Every smile is unique, and treatment times vary based on your specific needs. Most patients wear braces for 18-24 months, but some cases might be shorter or longer. During your consultation, our experienced dentist will provide a more accurate timeline based on factors like your age, the complexity of your alignment issues, and how your teeth may respond to treatment. Remember, following your dentist’s instructions carefully can help ensure your treatment stays on schedule.

While getting braces fitted doesn’t hurt, you may experience some discomfort for the first 3-5 days after fitting and after each adjustment. This feeling is more like a dull pressure rather than sharp pain, and it’s a sign that your teeth are beginning to move. Most patients find that over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods help manage any initial soreness. The good news is that today’s braces use gentler, more constant forces than older models, making the process more comfortable than ever.

Absolutely! You can continue all your regular activities with braces. For sports, we recommend wearing a special mouthguard (which we can provide) to protect both your braces and teeth. For musical instruments, particularly wind instruments, there might be a brief adjustment period of 1-2 weeks while you get used to playing with braces. Most of our patients quickly adapt and return to their normal performance level.

While we use durable materials, brackets can occasionally break or wires can come loose, usually from eating hard foods or accidental impacts. If this happens, don’t panic! Many issues can wait until your next appointment, but we provide emergency care instructions and support if needed. We’ll show you how to handle minor issues at home and when you should contact us for an immediate appointment.

Typically, you’ll visit us every 4-6 weeks for adjustments. These appointments are usually quick (20-30 minutes) and can be scheduled at any of our 6 Melbourne locations. We offer flexible appointment times, including select evening slots & weekends, to fit around your work or school schedule. Missing or delaying appointments can extend your treatment time, so we make it as convenient as possible to maintain your regular adjustment schedule.

To maintain your new smile, you’ll need to wear a retainer after your braces are removed. Initially, you’ll wear it full-time for a few months, then typically only at night. We offer both removable and fixed retainer options, and we’ll help you choose the best one for your lifestyle. Think of your retainer as an investment in protecting the time and effort you’ve put into achieving your perfect smile. With proper retainer use and regular dental check-ups, your straight smile can last a lifetime.

Exciting News: MC Dental Group Expands to 6 Melbourne Locations.

We’re proud to serve you across Melbourne with practices in Melbourne Central, Docklands, Glen Waverley, Highpoint, Doncaster, and Brighton. Finding quality dental care near you has never been easier – simply visit our Melbourne dentist near me search page to locate your closest MC Dental clinic.

Ready to book? Call our friendly team at (03) 8608 8969 for personalized assistance and help with location selection and appointment scheduling. You can also book your dental appointment online anytime.