The most frequently asked questions from our patients are detailed below, to provide you with some further information.

1. How long will Orthodontic treatment take?
The length of treatment depends upon the severity of the problem and can vary from 6 to 30 months.

2. How much does the treatment cost?
The cost of treatment will also vary according to whether one or both arches of the teeth need treatment; how severe the problem is; the type of braces chosen and whether there are alternative answers to braces.

A detailed quotation is given at the consultation visit. The cost of treatment can be broken down over the course of treatment, to make payment easier.

3. How often do I need to have my braces adjusted?
Adjustment visits, once braces are in place, are short appointments that occur 3 to 8 weeks apart.

Our orthodontists use the latest generation of wire technology in the practice, which allows for fewer adjustments and greater comfort, while also achieving superior results in the same, or lesser time frame.

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

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

6. Will I still be able to talk when I have braces?
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 as normal.

7. Are all braces designed to be as pain-free as possible?
At Port Macquarie Orthodontics we use the very latest orthodontic techniques and treatments to reduce your discomfort, whilst achieving the very best results. Our team works with each patient to achieve comfort during the course of treatment.

8. Will braces cause ulcers in my mouth?
When you first get braces, you could experience some ulcers in your mouth. If you rinse with warm salty water, they will heal within a week or two. We provide orthodontic wax to our patients when they get braces placed, as this helps protect the inside of your cheeks from rubbing against the brackets, which in turn helps to prevent ulcers from forming.

Your gums and cheeks will become accustomed to the braces and after a while you shouldn't need to use wax anymore.

9. Does it hurt to eat with braces?
After treatment for the first few days your teeth will feel a little tender and you may wish to eat softer foods. After this you should be able to eat normally again.

10. What happens if a bracket falls off?
We will simply re-attach it. Usually this is not a problem, however, if this does occur please make an appointment with us as soon as possible.