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      About Uschevron down

      A Confident Smile Is Your Greatest Asset - 5 Convenient Locations

      • Braces
      • Invisalign
      • Providing Outstanding Service
      • Specialising In Fixed Retention
      General Info

      Post Braces Care Payment Plans. Specialising in Braces, Clear Braces, Invisalign, Post Braces Care & Payment Plans

      Hunter Valley Orthodontics is committed to providing an excellent level of specialised orthodontic care to all our patients using evidence based treatments and the latest techniques in a warm, caring and professional environment.

      At our orthodontic practice your first visit will include dental photographs, x-rays and an exam by one of our specialised orthodontists, where you will find out about your treatment options in a detailed consultation that usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. We have locations at Warners Bay, Newcastle, Salamander Bay and Maitland.

      Dr Steve Cave BDS MDSc Dr Kay Kanthathas BDS MDSc MOrthRCS(Eng) MFDSRCPS Dr Danny Yang B.D.S.(Otago) Dclin Dent(WA) FRACDS PhD Dr Soon Leng (Sara) Saw BDS, MFDS RCSEd, DCD (Ortho)Hunter Valley Orthodontics utilises the services of a team of university trained graduate hygienists who work together with the orthodontist to achieve an excellent orthodontic result and provide outstanding service to our patients.

      Metal braces - Least expensive, strongest and fastest way to straighten teeth. Clear braces - Blend in with most teeth so they are not so noticeable. Invisalign - Clear removable aligners which are changed every two weeks. Fixed retention wires - These are bonded to the back of the teeth so not visible from the front.

      Accreditations
      Accreditation badgeQIP- National AccreditationAccreditation badgeADA
      Email
      Established
      1978
      ABN
      29 002 946 670
      Staff
      21-50
      AKA

      Orthobay Pty Ltd - Trading As Hunter Valley Orthodontics

      Service Notes
      Closed On Public Holidays
      Other Links
      Other Email

      Category
      Orthodontists
      Keywords
      3d scanner x-ray, Braces, Coloured Braces, Clear Braces, Fixed Retention Wire, Hidden Braces, Hunter Orthodontist, Hunter Valley Orthodontics, Invisalign, Invisible Braces, Invisible Orthodontist, Kugathasan Kanthathas, Orthodontics, Orthodontist, Orthodontist Bay, Orthodontist Maitland, Orthodontist Newcastle, Orthodontist Salamander Bay, Orthodontist Singleton, Orthodontist Warners Bay, Permanent Retention, Retaining Straight Teeth, Robert Cerny, Steven Cave, Straight Teeth, abc orthodontist, brushing braces, cleaning with braces, dental hygienists, dr orthodontist, eating with braces, orthodontist lake macquarie, smiles orthodontist
      FAQschevron down

      How old do you have to be to have orthodontic treatment?

      All ages can be treated; babies with facial anomalies such as cleft palate to late adulthood can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Modern techniques and materials have allowed many age groups to successfully and happily undertake treatment.


      What type of braces do you use?

      Hunter Valley Orthodontics uses the most modern braces available. These include ceramic (clear), stainless steel, coloured, gold and Invisalign. For more information, see the section on braces.


      Does orthodontic treatment hurt?

      Modern techniques and materials have made orthodontic treatment much less traumatic than the "old train track" days. Placing the braces usually does not cause undue pain, however as they begin to move your teeth they can cause your teeth to feel uncomfortable. A soft diet for the initial few days may be necessary to overcome that feeling.


      How long will I need to be in braces?

      The duration of your treatment varies according to the complexity of the problem. Serious problems can take up to 3 years to complete whilst very simple problems can take less than 6 months. However, the average treatment time is 18 months. The orthodontist at your initial examination will give you an estimation of the time we expect you will be in braces.


      How fast can I get started with braces?

      The earliest you can start having braces fitted is once you have completed the preliminary work from your dentist. Depending on appointments this can be as early as 4-6 weeks from your initial examination appointment.


      How long do I have to wait after I have teeth out to undergo orthodontic treatment?

      The simple answer is when you are feeling well enough for us to place our braces. With simple tooth removals this can be within 2 weeks. For more complicated, surgical removals such as wisdom teeth this may be as long as 1-2 months. In some cases the orthodontist may suggest waiting several months or years to allow additional eruption and natural alignment from the removal of the teeth.


      How often do I get the braces adjusted?

      Usually adjustments are scheduled for between 4-8 weeks depending on the wires being used and the state you are up to in treatment. The most modern forms of braces have unique slips that hold the wires in place and allow adjustments to be spread out even further to 8-10 weeks. However, the process of tooth alignment always needs to be monitored regularly by the orthodontist and so is not a fully automated system.


      What can I eat after having braces fitted?

      You can commence eating immediately after the braces have been placed. It may be advantageous to have something to eat soon after the braces are fitted, since they may become too uncomfortable to fully enjoy your larger evening meals. The general foods to avoid are hard and crunchy foods (e.g. pork crackling, muesli nuts) soft sticky (e.g. mars bars, minties) and sugary foods and drinks (e.g. Cordials and soft drinks).