Last updated: July 2026
Crooked teeth, crowding, and bite problems affect people of all ages. Whether it's a teenager starting high school in Croydon, an adult in Ringwood whose teeth have shifted over the years, or a parent in Mooroolbark who never had the chance to get braces as a child, orthodontic treatment is something many people in the eastern suburbs think about at some point.
The good news is that orthodontic treatment is no longer limited to metal braces worn for two or three years. There are now several approaches available, each suited to different situations, preferences, and budgets. At Divine Dental Care on Wicklow Ave, we offer a range of orthodontic options so that treatment can be tailored to your individual needs.
Traditional metal braces are the most established orthodontic system and remain widely used for good reason. They consist of small metal brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by a wire that is periodically adjusted to guide teeth into improved positions.
What they can address:
Who they may suit:
Typical treatment duration: 12 to 36 months, depending on the complexity of the case.
Things to consider: Metal braces are the most visible orthodontic option. They require regular adjustment appointments (typically every four to six weeks) and some dietary restrictions — hard, sticky, and crunchy foods can damage brackets and wires.
Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces but use tooth-coloured or clear brackets instead of metal ones. The wire connecting the brackets may also be tooth-coloured, making the whole system less noticeable.
What they can address:
Who they may suit:
Typical treatment duration: Similar to metal braces — generally 12 to 30 months.
Things to consider: Ceramic brackets can be slightly more prone to staining from coffee, tea, curry, and red wine. The elastic ties holding the wire in place are particularly susceptible, so patients may need to be more mindful of diet and oral hygiene. Ceramic brackets can also be slightly more fragile than metal ones, so extra care is needed with hard foods.
Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays that fit snugly over the teeth. Each set of trays makes small, precise adjustments, and patients switch to a new set every one to two weeks. The trays are virtually invisible when worn.
What they can address:
Who they may suit:
Typical treatment duration: 6 to 18 months for most cases, though complex cases may take longer.
Things to consider: Clear aligners may not be appropriate for complex orthodontic cases involving significant bite correction, severe rotations, or large vertical movements. Compliance is essential — if the trays aren't worn for the required hours, treatment can stall or produce suboptimal results. At Divine Dental Care, we use ClearCorrect aligners, which are custom-manufactured for each patient's treatment plan.
Short-term braces — sometimes called six month braces — focus specifically on the front teeth that are visible when you smile. They use tooth-coloured brackets and lighter forces to achieve cosmetic alignment in a fraction of the time required for comprehensive orthodontics.
What they can address:
Who they may suit:
Typical treatment duration: 4 to 9 months.
Things to consider: Short-term braces are not designed to correct bite problems, reposition molars, or address complex orthodontic issues. They are a cosmetic solution for the front teeth only. A thorough assessment is needed to determine suitability. Read our detailed guide to six month braces in Croydon for more information.
Choosing an orthodontic approach depends on several factors that are specific to your situation:
Your dentist can assess your teeth, jaw, and bite, take the necessary records (x-rays, photos, scans or impressions), and explain which options may be suitable for your specific case. There is no one-size-fits-all answer — the right choice depends on what you're trying to achieve and what will work clinically.
It's not uncommon for families in Croydon to have multiple members considering orthodontic treatment at the same time — a teenager whose teeth are crowding as their adult teeth come through, and a parent whose teeth have shifted since their twenties. Families from surrounding suburbs like Bayswater North, Warranwood, and Wonga Park regularly visit our practice for exactly this scenario.
With 10 dentists on staff and QIP accreditation, our Croydon team can manage treatment for multiple family members simultaneously, coordinating appointments to minimise trips. We're open Saturdays until 5pm, which makes it easier for families where parents work during the week and teenagers have school commitments.
Whether you're looking into braces for your teenager or considering straightening your own teeth, the first step is a consultation to assess your teeth and discuss your options. There's no obligation to proceed — the aim is to give you enough information to make a considered decision.
Divine Dental Care is at 59 Wicklow Avenue, Croydon — accessible via Maroondah Highway or EastLink, a short walk from Croydon Station, with free parking on site.
Call (03) 9725 8040 or book online to arrange your consultation.
There is no single right age, but many dentists recommend an initial assessment around age 7 to 10, when the adult teeth are starting to come through. This doesn't mean treatment will start at that age — early assessment allows your dentist to monitor jaw and tooth development and identify whether intervention may be needed, and when the timing is likely to be most effective.
Adults can absolutely have orthodontic treatment. In fact, a significant proportion of orthodontic patients today are adults. There is no upper age limit for braces or aligners, provided the teeth and gums are healthy. Many adults in the eastern suburbs choose clear aligners or ceramic braces for a more discreet option.
Costs vary depending on the type of treatment, the complexity of the case, and the duration. Your dentist will provide a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate after your initial assessment. Payment plans may be available to help make treatment more manageable. Some health fund policies include orthodontic cover — check with your fund for details.
Some discomfort is normal, particularly in the first few days after braces are placed and after each adjustment. Most patients describe it as a feeling of pressure or tightness rather than sharp pain. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually sufficient to manage any soreness, which typically settles within a few days.
For fixed braces (metal, ceramic, or short-term), adjustment appointments are typically every four to six weeks. For clear aligners, check-in appointments are usually every six to eight weeks. Each appointment is generally 15 to 30 minutes. Our Croydon location on Wicklow Ave is convenient for families across the Maroondah area.
Yes. Retainers are a standard and essential part of any orthodontic treatment. Without them, teeth can gradually move back toward their original positions over time. Most patients have a fixed retainer (a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth) and may also use a removable retainer at night. Your dentist will explain the retention plan before treatment begins.