Braces Brisbane

The average cost for braces depends on a variety of factors, most importantly the difficulty or simplicity of your particular case. Additionally, the type of brace system you choose can affect the cost of treatment.
We are happy to work with you in creating a payment plan that you can afford and many health funds cover some portion of corrective orthodontic treatment. Also, tax rebates apply to combined out-of-pocket medical/dental expenditure beyond $1,500 per year.

The main parts to your braces are:

Brackets

Small square attachments that are bonded to all front and side teeth. They act as ‘handles’ on the teeth, allowing the archwire to apply pressure to the teeth. Brackets can be made of stainless steel (silver) or ceramic (tooth-coloured).

Bands

Bands are thin rings of metal fitted around the back molars and cemented in place. Usually, they have welded tubes into which the archwire and/or headgear slides. Bands are stronger than brackets because they go all the way around the teeth.

Archwires

These are the main wires that fit into the slots on the brackets and through the tubes on the outside of the bands. Usually, there are two archwires, one upper and one lower.

Archwires come in a range of metals and sizes to allow for different movements of teeth during the different stages of treatment. Thin flexible archwires are used to provide pressure to move teeth; strong rigid archwires form a guide along which the teeth move.

Modules

Modules are small elastic ‘o’ rings that are stretched around the four corners of the bracket to hold the archwhire in place. There are plenty of colours to choose from.

We also have silver (which blends in with the stainless-steel brackets) and clear (which blends in with ceramic brackets) for the less adventurous patients. Be aware, though, that clear modules pick up yellow food colouring easily, particularly from curries.

Modules are changed at each visit so there is plenty of opportunity to try out new colours or to replace discoloured clear ones.

Tie Wires

These are fine stainless-steel wires that, like modules, are tied around the four corners of the bracket to hold the archwire in place. They are used whenever the archwire needs to be held in tighter than a module allows. Sometimes they are called ligatures.

Power Chain

A length of linked modules stretched over a group of teeth to close spaces between the teeth. Like modules, it can be coloured or clear, although clear power chain is more elastic and is used more frequently.

Hooks

Used to attach elastic bands. Hooks can be on brackets or bands.

Springs

Small coils of stainless steel wire that fit over the archwire and open space between teeth.

Space Age Wires

In the early stages of your treatment, we use new high-tech wires that were originally developed by NASA. These wires are heat-activated and have a shape memory. When cold, they are very flexible, allowing us to place them into the brackets easily.

When warmed by the heat of your mouth, the wire will gradually become stiffer and return to its original horseshoe shape, moving your teeth with it. You can use cold drinks to reduce the discomfort during the early days of your treatment, and warm drinks to speed things up a little later on. These wires are also special because they don’t need to be adjusted or changed as often, meaning less time away from school or work.

Did you know orthodontics can help to:

• Shape your upper and lower jaws
• Improve your facial profile
• Increase the fullness of your lips
• Enhance the shape and size of your smile
• Eliminate habits such as finger and thumb sucking
• Improve bite and its function
• Correct jaw irregularities
• Rectify breathing problems
• Improve speech difficulties
• And of course, straighten your teeth

Your teeth can last a lifetime if they are properly aligned and well cared for. An attractive smile is a prominent “side effect” of orthodontic treatment. A beautiful smile is a wonderful asset. It contributes to self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image – important qualities at every age. However, orthodontics also plays an important role in the function and health of your teeth and mouth.

If left untreated, orthodontic problems may worsen over time. They may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, destruction of the bone that holds teeth in place as well as chewing and digestive difficulties. Orthodontic problems can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth – sometimes leading to chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck.

Braces are important at any age. People with braces range in age from six to sixty and older! However, most people get braces during their teen years when their adult teeth are in place. Sometimes early treatment is needed if there is a problem with the way the teeth are coming through or the way jaw bones are growing.

It is important to remember that you’re never too old for braces either. Adult orthodontic treatment is highly successful but often requires a slightly longer treatment time.

Braces are important at any age. People with braces range in age from six to sixty and older! However, most people get braces during their teen years when their adult teeth are in place. Sometimes early treatment is needed if there is a problem with the way the teeth are coming through or the way jaw bones are growing.

It is important to remember that you’re never too old for braces either. Adult orthodontic treatment is highly successful but often requires a slightly longer treatment time.

Yes! Cleaning and flossing your teeth is especially important with braces. You can eat your favourite foods; just be careful with hard or sticky foods. If you are used to chewing your nails or pencils you will need to break these habits.

Once your braces are fitted you will need to have them adjusted. These visits are mostly short appointments that occur 6 to 8 weeks apart. At your adjustment visit, you will have the opportunity to change your colours and depending on your stage of treatment your orthodontist may also change your wire.

In some cases, teeth may need to be removed, in order to make enough room to fit crowded teeth into position. Fortunately, modern orthodontics involves a much lower requirement to remove teeth, and, if treated at the correct age, teeth may only need to be removed in 10 to 15 percent of cases.

The majority of patients experience slight discomfort when their braces are first fitted and then a day or two after each adjustment.

Yes, standard braces should not affect how you talk or the sound of your voice.

In certain cases, we may need to use an appliance that could get in the way of your tongue. You may then experience slight trouble talking clearly for a day or two. However, your tongue will then readjust and you will be able to talk like normal.

Usually, sore spots develop right after you first get your braces. While you’re waiting for them to heal and toughen up, you can try padding whatever is rubbing your cheek with wax or cotton balls.

While your teeth are sore in the early days of your treatment and after adjustment visits, you will need to eat softer foods and nutritious drinks. Hard foods can be made softer by chopping, blending, mashing and cooking. Once things have settled down your diet can return to normal.