Your Journey to a Beautiful Smile Starts Here
What to Expect During Your Initial Consultation
Before Your Appointment
You’ll receive a welcome pack containing essential information about orthodontic treatment and a health questionnaire. Please complete the questionnaire and bring it with you, along with any referral letters or X-rays from your dentist.
During Your Consultation
One of our experienced orthodontists will:
- Discuss your goals and objectives of treatment
- Review your health and dental history.
- Perform a thorough examination of your teeth and jaws.
- Provide an overview of the initial findings.
At the end of your consultation, there are three possible outcomes:
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Treatment Needed and Ready to Begin
Diagnostic records will be scheduled to gather detailed information, followed by a discussion of your personalised treatment plan.
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Treatment Needed but Not Yet Required
Some cases benefit from waiting until more adult teeth emerge or jaw growth stabilises. In this case, diagnostic records may be ordered to provide a baseline for further review and you’ll be placed on a recall schedule for monitoring.
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No Treatment Needed
If no treatment is required, we may still recommend periodic check-ups to monitor dental development, particularly for younger patients.
Diagnostic Records
When treatment is recommended or we need to establish a baseline record, we’ll take diagnostic records to help design your personalised plan. These records typically include:
- Two X-rays (OPG and Lateral Cephalometric)
- Intra-oral and extra-oral photographs
- Study models of your teeth
These records provide essential details about your teeth and facial structure, enabling your orthodontist to create a tailored treatment plan or accurately monitor your growth and development.
Treatment Plan Discussion
At a follow-up appointment, your orthodontist will review your diagnostic records with you in detail, explaining the recommended treatment options, expected timeline, and associated costs. This ensures you’re fully informed and confident in the next steps.
What to Bring to Your Initial Appointment
To ensure we can provide you with the best experience, please bring the following items:
- ✔ A list of any medications you are currently taking.
- ✔ Your dental and medical insurance details (e.g. Medibank, BUPA, HBF etc).
- ✔ Any referrals or relevant dental records from your general dentist (if provided).
Please also arrive 15 minutes earlier to your appointment to allow time to fill out your patient information questionnaire.
If you’re unsure about what to bring, feel free to contact us ahead of your appointment. Our friendly team will be happy to assist you.
Ready to Take the First Step to Your Best Smile?
Schedule your initial consultation today and let us guide you toward a healthier, more confident smile. Our friendly team is here to answer your questions and make the process easy.
Payment and Financing Options
Everyone deserves access to quality orthodontic care. At Joondalup Orthodontic Clinic, we offer a range of flexible payment and financing options to suit your budget:
Payment Plans:
Spread the cost of your treatment over manageable payments.
Health Insurance:
We accept major health funds, and our team can assist you in processing claims for eligible treatments.
For your convenience, we accept payment by EFTPOS, VISA, or Mastercard.
Contact us to learn more about our payment options and schedule your consultation.
Your Journey to a Beautiful Smile
Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions
Adhere to advice on appliance care, wear schedules, and dietary guidelines to protect your braces or aligners.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Brush and floss thoroughly to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.
Attend All Scheduled Appointments
Regular visits are essential for monitoring progress and making any necessary adjustments.
Your dedication to these steps will play a key role in achieving the beautiful, lasting results you’re aiming for.
Take the First Step to Your Best Smile
Orthodontic emergencies are uncommon, but issues like broken brackets, loose wires, or misplaced retainers can happen. Here’s how to handle them:
- Temporary Relief
If a wire is causing discomfort, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp edge and protect your mouth.
- Contact Our Clinic
For urgent concerns, such as broken or lost appliances or significant pain, please call us immediately to schedule an appointment.
Our team is dedicated to providing prompt, dependable care to keep your treatment on track and ensure your comfort in the rare event of an emergency.
Resources for Patients
Need More Guidance?
We’re here to help every step of the way. If you have any questions or need additional support, our team is just a call or click away.
New Patient Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?
A: No, you don’t need a referral. You can book a consultation with us directly to begin your orthodontic journey.
Q2. How long does orthodontic treatment typically take?
A: Treatment duration varies depending on your individual needs and the complexity of the treatment required. Your orthodontist will be happy to discuss the anticipated treatment time with you.
Q3. Will orthodontic treatment be painful?
A: It’s common to feel mild discomfort after adjustments or when starting a new appliance, but this usually subsides within a few days. Our team provides tips and support to ensure you stay as comfortable as possible.
Q4. Does health insurance cover orthodontic care?
A: Many health funds include orthodontic benefits, but this depends on your level of cover. We will provide you with the item codes and a quote at the treatment discussion appointment which you can then take to your health fund to check.
Q5. What happens if I miss an appointment?
A: Contact us as soon as possible to reschedule. Keeping up with appointments is crucial to ensuring your treatment stays on track.
Q6. At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
A: We recommend an initial assessment around age 7. Early evaluation helps us identify potential issues and plan for the best time to begin treatment, if needed.
Q7. Can adults get orthodontic treatment?
A: Absolutely! Orthodontic treatment is effective at any age. We offer options like Invisalign and discreet braces to suit adult lifestyles.
Q8. How do I care for my braces or aligners?
A: Proper care is essential. Brush and floss regularly, avoid hard or sticky foods and follow your orthodontist’s specific instructions to keep your appliance in excellent condition.
Q9. What should I do if my braces or appliance break?
A: If a bracket, wire, or other appliance component breaks, contact us immediately for advice and to schedule a repair appointment. Temporary measures, such as orthodontic wax, can help manage discomfort.
Q10. What payment options do you offer?
A: We provide flexible payment plans to suit a variety of budgets. Our team can discuss options with you during your consultation.