Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialised area of dentistry focused on straightening teeth and correcting bite and jaw alignment issues.
At Orthodontics Canberra, our specialist orthodontist Dr. Tom Ethell uses modern techniques such as metal and clear braces, and aligners to gently move teeth into better positions — improving both the appearance of your smile and the function of your bite.
Orthodontic treatment can help with:
Crooked or crowded teeth
Gaps between teeth
Overbite or underbite
Jaw alignment issues
Smile aesthetics and confidence
We offer a range of treatment options including:
Braces (metal and ceramic)
Clear aligners (like Invisalign®)
Early treatment for children
Discreet options for adults
Our team is led by fully qualified specialist orthodontist Dr Tom Ethell — not general dentists — meaning we’ve undergone 3 years of additional full-time university training in orthodontics after dental school.
Whether you’re a parent exploring options for your child or an adult considering a more confident smile, we’re here to help. We welcome patients from Woden Valley, Molonglo Valley, Weston Creek, Tuggeranong and across Canberra.
👉 Want to know if orthodontics is right for you? Book a consultation with our friendly team today.
What is the difference between an Orthodontist and a Dentist?
While both dentists and orthodontists are trained to care for your oral health, there is a key difference in their qualifications—especially when it comes to straightening teeth and correcting bites.
Dentists complete a general dental degree over 5 years. Orthodontists, like Dr Tom Ethell, are fully qualified dentists who go on to undertake an additional 3 years of full-time specialist training in orthodontics. This advanced study is focused entirely on the diagnosis and treatment of tooth and jaw alignment issues—training that is not included in standard dental degrees.
Orthodontic treatment is never just about straight teeth. Every case affects the whole mouth—how your teeth fit together, how your bite functions, and the long-term health of your jaws and smile. Because of this complexity, treatment should be planned and managed by a registered specialist orthodontist.
At Orthodontics Canberra, Dr Tom Ethell and his team provide specialist care tailored to your unique needs, ensuring safe, effective, and lasting results.
👉 Book a consultation today with Dr Tom Ethell at Orthodontics Canberra and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Do I need a referral to see an Orthodontist in Canberra?
No referral is required — anyone can book a new patient consultation directly with Dr Tom Ethell at Orthodontics Canberra. Whether you’ve been referred by your general dentist or are seeking specialist advice yourself, we welcome you to start your smile journey with us.
We have excellent working relationships with many Canberra dentists and often receive referrals from them. However, you’re just as welcome to contact us directly.
While a referral isn’t necessary, we do recommend that all patients have a thorough dental check-up and clean with their General Dentist before orthodontic treatment begins. This ensures your teeth and gums are healthy and ready for braces or aligners. If you haven’t seen your dentist recently, that’s no problem — you can still book your orthodontic consultation first, and we’ll guide you on when to schedule your dental visit afterwards.
At what age should my child first see an Orthodontist?
The ideal age for a first orthodontic assessment is around 7 years old. At this age, Dr Tom Ethell can identify early bite or growth issues that may be easier to correct while a child is still developing. Early diagnosis can help prevent more complex or lengthy treatment later.
Although early assessments are important, the most common age for full orthodontic treatment (with braces or aligners) is between 11 and 13 years old, when most permanent teeth have erupted.
At Orthodontics Canberra, we encourage all parents to bring their child in for an early orthodontic check at age 7. Early intervention can make a big difference in ensuring your child’s smile develops in a healthy, balanced way.
Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?
Absolutely not — there is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. Many adults choose to improve their smile, bite, and overall oral health with orthodontic care.
While teeth can move more slowly with age, adult orthodontic treatment can still achieve outstanding results. It’s not just about aesthetics, either. Dr Tom Ethell often works closely with dentists to position teeth ideally for other dental treatments — such as creating space for dental implants, improving the alignment before cosmetic dentistry like crowns and veneers, improving bite function, or supporting restorative work.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your smile or prepare for future dental treatment, it’s never too late to benefit from specialist orthodontic care.
👉 Book your consultation with Dr Tom Ethell at Orthodontics Canberra today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Treatment Options & Costs
What orthodontic treatment options are available?
At Orthodontics Canberra, we offer a comprehensive range of specialist orthodontic treatments to suit all ages and lifestyles. Dr Tom Ethell provides:
Metal braces – a reliable, effective option for achieving precise results in all case types.
Clear (ceramic) braces – a discreet alternative that blends with your natural tooth colour while delivering the same accuracy and performance.
Clear aligners – removable, nearly invisible aligners that gently move your teeth without the look of traditional braces.
In conjunction with aligner treatment, we also offer Dental Monitoring — an advanced system that allows Dr Tom Ethell to track your progress remotely using photos taken with your smartphone.
This means fewer in-office visits, faster adjustments when needed, and the peace of mind that your treatment is being carefully monitored by a specialist every step of the way.
Beyond standard orthodontic treatment, we also manage surgical orthodontic cases, early growth-modification (orthopaedic) treatments, and are qualified to place mini-pins (TADs) directly in the clinic — without the need to refer to an external surgeon.
