Orthodontic Treatment in Wetherill Park

At Dr Raymond Platon & Associates in Wetherill Park, we offer traditional metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners for suitable children, teenagers and adults.

Metal braces use brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into their planned positions. Invisalign uses a series of removable, custom-made clear aligners to progressively adjust tooth alignment.

The most appropriate treatment depends on factors such as crowding, spacing, bite alignment, dental development and individual oral health needs. Not every orthodontic option is suitable for every patient.

We offer a free orthodontic consultation, including a digital scan, where our team can assess your concerns, discuss suitable treatment options and explain the next steps.

Orthodontic treatment commonly takes around 12 to 24 months, although some cases require less time and more complex cases may take longer. The duration depends on factors such as tooth alignment, bite concerns, treatment complexity and the type of orthodontic appliance used.

Patients undergoing treatment with braces generally require regular adjustment appointments, while Invisalign patients need to wear their aligners as prescribed and attend scheduled reviews.

At Dr Raymond Platon & Associates in Wetherill Park, we assess your teeth and bite before recommending treatment. During your consultation, we can provide an estimated treatment timeframe based on your individual needs. This estimate may change as treatment progresses.

Braces can cause temporary discomfort, particularly during the first few days after they are fitted or following an adjustment appointment. You may notice pressure, tenderness when biting or mild irritation where the brackets and wires contact your cheeks or lips.

This discomfort usually improves as your mouth adjusts. Eating softer foods, using orthodontic wax on irritating brackets and maintaining gentle oral hygiene may help during this period.

Everyone experiences orthodontic treatment differently. If you develop significant or persistent pain, a loose bracket or a wire that is irritating your mouth, contact our Wetherill Park dental clinic for advice.

Yes. Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children and teenagers. Adults can also undergo orthodontic treatment to address crowded teeth, gaps, misalignment and certain bite concerns, provided their teeth and supporting gums are healthy enough for treatment.

At Dr Raymond Platon & Associates in Wetherill Park, we offer traditional metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners for suitable adult patients. The most appropriate option depends on your dental alignment, bite, oral health and treatment goals.

Before starting treatment, your dentist will assess your teeth, gums and supporting structures. Any existing dental concerns, such as untreated decay or active gum disease, may need to be addressed first.

We offer a free orthodontic consultation, including a digital scan, to discuss your concerns, assess potential treatment options and explain the next steps.

At Dr Raymond Platon & Associates in Wetherill Park, orthodontic appointments are generally scheduled according to the type of treatment:

• Traditional braces: Approximately every 4 weeks for adjustments and progress reviews.
• Invisalign clear aligners: Approximately every 6 to 8 weeks to monitor tooth movement and assess treatment progress.

Orthodontic treatment is planned by Dr Raymond Platon, while routine braces adjustments may also be provided by our oral health therapist, Caroline Nguyen, within her professional scope of practice.

Appointment intervals may vary depending on individual treatment needs. If you experience a loose bracket, an irritating wire or an aligner that does not fit properly, contact our clinic rather than waiting until your next scheduled visit.

Orthodontic treatment may temporarily affect how you speak or eat, particularly during the first few days after braces are fitted or when you begin wearing Invisalign clear aligners.

With traditional braces, your teeth may feel tender after fitting or adjustments, and brackets can initially irritate your cheeks or lips. Softer foods may be more comfortable during this period. You should also avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods that could damage your braces.

Invisalign aligners may cause a temporary change in speech, such as a slight lisp, while your tongue adjusts. Aligners should generally be removed when eating or drinking anything other than plain water, and your teeth should be cleaned before reinserting them.

Most patients gradually adapt to their orthodontic appliances, although individual experiences vary. If you experience persistent speech difficulties, discomfort or problems eating, contact our Wetherill Park dental clinic for advice.

After completing orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign, you will usually need to wear a retainer to help maintain your new tooth alignment. Teeth can gradually shift over time, even after successful orthodontic treatment.

Depending on your individual needs, your dentist may recommend a removable retainer, a fixed retainer bonded behind your teeth, or a combination of both.

Retainers generally need to be worn long term, following the schedule recommended by your dentist. Regular dental examinations and good oral hygiene are also important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums after treatment.

At Dr Raymond Platon & Associates in Wetherill Park, we explain how to wear and care for your retainers and arrange follow-up reviews where appropriate. Although retainers help reduce unwanted tooth movement, they cannot guarantee that your teeth will remain in exactly the same position permanently.

Orthodontic treatment is primarily used to correct tooth alignment and certain bite problems. Although braces and Invisalign can change how the teeth fit together, they are not generally recommended as treatments specifically for jaw pain or temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Jaw discomfort can have several causes, including jaw muscle tension, teeth grinding and problems affecting the temporomandibular joints. Correcting tooth alignment does not necessarily relieve these symptoms.

At Dr Raymond Platon & Associates in Wetherill Park, we assess your teeth, bite and jaw symptoms to help determine whether orthodontic treatment is appropriate or whether a separate assessment is needed.

If you experience persistent jaw pain, clicking, locking or difficulty opening your mouth, learn more about our TMJ and bruxism consultations.

Maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is important because braces and aligners can make it easier for plaque and food debris to accumulate around your teeth.

If you have traditional braces: Brush carefully around brackets and wires using fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily. Interdental brushes and floss threaders can help clean areas that are difficult to reach. Avoid hard or sticky foods that may damage your orthodontic appliances.

If you wear Invisalign clear aligners: Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Brush your teeth before reinserting them whenever possible, and clean your aligners according to your dental team’s instructions.

Continue attending regular dental examinations and professional cleaning appointments during orthodontic treatment. These visits help monitor your teeth and gums and identify concerns such as tooth decay or gum inflammation.

At Dr Raymond Platon & Associates in Wetherill Park, our team provides personalised oral hygiene advice throughout treatment to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums while wearing braces or Invisalign.