If you’re considering braces or clear aligners, knowing what to ask at your orthodontic consultation can help you understand your treatment options and make an informed decision about your care.
From who will plan your treatment to costs, treatment times and ongoing support, here are five important questions to ask before starting orthodontic treatment.
Who Will Be Planning and Managing My Orthodontic Treatment?
Before starting treatment, it’s important to understand who will assess your teeth and bite, design your treatment plan and oversee your care.
In Australia, a Specialist Orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional postgraduate specialist training in orthodontics and holds specialist registration in orthodontics.
At L&L Orthodontics, your treatment plan is designed by one of our Specialist Orthodontists based on your teeth, bite and individual treatment needs.
When comparing providers, you may also want to ask about the clinician’s qualifications, experience and who you’ll see throughout your treatment.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
There isn’t one orthodontic treatment that’s right for everyone. Depending on your teeth, bite, age, treatment needs and preferences, there may be more than one option available to you.
These may include:
- LightForce™ 3D Braces — precision, custom-printed brackets engineered for your unique anatomy
- Clear aligners (like Spark)
- Metal braces
- Early orthodontic interventions, such as Invisalign® First or Spark Junior aligners for younger patients
Ask why a particular treatment has been recommended for you, whether there are alternatives and what the differences are in cost, appearance, day-to-day care and treatment requirements.
If more than one option is suitable, your orthodontist can explain the differences so you can make an informed decision.
How Long Will My Treatment Take, and How Often Will I Need to Visit?
Orthodontic treatment times vary depending on factors such as the tooth movements required, the complexity of your treatment and how your teeth respond.
Before starting, ask about your estimated treatment timeframe and what could cause it to change.
It’s also helpful to understand how often you’ll need to attend the clinic. Appointment schedules vary depending on your treatment and the stage you’re at, so some periods may require more frequent visits than others.
At L&L Orthodontics, we also use Dental Monitoring between appointments. This gives our clinical team regular information about your treatment and helps us determine when an in-person appointment may be needed.
How Much Does Teeth Straightening Cost?
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on your individual needs, the type of treatment recommended and what’s included in your treatment fee.
When comparing orthodontic costs, it’s worth asking:
- What is included in the total treatment fee, including appointments and retainers?
- Could any additional fees apply for treatment, such as for replacement appliances or refinements?
- What deposit and payment plan options are available?
- Can I claim any of the cost through my private health insurance?
At L&L Orthodontics, we provide a clear breakdown of your treatment costs before you decide whether to proceed. We offer interest-free payment plans and flexible deposit options to help you manage the cost of treatment over time.
Your initial orthodontic consultation is $120. Following your assessment, we’ll explain the treatment options that may be suitable for you, the associated costs and what’s included in your treatment fee. Read our guide to how much orthodontic treatment costs for a rough outline of what to expect.
What Support Will I Have During Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment can take months or years, so it’s worth understanding how your orthodontic team will support you between scheduled appointments.
Before starting treatment, ask:
- Who should I contact if I have a problem or question?
- What happens if I break an appliance or lose an aligner?
- How will my treatment be monitored between appointments?
- Can I access an in-person appointment if something needs to be checked?
- What happens if my treatment isn’t progressing as planned?
At L&L Orthodontics, Dental Monitoring helps our clinical team stay connected with you between appointments. Patients can submit regular scans and contact the clinical team through the app, while in-clinic appointments are scheduled when needed.
Why These Questions Matter
Orthodontic treatment is a commitment, so it’s important to understand what your treatment involves before you decide whether to proceed.
Asking questions about your clinician, treatment options, timeframe, costs and ongoing support can help you compare providers and understand what to expect throughout your treatment.
And if there’s anything you don’t understand, ask. Your orthodontic team should be able to explain your treatment plan, costs and what will be expected from you in clear terms.
Have Questions About Orthodontic Treatment?
Your first orthodontic consultation is an opportunity to have your teeth and bite assessed, discuss your treatment options and ask any questions you have before deciding whether to proceed.
At L&L Orthodontics, your initial consultation costs $120 and includes a clinical assessment and diagnostic records. One of our Specialist Orthodontists will then discuss the treatment options that may be suitable for you.
Book an orthodontic consultation at our Melbourne CBD or Templestowe clinic.
Individual treatment needs, suitability, costs and treatment times vary. A clinical assessment is required before treatment recommendations can be made.