Orthodontic treatment aligns your teeth and corrects your bite using gentle, sustained pressure over time — helping you achieve a smile that is not only more comfortable to look at, but easier to clean and better functioning.
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on the position of your teeth and the relationship of your upper and lower jaws. When teeth are crowded, spaced unevenly, rotated, or when the bite does not close correctly, orthodontic treatment uses carefully applied pressure to guide teeth into a more favourable position over time.
At Smile Spot Mawson Lakes, we offer orthodontic assessment and treatment for both teenagers and adults. The right time to start treatment depends on the individual — for teenagers, we often assess jaw growth patterns as part of the process; for adults, we focus on achieving good alignment with minimal disruption to daily life.
Patients from Mawson Lakes, Salisbury, Parafield, and surrounding areas visit us for orthodontic consultations, particularly valuing our Monday to Thursday evening hours which allow appointments outside school and work hours.
Fixed braces use metal or ceramic brackets bonded to the tooth surface, connected by a wire that is periodically adjusted. They apply continuous gentle pressure and are well suited to a wide range of alignment and bite correction cases, including more complex situations that may be harder to address with removable aligners alone.
Modern fixed braces are considerably more comfortable and less bulky than older systems. Ceramic (tooth-coloured) brackets are available for patients who prefer a less visible option while still having the reliability and precision of a fixed appliance.
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, removable clear aligners that gently shift your teeth in small increments. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately one to two weeks before progressing to the next. The aligners are virtually invisible when worn and can be removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth.
Invisalign is well suited to mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and some bite issues. It is particularly popular with adult patients who prefer discretion during treatment. Treatment requires commitment — aligners should be worn for at least 20–22 hours per day for effective tooth movement.
To learn more about Invisalign specifically, visit our dedicated Invisalign page for detailed information about the process, costs, and what to expect.
Orthodontic treatment is not purely cosmetic. Correcting how your upper and lower teeth meet — your bite — can have a meaningful impact on how you chew, the health of your jaw joints, the wear pattern on your teeth, and even how you breathe and speak. Common bite concerns include overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.
Bite correction often requires a combination of tooth movement and, in some cases, coordination with other dental treatments. Your dentist will assess your bite carefully during your orthodontic consultation and explain whether bite correction is part of your recommended treatment plan. In some situations, a referral to a specialist orthodontist is the most appropriate pathway.
For patients in Mawson Lakes and the northern suburbs of Adelaide, we are here to help you understand your options and make an informed choice about whether orthodontic treatment is right for you at this point in your life.
Orthodontic treatment is not limited to teenagers. Many adults in Mawson Lakes and the broader northern Adelaide area successfully complete treatment well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond. Provided your teeth and gums are healthy, age is rarely a barrier to getting started.
Treatment length varies considerably depending on the complexity of your case, the type of treatment, and how consistently you follow instructions (particularly with removable aligners). Straightforward cases may take 6–12 months, while more complex bite corrections can take 18–24 months or longer. Your dentist will give you an estimated timeframe after a thorough assessment.
Some discomfort is normal in the first few days after braces are fitted or after each aligner change, as your teeth begin to move. This typically settles within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods can help during this period. Most patients find the discomfort manageable.
Yes — retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment. Once active treatment is complete, your teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original position. Wearing your retainer as directed is the main factor in maintaining your result long-term. Your dentist will explain the retainer schedule at the end of your treatment.
Book a consultation at our Mawson Lakes practice to find out which option suits your teeth, lifestyle, and budget. Evening appointments are available Monday to Thursday.
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