Read the most frequently asked questions we receive from our patients.

If you have a specific question you would like answered, please contact Dr Mewing today on 07 3843 1155 or click here to email us!

1. How long will Orthodontic treatment take?
The length of treatment depends upon the severity of the problem. 6 to 30 months is possible.

2. Does Orthodontics hurt?
Many patients experience slight discomfort when their orthodontic appliances or braces are first fitted and again a day or two after each adjustment.

3. How much does the treatment cost?
The cost of treatment will vary according to whether one or both arches of teeth need treatment; how severe the problem is; the type of braces chosen; and whether there are alternatives to braces. A detailed quotation is given at the consultation visit. The cost of treatment is broken down over the course of treatment to make payment easier.

4. How often do I need to have my braces adjusted?
Adjustment visits, once braces are in place, are short appointments that occur 3 to 8 weeks apart. Dr Mewing uses the latest generation of wire technology in the practice, which allows fewer adjustments and greater comfort, while achieving superior results in the same or lesser time frame.

5. Will I still be able to talk when I have braces?
Yes. Braces should not interfere with the way you speak or the sound of your voice. In certain cases, your mouth may need to adjust if you have an appliance which could get in the way of your tongue. You may then have a little trouble speaking clearly for a day or two. However, your tongue will readjust and you will be able to talk like normal soon after.

6. Does it hurt to eat with braces?
After treatment for the first few days your teeth will feel a little tender and you may wish to eat softer foods. After this you should be able to eat normally again.

7. Will braces cause ulcers in my mouth?
When you first get braces, you could experience some ulcers in your mouth. If you rinse in warm salty water, they will heal within a week or two. We provide orthodontic wax to our patients when they get braces put on as this helps protect the inside of your cheeks from rubbing against the brackets, which in turn helps prevent ulcers forming. Your gums and cheeks will become accustomed to the braces and after a while you shouldn't need to use wax anymore.

8. What happens if a bracket falls off?
We will simply re-attach it. Usually this is not a problem; however, if this does occur please make an appointment with us as soon as possible.

9. Can adults have Orthodontic treatment?
Definitely! Today more and more adults are deciding to undergo Orthodontic treatment with approximately 50% of our patients being adults. Through the continual advancements in the field of Orthodontics, today treatment is more refined and the materials used are stronger and less intrusive. No more bulky metal brackets or ‘train tracks’ running across teeth! Many Orthodontic treatments are now so discreet no one will even know you are wearing them.

10. Will I need to have teeth removed?
In some cases teeth may need to be removed, in order to make enough room to fit crowded teeth into position. Fortunately, modern Orthodontics involves a much lower requirement to remove teeth, and, if treated at the correct age, teeth may only need to be removed in 10 to 15 percent of cases.