Dental Braces in Highton, Geelong

Straighten crooked, crowded or misaligned teeth with dental braces designed to gradually guide your teeth and your bite into their ideal position.

At My Dentist Geelong (Highton), we help patients of all ages work towards a straighter, healthier smile with care that is planned around your individual needs.

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What Are Dental Braces?

Dental braces help move teeth into a straighter position.

Dental braces are a fixed orthodontic appliance used to move teeth gradually into a straighter and more even position.

A typical brace is made up of small brackets attached to the front of each tooth, connected by a thin archwire. The wire applies gentle, continuous pressure on the teeth, slowly guiding them into alignment over time.

Braces do not just improve the appearance of your smile. They can also help correct how your upper and lower teeth meet when you bite down, close gaps between teeth, and ease overcrowding.

It also makes everyday brushing and flossing easier by giving your teeth room to be cleaned properly.

Depending on the individual case, treatment with braces typically takes 12 to 24 months, as teeth need to move gradually and safely into their new position.

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Signs You May Need Dental Braces

You may benefit from dental braces if you notice any of the following:

  • Crooked, crowded or overlapping teeth
  • Noticeable gaps between your teeth
  • Your upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly when you bite down (an overbite, underbite or crossbite)
  • Your jaw or teeth have not developed evenly
  • A dentist or orthodontist has recommended treatment to correct your bite or jaw alignment
  • Difficulty cleaning between teeth due to crowding or overlap

A dental check-up is a good starting point if you are unsure whether braces are right for you. Our team can assess your teeth and bite, and explain whether braces or another option may suit your situation.

Braces vs Invisalign: Which Is Right for You?

Difference between traditional dental braces and Invisalign clear aligners.

Braces and Invisalign both aim to straighten teeth, but they work differently.

Traditional braces are fixed to the teeth and are often recommended for more complex movements or bite corrections, while Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners that some patients prefer for their discreet appearance.

The right option depends on your individual teeth, bite and lifestyle. During consultation, our team can talk you through both options so you can make an informed decision.

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What to Expect When Getting Dental Braces

Dentist examining the patient’s teeth with an X-ray.

Consultation

Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums and bite, and may recommend X-rays to get a clearer picture of your jaw and tooth positioning.

This helps your dentist plan the right approach for your individual case.

Braces are connected by a thin archwire.

Fitting your braces

Brackets are bonded to each tooth and connected with an archwire, which applies gentle pressure to begin guiding your teeth into position.

Dentist adjusting and tightening the patient’s braces.

Regular adjustments

You will need periodic visits so your dentist can adjust and tighten your braces, keeping your treatment progressing as planned.

Patient wearing a retainer after they have completed their treatment.

After your braces come off

Once treatment is complete, a retainer is usually recommended to help hold your teeth in their new position and prevent them from shifting back.

Caring for Your Teeth While Wearing Braces

Braces are fixed appliances, so keeping your teeth and gums healthy during treatment takes a little extra care.

Good oral hygiene throughout treatment can help avoid issues such as decay or gum irritation around the brackets. A few tips:

  • Brush thoroughly after meals to clear food particles from around brackets and wires
  • Floss daily, using floss threaders or an interdental brush if needed to get between the wire and your teeth
  • Avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods that could damage or dislodge brackets
  • Keep up with your regular dental check-ups and hygiene appointments during treatment

If you experience discomfort or a bracket or wire feels loose or is poking, contact our clinic so we can help.

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Dental Braces for Families

A teenager wearing braces to correct their teeth.

Orthodontic needs look different at every stage of life, and My Dentist Geelong (Highton) is able to support both teenagers and adults working towards having straighter teeth.

For teenagers

  • The teenage years are the most common time for braces, as most adult teeth have come through and the jaw is still developing.
  • Braces can help correct crowding, gaps, and bite issues while your teenager is still growing.
  • Our team will guide them through what to expect at each stage, from getting used to their braces to keeping up good oral hygiene throughout treatment.

