Orthodontic FAQs

Orthodontics is a specialist arm of dentistry that focuses on the proper alignment of your teeth and jaws. Not only does this improve a patient’s overall appearance, it also helps with digestion, TMJ and the prevention of tooth decay.

All orthodontists first have to qualify as dentists with a full-time 5 year university degree (BDSc). After two-to-four years of general dental practice, they then apply for a further 3 year specialist orthodontic degree (MDSc) to learn how to straighten your smile.

No, you don’t need a referral to start treatment, although we are happy to work with dentists who refer their patients to us.

Not everyone needs orthodontic treatment, but if you do need it and don’t follow up on it, problems could get worse over time. This may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and destruction of the bone that holds teeth in place, as well as chewing and digestive difficulties.

No. Orthodontic treatment doesn’t hurt, but it might cause you some mild discomfort after fitting or adjustment appointments. This discomfort should only last a day or two and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relief.

There is no one answer to this because every patient is different. Depending on the age of the patient and the severity of the problem, orthodontic treatment can take between 6 to 30 months.

Orthodontic treatment is an investment, but we do have finance plans and payment options to help make treatment affordable. It’s important to remember that you’re paying for the experience of a highly qualified Specialist Orthodontist - so you are getting your money’s worth!

There are a number of different treatment options available to our adult patients from discreet clear braces to hidden lingual braces to virtually invisible Invisalign® clear aligners and Spark aligners.

Yes! Dr Tselepis is recognised as a Silver Invisalign® Provider which means he’s highly experienced using this discreet treatment method. We even have two clear aligner treatment options at our practice, and can treat complex orthodontic issues with both of them.

*Invisalign® aligners are a registered medical device, you should always read and follow the label and the instructions of your treating orthodontist.

The official name for an orthodontic problem is a malocclusion. Most malocclusions are genetic, but they can also be caused by accidents or thumb-sucking habits. Malocclusions that can be fixed through orthodontic treatment include:

• Crowding - When there is not enough space in the mouth for all of your teeth.
• Spacing - When there is too much space between teeth.
• Cross bites - When either the top or the bottom teeth overlap.
• Protruding teeth - When front teeth stick out at a sharp angle.
• Underbites and overbites - When either the top or the bottom teeth and jaw protrude forward of the other.
• Impacted teeth - When a tooth has trouble breaking through the surface of the gum.

At SmileStyle we are committed to giving everybody an affordable and amazing smile. Depending on how difficult your bite problem is, our treatment fees can start from as little as $60 per week!

If your child has a thumb-sucking habit, the repeated pressure can pull their front teeth out of alignment. To prevent that, and help your child kick the habit, we have a fixed device called a thumb crib. This crib prevents their thumb from making contact with the back of their teeth.