Frequently Asked Questions

Orthodontic treatment can be performed for functional or cosmetic reasons. Functional treatments correct issues with the mouth and jaws that are causing problems or are likely to do so in the future, while cosmetic treatments only help to improve the aesthetics of the mouth.Functional problems include protruding teeth that are at risk of injury, a misaligned bite that can cause problems with eating and speech or lead to joint issues, and crowded teeth that can cause difficulty brushing and flossing, leading to tooth decay, gum disease and oral health problems.

It’s highly unlikely that orthodontic issues correct themselves without treatment, even if your teeth and jaws are still growing. It’s likely for problems to remain or worsen.While teeth and jaws are still growing, your orthodontist may be able to use natural growth as an advantage. Delaying orthodontic treatment could implicate more difficult or invasive treatment in the future.

No. We help people of all ages to correct orthodontic issues. Most of our patients are teenagers, however we also treat many adults and offer preventative care for children to reduce the likelihood that they will need braces in the future.We recommend that your child has their first orthodontic examination around the age of seven. At this age, their permanent teeth will usually have started to erupt but their teeth and jaws are still growing and will be easier to adjust if needed.

When you attend your first appointment with us, you will meet our specialist orthodontist Dr. Andrew Tindall.Dr. Tindall will carry out a full orthodontic examination, which may involve the use of x-rays and taking impressions of your mouth. Dr. Tindall will make recommendations for the most suitable treatment options for you or your child.This is the time to ask any questions you have about your treatment.

The length of time it will take for your teeth and jaws to reach their desired position is different for every individual. It can be as short as a few months or as long as a few years, but typically braces are worn for around 18 to 24 months.We always aim to correct your orthodontic issue in the shortest time possible, and we will advise you how long your treatment is likely to take during your consultation.

The frequency of your visits will depend on your situation, but if you have braces we will usually arrange appointments every six weeks to check your progress and make adjustments.

The cost of orthodontic care will depend on the type of treatment required, the appliances needed and several other factors. We will explain all service costs during your initial consultation and help you choose the option for your orthodontic care.At Tindall Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing specialist orthodontic care. We offer a range of payment plans to help make your treatments more affordable.

If your health insurance plan covers orthodontic treatment, we will help you to complete the paperwork needed to submit a claim. Tindall Orthodontics accepts all major Australian health providers.

Dr. Andrew Tindall will personally manage every stage of your treatment, supported by his experienced team.

No, you do not need a referral to arrange a consultation with our specialist orthodontists. However, your dentist may recommend that you visit us if you have an orthodontic issue that needs our expertise.

This depends on the type of braces you choose and on your orthodontic condition, but we will usually complete braces fitting in around one hour and fifteen minutes.

Your teeth may feel more sensitive for a short time when your braces are first fitted, but they do not cause pain. What’s more, correcting orthodontic problems with braces can reduce pain and discomfort in the long term, as well as prevent oral health problems that could require further dental procedures in the future.

Braces can be fitted to all teeth in your mouth, even if you have crowns or bridges. If you have missing teeth, braces and other orthodontic treatments can help to improve the alignment of your mouth and make it easier for replacement teeth to be fitted in the future.

For a more discreet orthodontic option, ceramic braces may be suitable. These braces can be made the same colour as your teeth and attached with clear elastic and wires, making them less visible than metal braces. Not everyone is suitable for ceramic braces, please consult with your orthodontist for further information.

We recommend eating softer foods for the first week after your braces are fitted. After that time, you can resume a normal diet as long as you avoid sticky, chewy, crunchy and hard foods, as well as food and drink with high sugar content.

You should brush and floss your teeth as normal when you have braces using a fluoride toothpaste, making sure to clean the brace itself and any food that may be trapped between the brace and your gums.

If you still have any questions about our orthodontic services or you want to schedule a consultation, get in touch today. No referral is required for your initial consultation.