Because Dr Tom Ethell was trained across multiple bracket systems and techniques during his specialist training, we can comfortably accommodate patients transferring from interstate or overseas. Every treatment plan is custom-designed to achieve a healthy, balanced, and confident smile that lasts.
How much do braces or aligners cost in Canberra?
At Orthodontics Canberra, the cost of braces or aligners depends on the complexity of your case, the treatment type, and the expected duration of care.
As a general guide, orthodontic treatment in Canberra typically ranges from $4,500 to $15,000.
Your exact fee will be confirmed at your initial consultation, where Dr Tom Ethell will provide a tailored treatment plan and quote. All fees are transparent and include appliances, adjustments, and retainers, so there are no hidden costs.
For more detailed pricing information, please visit our fees page or contact our friendly team to book your consultation.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality specialist orthodontic care, so we offer flexible interest-free payment plans.
After an initial deposit, the remaining balance is typically spread over 24 months in equal monthly instalments - completely interest-free. This cost includes your orthodontic treatment, all necessary appointments, and your retainers at the end of treatment.
Our team will discuss the payment plan in detail during your consultation to help you choose an option that best suits your budget and treatment goals.
👉 Book your consultation with Dr Tom Ethell at Orthodontics Canberra and find out which orthodontic treatment is right for you.
Treatment Process & Duration
How long will my treatment take?
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case, the type of appliance (braces, clear braces or aligners), your compliance with instructions, and the skill of the specialist. At Orthodontics Canberra, treatment time typically ranges from approximately 4 months up to 30 months. A simpler aligner case with excellent compliance might land near the shorter end, while a full-mouth comprehensive case (jaw alignment, surgical adjuncts, impacted teeth) may require closer to 3 years. During your first consultation, Dr Tom Ethell will provide a personalised estimate of how long your orthodontic journey is likely to take, based on your unique bite, teeth and jaw structure.
What happens at the first consultation?
When you visit Orthodontics Canberra for your first consultation, you’ll meet Dr Tom Ethell for a complete specialist assessment of your teeth, jaws, and smile. We set aside time to complete a thorough examination, identifying any areas of concern as well as any orthodontic problems and explain if/how we can assist you.
Your first appointment includes everything you need to get started, all on the same day — there’s no need for multiple visits before treatment planning begins.
During your consultation, we will:
Review your dental and medical history, and discuss your goals and concerns.
Conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment.
Take necessary diagnostic records on the day, including digital photos and X-rays, to build a comprehensive picture of your orthodontic needs.
Discuss your treatment options — whether braces, clear braces, or aligners — and provide an overview of the expected timeline and costs.
Explain the next steps and answer any questions you may have about your treatment journey.
This comprehensive, one-visit approach ensures that Dr Tom Ethell can begin planning your treatment immediately, saving you time and allowing you to move forward with confidence.
There’s no obligation to start treatment immediately — the consultation is your opportunity to explore specialist orthodontic care and get expert advice.
What happens after the braces/aligners are removed?
Once your orthodontic appliance (braces or aligners) has achieved the desired tooth and jaw alignment, the retention phase begins — which is a critical part of preserving your investment and maintaining your new smile long-term. At Orthodontics Canberra we typically plan the following retention protocol:
We permanently bond a wire retainer behind the lower front teeth — as these teeth are most prone to shifting after treatment.
In select cases (especially where there were rotated teeth or spaces/gaps before treatment) we may also bond a wire retainer in the upper arch.
In addition, you’ll receive clear removable night-time retainers for both the upper and lower teeth.
We ask that you wear the removable retainer every night for a period of 2 years. During this time we schedule periodic, short retainer-check appointments to ensure everything remains stable.
After those initial two years, we’ll discuss reducing wear down to a few nights per week, but we stress that you should continue wearing a retainer at least one night per week long term — because without consistent retainer wear the teeth will move again over time.
Care & Maintenance
Will orthodontic treatment be painful?
At Orthodontics Canberra, we aim to make your treatment as comfortable as possible. Some mild discomfort or pressure is normal when braces are first fitted or when aligners are changed — this is a sign that your teeth are moving into the correct position.
Most patients describe the sensation as temporary soreness, which typically subsides within a few days. Dr Tom Ethell and his team can provide tips and advice for managing any discomfort, including soft foods, over-the-counter pain relief, and orthodontic wax to reduce irritation from brackets. Modern braces, clear braces, and aligners are designed for efficient tooth movement with minimal pain, so your journey to a healthy, beautiful smile can be comfortable.
What happens if a bracket breaks or an aligner is lost?
Accidents can happen, and at Orthodontics Canberra, we’re prepared to manage them quickly.
Broken brackets or wires: Contact our office as soon as possible. Dr Tom Ethell will assess the issue and repair it promptly to keep your treatment on track.
Lost or damaged aligners: Let us know immediately. We can provide a replacement or advise whether you should move to the next aligner in your series.
Ready to begin your Smile Journey?
Whether you're considering braces, aligners, or just exploring your options, we’re here to help. Book a consultation today - and take the first step toward a confident, healthy smile.