Orthodontics
A beautiful smile can make a difference at any stage of life. Orthodontics focuses on straightening teeth and correcting the way the upper and lower jaws relate to each other, supporting both function and appearance.
At The Paddington Dental Surgery, all of our dentists provide orthodontic care for children, teenagers, and adults. Our orthodontic treatments are led by Dr. John Rosa Jr., supporting a consistent and considered approach to care across our team.
Whether your child may benefit from early assessment of developing teeth, or you are considering clear aligner options such as Invisalign®, we are here to guide you through the available treatment options and help you choose an approach that supports your oral health.
Explore Topics On This Page:
Schedule a Consultation
Learn more about our gentle, patient-first approach. To book your consultation, contact The Paddington Dental Surgery today.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
When provided by a qualified dentist, orthodontic treatment may offer a number of benefits:
- Improved appearance of the smile. Orthodontic options can enhance the alignment of your teeth and overall facial balance, contributing to a more even and harmonious appearance.
- Improved oral health. When teeth are properly aligned, they may be easier to clean. This can help reduce the risk of plaque build-up, tooth decay, and gum disease.
- Better bite and function. A balanced bite helps teeth meet more evenly, which may reduce uneven wear, chipping, or grinding. Proper alignment can also support more comfortable chewing and speaking.
- Preventive benefits for children. Early orthodontic assessment may help guide jaw development and create space for adult teeth to emerge. Addressing these concerns early can, in some cases, reduce the need for more complex dental treatment later.
What Concerns Can Orthodontic Treatments Address?
Orthodontic treatments can address a variety of common issues, such as:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites
- Jaw misalignment (malocclusion) in children and adults
- Difficulty brushing or flossing between crooked teeth
- Frequently biting inner cheeks or tongue due to misaligned teeth
- Speech issues resulting from crooked teeth
- Jaw pain or fatigue when chewing
- Grinding or clenching of teeth
If you’ve noticed any of these concerns, we encourage you to speak with our dentists about potential orthodontic solutions.
Patient Results
Orthodontic Treatment Options
At The Paddington Dental Surgery, we combine modern techniques with a personalised approach to orthodontic care. Whether you are looking for a more discreet option, a traditional approach, or care for your child, we will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and preferences.
- Clear aligners (Invisalign®) – Invisalign® uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners to gradually move teeth into position. The aligners are removable, allowing you to eat, drink, brush, and floss as usual.
- Braces – Traditional braces remain a well-established option and may be recommended for a range of orthodontic concerns, including more complex cases.
- Retainers – Following orthodontic treatment, retainers are used to help maintain the position of your teeth. These may be removable or fixed discreetly behind the teeth, depending on your individual needs.
Orthodontics for Children
Does My Child Need Orthodontic Treatment?
Not every child will need braces or early orthodontic care, but an evaluation can help you know for sure. Signs your child may benefit from treatment include crowding, spacing problems, difficulty chewing, thumb-sucking habits, or noticeable overbites/underbites. Even if these issues aren’t obvious, routine check-ups allow us to identify subtle alignment or bite concerns early, often before they become more complex. Early, gentle treatment can guide the growth of the jaw and teeth, reduce the need for extensive work later on, and support your child’s long-term oral health.
Why Should I Consider Early Orthodontic Treatment for My Child?
Addressing alignment issues early can often make orthodontic care simpler and more effective later on. Early treatment can help correct or minimize developing bite and alignment problems—known as malocclusion (“bad bite”). When the jaws or arches don’t develop in an ideal position, children may experience difficulties with chewing or speaking, jaw discomfort, or premature tooth wear that can increase the risk of decay. In some cases, early or two-phase orthodontic care can reduce or even prevent these concerns.
That said, not every child needs early orthodontics. Our team will thoroughly assess your child’s unique situation and recommend the most appropriate course of action.
Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Treatment
If your child is around the age of seven, a first orthodontic visit can be a wonderful way to identify potential concerns. At this stage, permanent teeth often begin replacing baby teeth, which can make it easier to spot problems before they become more serious.
Other signs your child may benefit from an evaluation include:
- Baby teeth falling out earlier than expected
- Difficulty eating, chewing, or speaking
- Prolonged thumb-sucking habit
- Crowded or irregularly spaced teeth
- Jaw shifting or making sounds during movement
- Frequently biting cheeks or the roof of the mouth
- Bite that appears uneven, or teeth that don’t meet when closed
- Teeth that appear overly large or small
An early evaluation doesn’t always lead to treatment, but it gives us the chance to guide your child’s dental development in a positive direction. Our Sydney dentists provide honest advice and personalised care so you can feel confident about every stage of your child’s smile.
What Can I Expect During My Orthodontic Treatment?
Every orthodontic journey is unique, and our team will be with you each step of the way. Here’s what you can expect from your orthodontic treatment:
Invisalign®
The Invisalign® process begins with a digital scan of your teeth with the iTero® Element™ 5D Intraoral Scanner. This impression will be used to create a series of virtually invisible aligners that fit seamlessly into your daily routine. Each set is worn for about two weeks before moving to the next, with every stage gently guiding your teeth closer to their ideal position. Because the changes are gradual, discomfort is usually minimal, and you’ll be able to remove the aligners when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing.
Traditional Braces
Braces use small brackets that are carefully attached to the teeth, connected by a fine wire and elastic bands. Over time, gentle adjustments are made during routine visits, encouraging the teeth to shift into better alignment. Today’s braces are smaller, more comfortable, and developed to achieve reliable results (even in more complex cases).
If you’re interested in a more comprehensive smile rejuvenation, options like teeth whitening or gum reshaping may be added to your care. No matter your individual needs, dentists will provide ongoing support and answer your questions.
Will I Need to Wear a Retainer After My Orthodontic Treatment?
Wearing a retainer is an important step in protecting the beautiful results of your orthodontic treatment. Retainers help keep your teeth in their new position as your smile settles, encouraging your hard work to last for years to come.
Our dentists will provide clear, personalised guidance on how often and how long to wear your retainer, so you feel confident about caring for your results. With the right aftercare, you can enjoy a straighter, healthier smile well into the future.
Orthodontic Cost and Insurance
How Much Does Orthodontics Cost?
Pricing for your orthodontic treatment will vary depending on the specific technique used. At our practice, the cost of Invisalign® can range anywhere between $4,500 and $12,000, but it really depends on your treatment plan. There are many factors that can affect the price, and we will be able to give a more accurate quote during the consultation. For your convenience, we offer a wide variety of payment options, including flexible financing methods.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding financing, please do not hesitate to contact our office. A knowledgeable member of our team will be happy to assist you over the phone or in person during the consultation.
Does Insurance Cover Orthodontics?
Patients with an insurance plan that includes benefits for orthodontics can usually expect their orthodontic treatment to be fully, or at least partially, covered by insurance. Most insurance companies classify Invisalign® as an orthodontic treatment, so it would be included in those benefits as well.
Please understand, however, that every patient’s insurance policy is different. Our team can help you find out if coverage is available for your specific orthodontic treatment.
Contact The Paddington Dental Surgery
To learn more about our orthodontic options for children and adults, or to arrange a consultation, we welcome you to contact our team today. We are happy to discuss your concerns and help you explore suitable treatment options for your oral health.
