Diamond Dental Care provides braces treatment for children and adults throughout Sippy Downs and the Sunshine Coast. Dr Doug Leishman (DEN0000950832, Registered Dentist) and our team offer orthodontic treatment options to address teeth alignment and bite concerns. Initial consultations are available to discuss whether braces may be suitable for you or your child.

Braces are orthodontic appliances designed to straighten teeth and correct bite alignment issues. Traditional metal braces consist of brackets bonded to teeth, connected by archwires and secured with elastic bands. Contemporary braces are generally smaller than older versions, which many patients find more comfortable.

At our Sunshine Coast practice, we use braces to address various orthodontic concerns, including:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbite, underbite, or crossbite issues
• Jaw alignment problems
• Teeth that affect proper chewing or speaking

While braces certainly improve smile aesthetics, they also offer functional benefits. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, potentially reducing decay and gum disease risk.

Both braces and clear aligners like Invisalign can effectively straighten teeth, but each has distinct characteristics:

Traditional Braces:

• Fixed to teeth throughout treatment
• Suitable for complex orthodontic cases
• Require dietary modifications (avoiding hard, sticky foods)
• Typically more affordable than clear aligners
• Monthly adjustment appointments needed

Clear Aligners:

• Removable for eating and cleaning
• Nearly invisible appearance
• Best suited for mild to moderate cases
• No dietary restrictions
• Require excellent compliance (22+ hours daily wear)

During your consultation at our Sippy Downs office, we’ll discuss which option best suits your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Clear Aligners

Custom-made removable aligners that gradually shift teeth into position. Suitable for certain cases in adults and teenagers who prefer a more discreet option.

Each treatment option has different benefits, limitations, and costs. We’ll assess your individual situation to discuss the most appropriate approach.

Initial Consultation: Our team examines your teeth, takes X-rays if needed, and discusses treatment options. We provide detailed cost estimates and payment plans.

Treatment Planning: If you proceed, we create moulds or digital scans of your teeth and develop a customised treatment plan.

Fitting Appointment: The initial fitting takes 1-2 hours. We clean teeth, apply adhesive, attach brackets, and place the archwire.

Regular Adjustments: You’ll visit our office monthly for adjustments to gradually move teeth into position.

Retention Phase: After braces removal, you’ll wear retainers to maintain results. This typically involves indefinite night-time wear.

Treatment duration varies significantly based on individual factors:

• Children/Teenagers: Typically 18-24 months
• Adults: Generally 18-36 months

Duration depends on case complexity, age, bone density, and, importantly, treatment compliance. Following care instructions, attending appointments, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene can help ensure timely treatment completion.

Proper braces care is essential for successful treatment and preventing complications:

Oral Hygiene:

• Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Use special orthodontic floss threaders daily
• Consider an interdental brush for hard-to-reach areas
• Rinse with fluoride mouthwash as recommended

Dietary Guidelines:

• Avoid hard foods (nuts, hard lollies, ice)
• Skip sticky items (caramel, chewing gum)
• Cut firm fruits and vegetables into small pieces
• Minimise sugary drinks and snacks

Comfort Management:

• Use orthodontic wax for bracket irritation
• Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed after adjustments
• Rinse with warm salt water for mouth sores

Interested in braces treatment? Contact Diamond Dental Care at +61 7 5477 0889 to schedule a complimentary consultation. Our dental team provides orthodontic care for patients throughout Sippy Downs and the Sunshine Coast region.

During your consultation, we can discuss the different braces options and whether they may be suitable for your individual needs.