No referral is needed.
It’s best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 or 8 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and the best time for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated.
If you are attending the Geraldton clinic you will not need to travel to the Subiaco clinic for any appointments at all.
For an appointment ring 0411148492
When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions and reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth. It will also correct habits such as thumb-sucking and eliminate abnormal swallowing functions such as a tongue thrusting on swallowing or speech problems. Early treatment is almost always orthopedic and will in most cases simplify later comprehensive orthodontic treatment if indicated.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances can be made of plastic, metal, ceramic. Appliances are mainly orthopedic at this early age but may also be dental. They may be removable or fixed and may involve orthodontic brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position. At this early age, it is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear or metallic colour with coloured O-rings that are inter-changable. Orthodontic wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort experienced.
Duration of Treatment
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment during adolescence typically ranges from eighteen to twenty-four months, depending on the growth of the facial bones, the eruption status of the teeth and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and teeth and facial bones may respond differently to orthodontic treatment, therefore, the time until case completion may differ slightly from the original estimate. Diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands and good oral hygiene is an important factor in achieving the best result in the shortest period of time. Early orthopaedic treatment (ages 6-10) may take as little as 6-8 months to complete and these growing patients will be reviewed annually thereafter to assess their growth and development.
REMOVABLE APPLIANCE
TWIN BLOCK
BIONATOR
The Twin Block and Bionator appliances are orthopedic appliances aimed at aligning the jaws in the transverse, sagittal and vertical dimensions. The Bionator is a one piece plate while the Twin Block appliance consists of separate upper and lower plates. The upper plate may include an expansion screw for lateral development and plastic pads to cover the molars. The lower plate includes plastic pads to cover the lower premolars. These plates interface at 70 degree angles to advance the lower jaw and lock it in to the desired forward position, thus improving the deep overbite (vertical overlap of top over bottom teeth), eliminating the overjet (horizontal overlap of top over bottom teeth), correcting any crossbites on the back teeth and improving the lower facial balance and profile.
Both the Bionator and the Twin Block appliances are worn full-time and only removed when eating, brushing teeth and playing sport. Treatment time is approximately 12 to 24 months and it is usually followed by an orthodontic phase of fixed braces to correct tooth alignment, co-ordinate the upper and lower arches and lock the bite into the correct position. This helps to correct the jaw imbalance by modifying the growth thus improving the facial balance and allowing the teeth to meet properly. The ideal age for this type of treatment is earlier (ages 7-11) rather than later (ages 11-14) as the facial sutures are still soft and malleable and separate easier to mobilise the upper jaw and help correct the jaw discrepancy. This younger age group is also more accepting of treatment and far more compliant.
RAPID MAXILLARY EXPANDER (RME OR RPE)
Maxillary and mandibular expansion appliances are used to expand narrow or constricted dental arches. This creates the necessary space for blocked out, erupting or crowded teeth. Expansion also corrects crossbites and other bite problems. Usually with a narrow upper jaw, the relationship of the back teeth is reversed, with the upper teeth biting inside of the lower teeth (crossbite). Expansion may also improve the nasal airway eg. A narrow or deep upper jaw may make it more difficult for one to breathe through their nose. When the upper jaw is expanded, the air passages also widen, in most cases improving the nasal respiration. Once the upper jaw has been expanded, new bone fills the space created by bony separation, thus maintaining the increased width for long term stability.
QUAD HELIX PALATAL EXPANDER
HERBST
A Herbst appliance is a functional device similar to the Twin Block that helps improve the way your upper and lower jaws fit together. It moves the lower jaw forward while pushing the upper jaw backward. The Herbst incorporates steel crowns, which are cemented on the permanent molars. Telescopic arms connect the upper and lower jaws. Lengthening the arms propels the lower jaw forward into the desired position. Once the jaw is positioned properly, the Herbst is left in place for 10 months and the growth is modified to reposition the lower jaw forwards to align the jaws, correct the profile and create a better facial balance. Once this functional orthopaedic phase is complete, braces are fitted to lock the teeth into an ideal occlusion.
FIXED LINGUAL SPACE MAINTAINER
HABIT BREAKER OR TONGUE GUARD
The Fixed Tongue/Habit Guard acts as a reminder by making it difficult to fit the thumb in the mouth. It maintains and protects the arch width. It is intended to keep the tongue back so that the front teeth can complete normal eruption. This appliance can be used in conjunction with a palatal expander, which widens a constricted palate to a normal shape.
Thumb and finger sucking habits, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing must be stopped (after age 6) to ensure the success of any future orthodontic treatment. Duration, intensity, and frequency of the habit will determine the actual effects of the habit. The resulting malocclusion may affect speech, facial aesthetics, and the ability to chew food correctly. Mouth breathing can also have similar effects on the teeth and jaws and needs to be addressed appropriately. This may be caused by allergies or enlarged adenoids and may need to be addressed in conjunction with your physician.
RETAINERS
Removable retainers are used after orthodontic treatment to keep the teeth in place whilst the dental soft tissue fibres around the teeth re-orientate themselves to accept the new tooth position. They are generally worn full-time for 12 months and nights only there after for another 12-18 months or as long as possible.
A lingual bar is a form of retention using a very thin wire that is cemented in behind the teeth after treatment. This helps to retain the teeth and minimise any further movement after orthodontic treatment. It often eliminates wearing a removable retention plate for long periods after orthodontic treatment is completed.
MOUTHGUARD
Mouthguards are recommended when you are actively involved in a contact sport. They can be instantly moulded in hot water or custom made in a laboratory and come in a range of different colours and patterns. With braces fitted, a mouldable mouthguard should used until the braces are removed. This type of mouthguard can be remoulded to the teeth as they move over time to ensure it is fitting well. Once treatment is complete, a custom-made mouthguard can be made to last. This requires an impression and is sent off to a laboratory.