What are Braces?
Dental braces are appliances used in orthodontic treatment to move teeth into a planned position. As well as changing the appearance of the teeth, orthodontic treatment can address how the teeth meet, distributing bite forces more evenly.
Braces work by applying constant gentle pressure. The bone and the tissues supporting the roots remodel in response, allowing the teeth to move. Fixed metal braces and clear aligners use the same underlying principle, applied differently.
Why treatment may be recommended
Orthodontic treatment is not only cosmetic. Crowded or crooked teeth can be harder to clean, which may increase the risk of decay and gum disease over time. Gaps can affect eating and biting.
Bite problems such as an increased overjet, a deep overbite, an underbite or a crossbite can contribute to uneven loading of particular teeth and, in some cases, to jaw discomfort. Whether any of this applies to you is a clinical judgement made after examination.
Average cost of braces in Sydney
Published price guides put fixed braces in Sydney at roughly $8,000 to $15,000 and clear aligner treatment at roughly $7,000 to $9,000, varying with the complexity of the case. These are indicative figures drawn from published sources rather than quotes.
Neither appliance is consistently cheaper. The useful comparison is between the two treatment plans proposed for your case, not between appliance types in general. Which appliance is appropriate is a clinical judgement rather than a matter of budget alone.
Fees at North Sydney Dentistry
Clear aligner treatment is available with a payment plan from $25 per week. This is a repayment amount, not the total cost of treatment.
We offer four Invisalign packages:
- Express: up to 7 aligners
- Lite: up to 14 aligners and 2 sets of refinements over 2 years
- Moderate: up to 26 aligners and unlimited refinements over 2 years
- Comprehensive: unlimited aligners and refinements over 5 years
Fixed braces
Metal and ceramic braces are provided at our Macquarie Park and Hornsby practices. Fees range from $5,500 to $7,700 depending on the case.
Caring for your appliance
Clear aligners
Brush your aligners when you brush your teeth, twice a day. Rinse your teeth and aligners after meals before reinserting them, to reduce staining and the risk of decay. Remove aligners before drinking anything other than water, particularly coffee, tea, wine, soft drink and cordial.
Aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day. Treatment depends on this, and teeth may not move as planned if they are not worn as directed.
Fixed braces
An orthodontic toothbrush makes cleaning around brackets easier, and interdental brushes reach debris that floss cannot. Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods, which can break brackets and dislodge wires. Attend routine check-ups and cleaning during treatment.
Cleaning matters more with fixed appliances, not less. Decalcification and decay around brackets are common where oral hygiene is not maintained, and the marks left can be permanent.
After treatment
Retainers are fitted at the end of treatment and generally need to be worn long term. Teeth tend to move back towards their original positions if retainers are not worn as directed. Retainers wear out and need replacing periodically, which is an ongoing cost.
Risks
Orthodontic treatment carries risks. These can include discomfort and tooth sensitivity, ulceration and irritation of the lips and cheeks, decalcification and decay around appliances, shortening of tooth roots, gum recession, temporary changes to speech with aligners, and relapse after treatment. Some cases require extractions or additional procedures, and treatment may take longer than estimated.
Results vary between individuals and no outcome can be guaranteed. These risks should be explained to you in full before you agree to treatment.
To arrange a consultation, contact North Sydney Dentistry.