Straight Talk About Braces and Orthodontic Treatment

In Victoria, achieving a confident smile is now easier than ever with the help of braces. But before selecting a treatment, you must understand the common orthodontic issues they address.

Ideally, a healthy smile should fit together perfectly, allowing us to chew, speak, and maintain good oral hygiene. However, factors can disrupt this alignment, leading to what orthodontists call “malocclusion” or a "bad bite."

What Causes Malocclusion?

1. Sometimes, misaligned teeth or jaws are simply inherited.

2. Thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or mouth breathing can put pressure on developing teeth and jaws, leading to alignment problems.

3. Losing baby teeth too soon or too late can make it hard for permanent teeth to come out, causing crowding or spacing issues.

4. Abnormal swallowing habits, poor dental hygiene, accidents, or even nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to malocclusion.

The Impact of Malocclusion

Ignoring misaligned teeth can impact your quality of life:

• Uneven teeth patterns can make eating difficult, potentially impairing digestion. It can cause jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ concerns.

• Crooked teeth make it harder to keep them clean, increasing the chance of tooth decay and gum disease.

• Malocclusion can influence speech and even lower self-esteem due to a less confident smile.

• Over time, teeth can wear down unevenly, leading to fractures or early tooth loss.

Finding Your Perfect Fit

To help you choose which braces suit you best, we have narrowed down the most notable differences between our most popular braces options.

Types of Braces	Visibility	Comfort	Treatment Time	Are They removable?	Best Suited For
Metal Braces	Most visible	Can cause initial discomfort	Typically, 18–36 months	No	Various orthodontic issues, as well as more challenging ones.
Ceramic Braces	Less visible than metal	Similar to metal braces	Similar to metal braces	No	In mild to moderate cases, patients tend to favour aesthetics.
Invisalign	Virtually invisible	Most comfortable	12–18 months (can vary)	Yes	In mild to moderate cases, convenience and appearance are the top priorities.
Lingual Braces (Incognito)	Completely invisible	Can cause initial tongue irritation	Similar to traditional braces	No	In severe cases, maximum discretion is desired.

Ready to 'brace' a new, confident you? Schedule your consultation today! Let our team of expert orthodontists “brace” you in selecting the right braces in Victoria and craft a tailor-made plan to “align” your smile with your dreams.