5 things you need to know before getting braces
Braces remain a popular choice for orthodontic treatment to create new smiles. At Noranda Orthodontics, we believe that braces make great faces and braces treatment is more than just straightening your teeth, it’s about giving you your most attractive overall facial appearance. There is nothing our Specialist Orthodontist Dr. Trudy is more passionate about than helping her patients to transform their smiles with a new found confidence.
While the goal of orthodontic treatment is to craft a stunning and healthy smile, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with some basics of braces before you start treatment, such as:
Treatment Duration:
“How long will my treatment take?” It’s a question Dr. Trudy encounters often during initial consultations at Noranda Orthodontics and it’s a question that merits asking, given its individual variability! The duration of your braces treatment hinges on factors such as the complexity of your case, your age, and how diligently you care for your braces during the process.
For those seeking minor cosmetic enhancements, the treatment typically spans 6-12 months. Conversely, individuals with more intricate or complex concerns such as impacted teeth or bite misalignment might require 24-30 months of treatment. On average, our braces patients experience a treatment duration of 15-18 months at Noranda Orthodontics.
Orthodontist Visits:
Once you start treatment, you will need to visit our practice every so often for adjustment appointments. Our braces patients generally visit us every 4-6 weeks for adjustments. These appointments, often as brief as 10 minutes, play a pivotal role in sustaining treatment progress and we can often accommodate these shorter visits during before and after school times.
Braces Care:
Effective care of your braces during orthodontic treatment is paramount. This means consistent brushing twice a day, regular flossing, and avoiding hard or sticky foods such as nuts and toffee. It is also important to ensure that if you play sport, that you wear a properly fitted mouth guard, especially if it’s a contact sport!
If your braces aren’t properly maintained during orthodontic treatment, they could be prone to damage, slowing down the treatment time and requiring more visits to the orthodontist.
Cost of Braces Treatment:
The financial aspect is also a crucial consideration. Most practices extend interest-free financing options, making the investment in your braces journey more manageable. At Noranda Orthodontics, we offer patients the opportunity to attain radiant smiles, starting at just $50 per week!
To give you an idea of the estimated overall financial commitment you may need for braces treatment, for children under 10, the anticipated cost ranges from $790 to $3995. Minor orthodontic enhancements, geared towards cosmetic improvements, typically fall between $3,800 and $5,460. Meanwhile, more intricate orthodontic work can incur costs between $7500-$9,600.
You have the option to initiate treatment with a monthly instalment plan, supported by an initial deposit. While the standard deposit is approximately $2,500, a higher deposit proportionally reduces monthly repayments. Families often utilise tax refunds to make lump sum payments throughout treatment. Rest assured, no interest accrues on monthly payments, and there are no penalties for early payment.
Post-Treatment Care:
A common misconception surrounding orthodontic treatment is that your newfound smile will remain eternally fixed. Yet, as age takes its course, teeth can shift due to various factors, compromising alignment.
To mitigate this, orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer post-treatment for a specified period. The duration varies by individual and Dr Trudy will advise on the best treatment for your own unique needs. Adhering to this retainer regimen ensures that your perfected smile endures for a lifetime.
How do I start orthodontic treatment in Perth?
Having acquainted yourself with the essential information before embarking on braces treatment, the next step is booking an initial consultation with our Specialist Orthodontist Dr Trudy at Noranda Orthodontics.
