure the beautiful smile you’ve achieved isn’t lost through tooth movement.
Treatment times vary from six to 24 months depending on each individual’s circumstances and complexity of their case. Before commencing treatment, we’ll provide an indication of an approximate timeframe, however it’s important to be aware treatment times are influenced by many factors. We strongly advise patients to attend all monitoring appointments to ensure treatment remains on track.
Braces treatment is not a reason to overlook your oral hygiene. In fact, it’s vitally important you continue your daily brushing and flossing. Maintaining your daily oral hygiene habits and visiting us for your regular six monthly hygiene visit are the two best ways to avoid gum disease and cavities arising during treatment.
During our initial assessment, we would determine whether it is necessary for teeth to be extracted for your braces treatment at our Chelsea clinic. We will make recommendations based on your specific case, and if possible, provide two options: one with extraction and one without.
You can keep these dental prosthetic devices secure and bright by delivering the same care and attention that you would lend to your natural teeth.
There are typically three types of braces that are available to patients. Traditional metal or plastic brackets are bonded to the teeth and are attached to wires that straighten your smile. Lingual (concealed) braces refer to brackets that are attached to the back of the teeth. Finally, plastic aligners include a series of clear, customised plastic trays that are changed every few weeks.
The best way to have those answered is to visit us at Chelsea Dental Group and we’ll address any concerns you have regarding treatment.
