Firstly, crooked teeth and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This can cause not only tooth decay, but also gum disease and eventual tooth loss. Other problems can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and bone, or misalignment of the jaw joints, which can result in chronic headaches or related pains. Fortunately, treating the original problem now is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat related problems later in life.

For your first appointment we ask that you arrive a few minutes early to allow time to complete the New Patient Information and Consent to Treatment forms. You do not need to bring a referral or X-rays, however if you do have any from other specialists or dentists then bring them along.

 

Generally your first appointment with us is an extended consultation. The Orthodontist may require that you have further X-rays taken in order to more accurately assess your treatment options.

 

Your first consultation, follow up X-Ray viewing and the first recall visit if it occurs within 12 months of your first visit are all included in the one fee that is charged to you on the first visit. This fee is claimable for a rebate from your health fund under item code 015 or 017. For further rebate information we would suggest you contact your health fund provider.

Orthodontic appliances will not cause tooth decay, poor oral hygiene will. Gum disease, tooth decay and permanent markings (decalcification) on the teeth can occur if you eat foods containing excessive sugar or if you don't brush and floss your teeth regularly. Six monthly visits to your dentist throughout the course of your treatment are also recommended.

Teeth can move at any time, regardless of whether or not they have had braces. The good news is that following orthodontics at least 90-95% of the correction is retained. To further guard against this movement there is a retention phase that normally involves wearing removable or fixed retention appliances.

 

The purpose of retention is to maintain the corrected alignment of the teeth which has been achieved during the treatment phase. Patients require the consistent use of retainers and Dr Oleschenko will inform patients on how long retainers should be worn.

 

It is important for patients understand that teeth move throughout life. This is a physiological process not related to relapse. Once again for teeth to remain well-aligned, some form of indefinite retention is required.

Treatment vary from patient to patient but can take up to 24 months.