FAQs

Orthodontics is a special area of dentistry that deals exclusively with the growth and development of the face, jaws and teeth and the interrelationship they have with each other. Producing a nice smile and correct bite requires a team effort, which is why it is important you and your orthodontist work as a team to produce the best result.
For more information on any of our orthodontic services why not call us today to find out more.

Dentists are able to undertake any form of dental treatment they desire. All have undergraduate dental qualifications or general dental qualifications. Most will have received some exposure to basic orthodontic principles and simplified treatment modalities during the course of their undergraduate studies. Some may have undertaken further studies in orthodontic principles and delivery of orthodontic treatment following graduation. In addition to orthodontic treatment, most dentists will deliver a range of dental services.

Orthodontists are specialist dentists that have undertaken a formal orthodontic postgraduate qualification at a university or similar institution. Postgraduate training involves extensive and comprehensive exposure to orthodontic principles and treatment modalities. An orthodontist is recognised by the Dental Board of Australia to have the necessary qualifications to deliver specialist orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists are limited to their area of specialty – namely the delivery of orthodontics or orthodontic treatment. Registration as an orthodontist ensures patients receive the highest level of orthodontic treatment.

Braces come in many different forms, shapes and sizes. Traditional or standard braces are rather large and bulky. Dr Carty uses miniature or low profile braces which compared with traditional or standard braces look much less bulky and noticeable. Some braces are ceramic or clear, making them very difficult to see, meaning people might not even notice that you are wearing them. Our modern braces have the same purpose as traditional braces, which work by gently pressing on your teeth and moving them over time.

For more information on any of our orthodontic services, call us today.

You can clean your teeth like you normally would but you do need to pay special attention as it is a lot more difficult to clean your teeth with braces in place. Use a toothbrush with softer bristles and a smaller head in order to clean your teeth properly without affecting the integrity of braces. For more information regarding oral hygiene with braces, contact our friendly reception team and hey will endeavour to assist you with your questions.

Dr Carty uses the latest orthodontic techniques, the highest quality materials and skills to provide you with the best functional and aesthetic results. Dr Carty provides the following services:

• Braces
• Adult Orthodontics
• Adolescent Orthodontics
• Children’s Orthodontics

The length of treatment depends upon the severity of the problem. For some patients with simple problems, six months could be all that is required. For other patients requiring complex treatments three years or even longer is possible to achieve the best results. Typical treatment duration is about 12 – 24 months. Adult treatment tends on average to take longer than teenage treatment due to a number of factors including more complex problems, potentially slower tooth movement and more rigid bone structure.

Patients play a significant role in determining the length of time their treatment takes. Good co-operation with wearing elastic bands for the required time each and every day, minimising/not breaking the braces and attending appointments as planned can lead to treatment finishing on time or even better, ahead of schedule.

When braces are broken off the teeth treatment slows. The teeth become ‘uncoupled’ from the braces. Pressure to straighten the teeth is not being delivered to them. Breakages see valuable treatment time being wasted repairing the braces rather than progressing the straightening of the teeth and fixing the bite.

Failure to wear elastic bands is a significant factor in leading to increased and extended treatment times. Elastics are used to assist with correcting the bite and detailing the fit of the upper to the lower teeth. When elastics are not being worn these changes are not occurring.

No recipe fits one and all. While people can present with similar problems their treatment times can vary for a variety of reasons. Variation is after all normal. For more information, make an online enquiry today. 

An examination appointment is typically the first appointment a prospective patient will require. The patient’s reason for seeking treatment will usually be asked and a thorough examination undertaken. If the patient is ready for treatment records will frequently be collected, at this appointment or a subsequent appointment. At this time it might be possible to provide an idea on the likely treatment required.

Dr Carty believes it is in the patient’s best interest if treatment options are explained face to face and a written summation of this provided to the patient. For these reasons it is normal within his practices for a consultation appointment to be scheduled for treatment options or recommendations to be presented following a detailed assessment of the patient’s diagnostic records. This also allows time for questions to be answered. Occasionally more than one option is available for treatment and this is where the patient’s expectations and the orthodontist’s experience will combine to determine what approach is most appropriate under the circumstances. The decision then rests with the patient as to whether to proceed with the recommendations or seek further opinions.

There is no default or set fee for orthodontic treatment. The treatment fee will be determined by the orthodontist or the treatment coordinator, and is determined by the treatment requirements. The cost of treatment will vary according to the type of braces that you choose or appliance that you have, how severe your problem is and whether one or both arches of teeth need treatment.

A detailed quotation is given at the consultation visit. Payment plans are available where the cost of treatment is broken down over the course of treatment to make payment easier. Orthodontics is the oldest specialty in dentistry and is a combination of art, science and experience. Don’t discount the human side of orthodontics – namely the experience, personality and desires of the orthodontist and their staff. While orthodontists might all share the same title, our treatments, experience, personality and expectations are as individual as you are.

Placing braces or issuing appliances is not normally uncomfortable. It is usual for patients to experience slight discomfort for a few days after their orthodontic appliances or braces are first fitted and again for a day or two after each adjustment. This is a sign that the braces are working and that the pressure being placed on the teeth is causing the teeth to move or straighten.

We can recommend ways to decrease your discomfort and ways you can best care for your braces. For more information on any of our orthodontic services why not call us today to find out more.

Once your braces are in place, you will need to attend adjustment appointments with Dr Carty that occur six to eight weeks apart. Dr Carty uses the latest generation of wire technology in the practice, which allows fewer adjustments, greater comfort and superior results in a smaller time frame.

There are lots of reasons why children [and adults] could require orthodontic treatment. Straightening crowded or crooked teeth is probably the most common reason people seek orthodontic treatment. Excessive wear of the teeth, missing adult teeth, decayed teeth, spaced teeth, early loss/removal of a baby tooth, submerging baby teeth, top front teeth which stick out, lower front teeth which stick out, poorly formed or hypomineralised adult teeth, adult teeth which are caught in the jaw bone or caught under a baby tooth, wayward teeth, thumb or finger sucking habits, teeth which don’t bite together properly, narrow upper jaws, jaw joint pain, difficulty with mouth opening and pain on biting are just some of a multitude of other reasons people seek orthodontic treatment.