Got a few Questions?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing and treating dental and facial irregularities.

Orthodontists are trained to correct misaligned teeth and jaws using braces, clear aligners and other orthodontic appliances.

While both orthodontists and dentists care for oral health, orthodontists specialise in correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.

Orthodontists complete an additional three years of specialist university training after dental school to become experts in this field.

While all orthodontists are dentists, only around 3% of dentists are orthodontists.

Dr Carolyn is a registered Specialist Orthodontist.

In Australia, specialist orthodontic training involves an additional three years of university study at Clinical Doctorate level, including extensive clinical training and research to advance the field.

By having your orthodontic treatment performed under the guidance of a specialist, you are ensuring that you receive the highest level of care with the most current methods available.

Dr Carolyn treats children, teenagers and adults across a wide range of orthodontic needs. You can read more about Dr Carolyn.

While a referral from your dentist is helpful, it is not required to see Dr Carolyn.

You can organise a consultation by telephoning our clinic on 03 9070 3448 or by submitting an enquiry through our contact page.

For children, the Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation at the first sign of orthodontic problems — or no later than age seven.

For teenagers and adults, treatment can begin at any point once the teeth and gums are healthy. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontics can be performed at any age provided the teeth and gums are healthy. However, for some individuals, treatment may be more effective when performed during a particular stage of facial growth.

Dr Carolyn will determine which options are best suited to your goals and advise you on the best timing for treatment.

Dr Carolyn offers a wide range of orthodontic treatments tailored to each patient, including growth appliances, traditional metal braces, tooth-coloured ceramic braces, clear aligners including Invisalign, lingual hidden braces and anchorage devices.

During your initial consultation, she will discuss the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific case.

At the first appointment Dr Carolyn will listen to your concerns, address any questions you have, and gather all relevant information to advise you on:

• the orthodontic options that can meet your goals and expectations
• which treatment approach is most appropriate for your situation
• when would be the best time for treatment to be most effective
• the estimated duration of treatment
• the cost of treatment and payment options available

The duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case and the treatment method chosen.

On average, treatment lasts between 12 and 24 months, though complex cases may take longer.

Dr Carolyn will provide a more precise timeline during your consultation.

It is common to experience some mild discomfort when braces are first applied or adjusted. This is temporary and typically settles within a few days.

Over-the-counter pain relief is usually sufficient to manage any discomfort — your pharmacist can advise on suitable options.

Dr Carolyn will guide you on how to care for your braces and minimise any discomfort throughout treatment.

Regular visits are important for monitoring progress and making adjustments.

Typically, patients visit every 4 to 10 weeks depending on their individual case and treatment stage.

Dr Carolyn will provide a schedule tailored to your treatment plan.

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the type of treatment, the complexity of the case and the length of treatment. Because each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, costs are customised accordingly.

We offer flexible payment plans and will discuss these options during your consultation. You can also use our payment plan calculator to get an estimate.

Many private health insurance plans include orthodontic benefits under extras cover. The rebate amount and lifetime limit vary between funds and policy levels.

We recommend contacting your health fund directly to confirm your entitlements. Our practice works with all private health insurers and can assist with the documentation needed to claim your rebate.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment. Brush your teeth after every meal, floss daily using a floss threader or interdental brush if needed, and use any additional cleaning tools Dr Carolyn recommends.

Regular dental check-ups and cleans with your general dentist are also important throughout treatment to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Yes. Orthodontic treatment does not replace your regular dental check-ups and cleans. We recommend continuing to see your general dentist every six months throughout treatment.

Good dental health is essential for successful orthodontic outcomes, and your dentist plays an important role in maintaining it while Dr Carolyn focuses on tooth movement and alignment.

Yes. You can continue playing sports while wearing braces, but it is important to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and appliance from injury.

Dr Carolyn can advise on suitable mouthguard options that work with your orthodontic appliance.

Yes. You can continue playing wind instruments during orthodontic treatment, though you may need a short adjustment period to adapt to playing with braces in place. Most patients find they adjust within a few weeks.

When active treatment is complete, you will be fitted with retainers to maintain your results. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original positions without retention, so wearing retainers as directed is essential.

Dr Carolyn will prescribe a retainer plan suited to your case — most patients wear retainers full-time initially, then reduce to nights only on a long-term basis. You can learn more on our retainers page.