Many people think orthodontics is only about straightening teeth, but it can also impact the way your smile functions. It can affect how you chew or speak and leave you wishing you’d explored treatment sooner. The good news is that it’s never too late to get orthodontics. Plus, modern treatment can be more comfortable and discreet than many people expect.
Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or your teen, we’ll take the time to understand your goals, explain your options clearly and recommend a treatment plan that’s genuinely suited to your needs. From Invisalign to braces, we’ll help you choose the approach that’s right for your smile.
Always dreamed of straighter teeth, but worried braces might get in the way of work, social events or everyday life? Clear braces (Invisalign) offer a more discreet way to straighten your teeth using a series of custom-made, virtually invisible clear aligners. Whether you're looking for a crowded teeth solution, treatment for mild bite problems or simply want to fix misaligned teeth, Invisalign can address a wide range of orthodontic concerns while fitting around your lifestyle. The removable aligners allow you to eat the foods you enjoy and brush and floss as normal throughout treatment. Book your appointment with an Invisalign dentist Box Hill families trust.
Braces offer better control over tooth movement and are an effective way to treat more complex tooth alignment and bite concerns. Small, metal brackets are fixed to the surface of the teeth. The brackets apply gentle pressure to gradually shift the teeth into alignment, achieving long-term results for both children and adults. Unsure what teeth-straightening solution is best for you? We'll take the time to explain the differences between braces and Invisalign, answer your questions and help you choose the treatment that suits your smile, lifestyle and goals.
Both Invisalign and braces are effective ways to straighten teeth and improve bite alignment. The best option depends on your individual needs, lifestyle and the complexity of your case. Here are the key points and comparison, to help you make an informed choice.
| Invisalign (Clear Aligners) | Braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Mild to moderate crowding, gaps and bite concerns | Mild to complex orthodontic cases, including significant crowding and bite correction |
| Appearance | Virtually invisible | Metal or tooth-coloured brackets and wires |
| Comfort | Smooth aligners with no brackets or wires | Some soreness initially and after adjustments |
| Removable | Yes | No |
| Eating & Drinking | Removable for eating and drinking | Avoid very hard, sticky or chewy foods |
| Oral Hygiene | Brush and floss as normal after removing aligners | Extra care needed to brush & floss around brackets |
| Dental Visits | Reviews approximately every 6–8 weeks | Regular adjustment appointments every 4–8 weeks |
| Patient Commitment | Must be worn 20–22 hours per day for best results | Works continuously without needing to remember to wear it |
| Treatment Time | Varies depending on the complexity of your case | Varies depending on the complexity of your case |
| Most Suitable For | Older teens and adults | Children, teens and adults |
| Cost | Varies depending on your treatment needs | Varies depending on your treatment needs |
Free consultation & personalised planning We'll assess your teeth, gums, jaw alignment and bite, discuss your goals and answer any questions you have about treatment. You'll receive a personalised treatment plan outlining your recommended treatment, expected timeframe and costs. If you're considering Invisalign, we'll also determine whether you're a suitable candidate.
Digital planning Using X-rays, scans and digital photographs, we'll map out your treatment in detail. For Invisalign, we'll use advanced digital software to plan the movement of your teeth and determine the number of aligner trays needed. For braces, we'll use these records to carefully plan the placement of your brackets and wires.
Beginning treatment You'll receive your custom-made Invisalign aligners along with instructions on how to wear and care for them. Aligners are typically worn for 20–22 hours a day and changed every 1-2 weeks. For braces, the brackets will be bonded to your teeth and connected with an archwire to begin gently moving your teeth into position.
Follow up appointments Whether you choose Invisalign or braces, we'll set up regular appointments. Some will be to ensure everything is progressing as planned, while others may be slightly longer to make planned adjustments, such as providing your next batch of aligners or adjusting attachments in case of Invisalign. If you have braces, these appointments may involve adjusting the wires and other components to keep your treatment progressing.
Retaining your new smile Once orthodontic treatment is complete, we'll provide a custom-made retainer and explain how to wear and care for it. Retainers play an important role in helping maintain your new smile over the long term.
We process all major private health insurance claims on the spot through HICAPS, and we accept eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) benefits. We also offer orthodontic payment plans to help make treatment more manageable.
Most children have their first orthodontic assessment between the ages of 7 and 10 years. This allows potential issues with tooth alignment, jaw development and bite function to be identified while a child’s smile is still growing.
An orthodontic assessment doesn’t necessarily mean your child will need braces straight away. In many cases, it’s simply an opportunity to monitor their dental development and determine whether orthodontic treatment may be beneficial now or in the future.
At Box Hill Dental, we’ll assess your child’s teeth and bite, explain our findings in clear, easy-to-understand language and recommend the most appropriate next steps based on their individual needs.
If you’ve been putting off orthodontic treatment, now is the perfect time to find out what’s possible. Our team will guide you through your options and help you choose the treatment that’s right for you or your child.
