Some people are allergic to certain metals such as nickel. Patients are also able to be allergic to the latex gloves that the orthodontist and assistants use. Braces can also irritate your child’s gums that can cause swelling; this is not an allergic reaction but something parents should look out for.

The length of treatment varies and the team at South Yarra Orthodontics will advise you on the best length of time for your case. It all depends on the severity of the problem, how your child cooperates and your child’s growth. Typically most children wear braces from 18-36 months.

The term ‘invisible braces’ isn’t something that should be taken literally but is used to describe a range of orthodontic treatment that is significantly hidden from view or against the backdrop of one’s teeth. Lingual braces are an example of this and so are clear braces and clear removable aligners such as Invisalign. Of the three, lingual or Incognito braces are arguably the most discreet because of the fact that they are attached to the back of your teeth and thus less likely to be seen. Invisalign clear aligners are also just about imperceptible but are still fitted to all sides of your teeth.

A lot of patients are concerned with whether or not having braces fitted will affect their speech and the answer is that it might do. This, however, is very rarely a permanent problem and patients that do experience problems with speech usually only do so in the first few weeks of treatment whether that be with braces or even clear removable aligners. Once your mouth adjusts to the amount of space it has to work with and your tongue learns its way around, you will have fully adapted to your orthodontic treatment and able to speak normally. In fact, we recommend that your best way of returning to your normal speech pattern is to just keep speaking the same way you always have.

No one is too old to benefit from orthodontics. Ideally, braces should be fitted between the ages of 7 and 14 years old. This is because the jawbones haven’t stopped growing yet and are much easier to manipulate. Adults can receive braces at a later age, however treatment may take a little longer.

Today, one in five orthodontic patients are adults.

The device itself will not make you lose weight but your diet choices could. Once you get your braces fitted, there are certain foods you should stay away from – namely hard foods. You may also find it difficult to chew during the first few days after having your wires tightened in which you should follow a soft food diet. Generally, braces require that you do not eat hard foods and that certain foods, like fruit, be cut into smaller pieces. This does not mean that you will lose weight.

You will only have bad breath if you have a pre-existing condition or if you do not follow a good oral care routine. Braces make it easier for food particles to get stuck in your teeth, thus increasing your chances of bacterial build-up and bad breath. However, brushing after every meal, using a good mouthwash and flossing once a day, should ensure that your mouth is clean and fresh.

Whitening your teeth whilst having braces on is possible; most people wait until after their braces have been removed to have their teeth whitened. There are certain limitations and contraindications when it comes to teeth whitening and so it is best to consult your orthodontist at South Yarra Orthodontics about what route is best for you to take.