Ask The Expert
- Home
- Ask The Expert
Frequently Asked Questions
- The best time to have braces is your teenage years. For girls, around the age of 12-14; For boys, around the age of 14-16.
- However, if you missed out on orthodontic treatment as a child/teenager and are having concerns/difficulties with your teeth, it’s never too late to get orthodontic treatment!
Call us to make an appointment anytime. - If you have any concerns, NOW is the best time.
Your orthodontic treatment begins with us and completes with you feeling confident and happy. Wonder what happens during your journey to a perfect smile? Here is a general guide.
Orthodontic treatment may be more affordable than you think.
You have a choice of the following payment options:
- Interest-Free Monthly Instalment
- Advanced Payment
Your private health insurance may cover a portion of your orthodontic treatment fee. Check with your insurance company to find out more about the benefit differences between a specialist provider and a general dentist.
Click here for more details.
Part 1 – Oral Hygiene
After putting braces on, you must spend more time keeping your braces and teeth clean. A soft or medium toothbrush would be suitable for you. The minimum time for the whole brushing process is 3 minutes and at least twice a day. For each bracket, you need to brush in a circular motion gently. There are 5 surfaces you need to brush.
- Between the gum line and the brackets
- On top of the brackets
- Under the brackets
- On top of the teeth
- Inner surface of the teeth
Braces can act as a “plaque trap, ” leading to an increased risk of cavities and gum disease. Use mouth rinse and teeth moisturiser as advised by Dr. Ho. Also, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for routine check-ups and cleaning.
Part 2 – Micro brushes
Micro brushes can help you in cleaning small gaps. The larger brush is used to clean the gaps between brackets. The smaller brush is used to clean gaps between teeth. However, do not force the micro brush into teeth’s gaps if you cannot place it in easily. Micro brushes are available in supermarkets and chemists.
Playing sports is a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you are an active sportsperson, wearing mouthguards while playing is strongly recommended. You can bring in your own mouth guard (which can be purchased in most pharmacies) to your next appointment, Dr. Ho can adjust it for you for a better fit around the braces, free of charge.
If you play woodwind instruments, it may take some time and practice to get used to the braces covers. If your braces are irritating or obstructing while you’re playing, we have a number of solutions for you, including orthodontic wax and braces cover. Please speak to Dr. Ho about your concern; he will recommend the best solution.
Why see an orthodontist?
Orthodontists are experts in their field, specialising in diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities to help correctly align teeth, bites, and jaws, including straightening crooked teeth.
Do braces hurt?
They may cause discomfort and irritation when first put on and during the stages where they need tightening. If you follow what needs to be done, you can minimise the discomfort.
What can I expect in the first consultation?
At your first consultation, we will be taking photos of your face for facial analysis. Dr. Ho will be examining these, your X-rays, and your teeth. He will then explain the issues and listen to your needs and concerns. Accordingly, he will suggest treatment options and devise a plan and quotation.
How long do I need to wear braces?
It depends on the severity of the problem and varies between patients. On average, braces are usually worn for between 18 and 24 months.
Why does Dr. Ho refer patients to take X-rays in the clinic?
As a specialist, Dr. Ho is able to refer patients to professional radiology centres for high-quality diagnostic images by bulk-billing. This way, patients with a Medicare Card don’t need to use their private health insurance or out-of-pocket money to pay for these X-rays.
Can I take my X-rays at the clinic?
Our clinic is radiation-free, so we always refer our patients to an external radiology centre to take their X-rays. Our nearest x-ray centre is just 2 minutes away.
How many orthodontists are there at Simply Braces?
Dr Ho is the only orthodontist at Simply Braces. He performs all clinical treatments with the help of our professional nursing team. Our philosophy is to provide our patients with the highest standard of services and care.
I’m an adult; is it too late to have braces?
It is never too late to have a beautiful smile. Here at Simply Braces, we offer many options to minimise the appearance of braces, such as Invisalign and Incognito.
I don’t want people to know that I have braces. Is there any way?
Yes! We offer treatment options such as clear braces, Invisalign, and, Incognito.
I started braces overseas. Can I continue treatment in Australia?
Of course! All you need to do is book a consultation with us. Dr. Ho can examine your teeth and current progress and suggest suitable options to complete your treatment. Information from your overseas orthodontist is desirable but not essential.
Do I get a discount as an overseas student?
We do offer overseas student discounts. You can get a discount on your consultation fee and upfront payment.
Patients who play woodwind or brass instruments may initially cause slight discomfort, but the effect is minimal. Be sure to notify Dr. Ho during your first appointment so he can give you good advice.
We recommend patients who play sports regularly to wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth.
Can braces help snoring and sleep apnoea problems?
Yes, snoring and sleep apnoea may be caused by abnormal airway narrowing during sleep.
Dr. Ho can custom-make oral appliances to reduce these conditions, but seeing a general practitioner or sleep specialist for comprehensive treatment is best.
Can I still go to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned with braces on?
Yes! You should go to your dentist for regular checkups and have your teeth cleaned occasionally to maintain clean and healthy teeth.
What are retainers?
They are devices that prevent significant movement of the teeth after removing braces.
How do I maintain my retainers?
Your removable retainers must be kept in the retainer box when not in use. Clean your retainer every day. As your retainers will become less translucent due to extensive use, you can use a mild dishwashing liquid and a soft brush to remove the bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Never use abrasive toothpaste to clean your retainers. You can soak the retainers in white vinegar water (use cleaning vinegar 1:3) to remove the plaque & smell.
What is a breakage appointment?
Please contact the clinic if there is any problem with your braces or orthodontic appliance. Usually, our staff can assist over the phone. We will organise a Breakage Appointment for you for urgent matters according to the clinic policy.