For adults

  • Most adults choose braces, whether to address something that was never treated in their teenage years, correct teeth that have shifted over time, or simply improve their smile.
  • Treatment works the same way for adults as it does for teenagers, though your dentist will take into account factors such as existing dental work and gum health when planning your treatment.

Our team can assess your teeth and recommend a treatment plan suited to your individual needs.

Health Funds for Dental Braces

If you have private health insurance with dental extras, you may be able to claim part of the cost of your dental braces treatment, depending on your level of cover, annual limits, and whether your policy includes orthodontic benefits.

Orthodontic cover is often treated separately from general dental cover and may have its own waiting periods and annual or lifetime limits, so it is best to check the details of your policy before starting treatment.

At My Dentist Geelong (Highton), our team can help you understand the payment options available at the clinic. Please bring your private health insurance card to your appointment so we can assist with your claim where applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do dental braces work?

Dental braces use brackets attached to your teeth, connected by an archwire. The wire applies gentle, continuous pressure that gradually moves your teeth into a straighter position over time.

How long does treatment with braces take?

Treatment time varies depending on the individual case, but braces typically take 12 to 24 months or more to straighten teeth, since movement needs to happen gradually and safely.

Are braces only for teenagers?

No. While most patients needing orthodontic treatment are adolescents, more adults are choosing braces too, whether to correct an issue that wasn't treated earlier in life or to improve their smile as adults.

What's the difference between braces and Invisalign?

Braces are fixed to the teeth and are often recommended for more complex bite or alignment issues, while Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners. The right choice depends on your teeth, bite and personal preference, which our dentist can discuss with you.

Do braces hurt?

It is common to feel some pressure or mild discomfort for a few days after your braces are fitted or adjusted, as your teeth begin to move. This usually settles on its own. If discomfort continues or worsens, let your dentist know.

Can I eat normally with braces?

You will need to avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods that could damage or dislodge your brackets and wires. Your dentist will give you specific guidance on foods to avoid during treatment.

How do I clean my teeth with braces on?

Brush thoroughly after meals and floss daily using floss threaders or an interdental brush. It helps keep your teeth and gums healthy while your brackets and wires are in place. Regular dental check-ups and hygiene visits are also important during treatment.

Do I need a retainer after my braces come off?

Yes, a retainer is usually recommended once your braces are removed. It helps hold your teeth in their new position and prevents them from gradually shifting back.

How do I know if I need braces?

The best way to find out is to book a consultation with My Dentist Geelong (Highton). Our dentist will examine your teeth, gums and bite, and talk you through whether braces or another treatment option may be suitable for your needs.

What payment options are available at My Dentist Geelong (Highton)?

My Dentist Geelong (Highton) offers a variety of payment options, including DentiCare payment plans, private health insurance rebates through HICAPS, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), and Department of Veterans’ Affairs dental benefits. Availability may depend on your treatment type and eligibility, so please check with the clinic when booking your appointment.

Can I get a same-day appointment for braces concerns?

Yes, we provide same-day appointments for urgent concerns, subject to availability. If you require urgent emergency dental care, our team will assess your condition and provide care to help relieve pain and stabilise your oral health.

Ready to Smile with Confidence?

Conveniently located within Barrabool Hills Plaza in Highton, Geelong, My Dentist Geelong (Highton) welcomes patients from Highton, Belmont, Wandana Heights, Newtown, Waurn Ponds, Ceres, Fyansford and Manifold Heights, as well as the wider Geelong community.

With easy access just off the M1 Princes Highway / Great Ocean Road and ample free parking within the shopping centre, visiting our clinic is simple and stress-free. Whether you need preventive, cosmetic, restorative or emergency dental care, our team is here to help.

Experience stress-free dental visits at My Dentist Geelong (Highton), conveniently located in Barrabool Hills Plaza with ample parking.