Orthodontic Costs & Treatment Process
If you are considering orthodontic treatment, it is natural to want to know how much treatment may cost and what is involved.
Orthodontic treatment is different for every patient. The type of treatment, complexity of the bite, treatment time and appliances required can all affect the overall cost.
At Best Western Dental Centre, we assess each patient individually and explain the recommended treatment, expected fees and payment options before treatment begins.
Your Free Orthodontic Consultation
Your orthodontic journey begins with an orthodontic consultation with Dr Nathan Le. One free orthodontic consultation is available per patient.
An OPG (panoramic dental X-ray) is required for the orthodontic assessment so that Dr Le can evaluate the teeth, developing teeth, jaw structures and other factors that may affect treatment planning.
If you already have a recent suitable OPG, please bring or send it to us before your appointment. Otherwise, an OPG can be arranged at the practice.
During your consultation, we will discuss your concerns and assess your teeth, bite, jaw development and available space. For children and teenagers, we also consider dental development and whether treatment is best started now or monitored until the appropriate stage of growth.
Where appropriate, Dr Le generally prefers a non-extraction approach, using arch development or expansion when clinically suitable. However, every patient is assessed individually, and treatment recommendations depend on the patient’s specific orthodontic needs.
Orthodontic Records and Treatment Planning
If you would like to proceed, orthodontic records are taken so your treatment can be planned in detail.
Depending on your needs, these may include:
- Digital scans of your teeth
- Clinical photographs
- An OPG panoramic X-ray
- A lateral cephalometric X-ray
After reviewing your records, Dr Le will discuss the proposed treatment plan with you, including the recommended treatment, expected treatment time and fees.
You will have an opportunity to ask questions before deciding whether to proceed.
How Much Does Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies because every patient’s orthodontic needs are different.
Factors that can affect the cost include:
- Whether treatment involves braces, clear aligners or another orthodontic appliance
- The complexity of the tooth and bite correction required
- Whether early or Phase 1 treatment is required
- The anticipated length of treatment
- The type and number of appliances required
Before treatment begins, we provide you with a treatment plan and fee estimate so you understand the expected costs.
Payment options may also be available to help spread the cost of treatment.
Braces and Clear Aligners
Depending on your orthodontic needs, treatment may include braces or clear aligners.
We offer clear aligner treatment including Angel Aligner™ and Invisalign®, where clinically appropriate. Clear aligners provide a discreet and removable treatment option for many teenagers and adults.
The most appropriate option depends on your teeth, bite, treatment goals and the type of tooth movement required. Dr Le will discuss the advantages and limitations of the suitable options with you.
Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children
Some children may benefit from orthodontic treatment before all their adult teeth have erupted.
Early or Phase 1 orthodontic treatment may be considered when there are concerns about jaw development, arch width, crowding, crossbites or the way the teeth and jaws are developing.
Treatment may involve an orthodontic appliance, arch development or expansion, depending on the child’s individual needs.
Not every child needs early treatment. Where treatment is not yet indicated, we may recommend monitoring growth and dental development instead.
Starting Orthodontic Treatment
Once you are comfortable with your treatment plan and decide to proceed, we arrange your treatment appointments.
For braces, this usually involves fitting the braces followed by regular adjustment and review appointments.
For clear aligners, your aligners are made specifically for your teeth. You will change aligners according to your treatment schedule and attend regular reviews so we can monitor tooth movement and progress.
Regular Orthodontic Reviews
Regular reviews are an important part of orthodontic treatment.
At these appointments, we check tooth movement, your bite, oral hygiene and the condition of your braces, aligners or appliances. Adjustments are made as required to keep treatment progressing towards the planned result.
Treatment times vary depending on the complexity of the case and how the teeth respond to treatment. Wearing appliances or elastics as instructed and attending scheduled reviews can help treatment progress efficiently.
Retainers After Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment does not finish when your braces or aligners come off.
Retainers are important because teeth naturally have a tendency to move after orthodontic treatment. We will recommend an appropriate retention plan to help maintain your new tooth positions.
Long-term retainer wear is usually recommended.
Ready to Discuss Orthodontic Treatment?
If you are considering braces, clear aligners or early orthodontic treatment for your child, the first step is an orthodontic consultation.
We can assess your teeth and bite, discuss suitable treatment options and explain the likely treatment process and costs before you decide whether to proceed.
Request an orthodontic appointment with Best Western Dental Centre.
Page reviewed by Dr Nathan Le, BDS (University of Sydney), August 2026.