Frequently Asked Questions

Many people are under the impression that with the frequent trips to the orthodontist that are required when wearing braces, there is no need to visit the dentist. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While your orthodontist is checking to see how your treatment is coming along, your dentist will be checking to see if your teeth are healthy. This means that if you are experiencing any issues such as tooth decay while wearing braces, your dentist will be the first port of call. Your dentist can help ensure that your soon-to-be straight teeth are also strong and healthy.

Dr Miles uses a technique for indirect bonding that applies all the braces in one go so it is a lot faster than applying them individually.

The wire is then threaded through, and then small elastics are applied on the brackets to hold the wire in.

You can eat most foods with braces.

It is easier to point out the things you cannot eat with braces:

• Foods that are too sticky such as toffee
• Foods that are difficult to bite into such as whole apples, corn on the cob, and raw carrots

Foods that are invasive to your teeth and gums such as popcorn and nuts

It is highly advised that you do not chew gum with braces as it is very chewy and sticky. It will get stuck in your braces brackets and wires and could even bend the wires out of shape.

If your braces break or a wire has come loose, don’t beat yourself up about it. These things can sometimes happen. If the area that has broken is causing any irritation, making use of some dental wax in the interim can provide some relief. It is best that you phone your orthodontist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to fix the break. Should you leave this for too long, the progress of your treatment may be hindered.

A variety of scenarios can lead to damage when it comes to braces. The most common one occurs during mealtime or snack time. Choosing foods that are not “braces friendly” can lead to damage. Another common scenario is contact sports. If you participate in any contact sports such as rugby, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard while partaking in the sport to protect your braces and reduce the risk of injury or damage.

You will need to follow your orthodontist’s instructions on this one. This could range from wearing your retainer for a few months to a few years. Some retainers can be permanent. This may differ from case to case as there is not a one size fits all option.

Invisalign can be uncomfortable. After all, your teeth are bones, and these bones are slowly shifting during treatment! But don’t panic, discomfort is slight and may last 1 – 2 days. Over the counter pain medication can be incredibly effective if you find yourself experiencing any discomfort due to your Invisalign treatment.

This will greatly depend on exactly what is involved in your individual treatment, i.e. the length of time as well as the number of aligners you will need to use. Very minor cases can start from $2030 while our average Invisalign cost is $6040. We do have payment plans available at our practice

This is not likely. Although in the situation that your braces are causing some irritation, using some orthodontic wax can provide you with relief in a pinch!

It is likely that you may be using too much or too little wax. Adjust the amount used and you may find that it adheres better to the area of concern.

An Orthodontist is a qualified dentist who has undertaken additional university education to become accredited to perform orthodontic treatments…

This extra training can last up to three or more years, and allows an Orthodontist to diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists are also specialists who limit their practices to orthodontics and dento-facial orthopaedics.

Orthodontics is the treatment whereas an orthodontist is a dentist who specialises in orthodontics. In fact, orthodontists are more affordable than general dentists who provide orthodontics.

At Newwave Orthodontics on the Sunshine Coast we provide high quality orthodontic treatments combined with an unsurpassed level of care.

Newwave Orthodontics is located on the Sunshine Coast, and with a principal orthodontist who has many years’ experience and has co-authored a book on evidence-based clinical orthodontics, you can be sure you are in the best possible hands. With many treatments tailored to your budget and lifestyle, at Newwave Orthodontics we strive to provide the best in orthodontic care.

We are conveniently located at 10 Mayes Avenue, Caloundra, QLD 4551. Find us on Google maps!

When you have braces, you should be brushing your teeth more frequently to prevent the build-up of food, plaque and tartar. Aim to brush your teeth about 4 times a day if you have braces.

Yes. It is our job to make sure that you have beautiful, straight teeth; however, your dentist is your primary oral care provider. Your dentist will help to screen you for issues such as cavities, etc., which may occur during your orthodontic treatment.

Yes, and, in fact, you should! Your oral hygienist will help keep your teeth in tip-top shape with braces. When you have braces, getting a good and thorough clean can prove to be a bit of a challenge. Enlisting the help of an oral hygienist will remove plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth, helping to reduce the risk of cavities.

Teeth are moved by gentle pressure exerted by our orthodontic treatments.

Whether you choose Invisalign, lingual braces or conventional braces, all our treatments effectively exert small amounts of pressure onto the teeth; gradually moving them to their desired positions. Our principal orthodontist, Dr Peter Miles will help you understand how our treatments work and recommend the best one for you.

Dr Peter Miles from Newwave Orthodontics recommends children should be screened for orthodontic care at age 10.

While sometimes for complex cases children as young as seven can be screened, the general age is around 10 years old. This will help reduce the risk of impacted teeth and other more complex issues down the track.

There are many warning signs that can help you tell if your child may benefit from an orthodontic examination…

Some typical tell-tale signs that your child may need an orthodontic assessment include:

• The early or late loss of teeth
• Difficulty in chewing
• Sucking on the fingers
• Crowded or misaligned teeth
• Jaw dysfunction

A sunken or protruding jaw

Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of the issue.

Other factors that treatment time depends on are the growth and tissue response to treatment and the level of patient cooperation. Generally, the length of comprehensive orthodontic treatment ranges between 12 to 24 months.

Advanced technology allows us to be able to extend intervals between appointments

Active super elastic wires with shape memory allow the teeth to move even faster which means less appointments! The number of necessary appointments will vary from case to case but we will discuss this with you at your consultation.

Appointment times vary from procedure to procedure.

Typically, we allow 45 minutes for your initial examination, 40 minutes for the placement of braces and approximately 5-20 minutes for adjustment appointments.

At Newwave Orthodontics we offer a variety of treatments for adults who wish to enhance the function and aesthetics of their smiles

Many of our treatments are ideal for adults as they are designed to have minimal impact on lifestyle. For adults we offer treatments such as:

• Invisalign
• Clear Braces
• Lingual Braces

Metal Braces

Our fees are related to the complexity and length of your orthodontic treatment…

As a general estimate, a complete treatment with braces can range from $4000 to $7000, and Invisalign can range from $4500 to $7500 (as of January 2013). Some patients do not require comprehensive treatment and a suitable alternative may be available that meets your requirements.

At your initial consultation we will give you a quote for the options discussed with you. There are no hidden costs and we are completely transparent about our processes. We also offer payment options should you need solutions that can fit to your budget.

General soreness is to be expected during your orthodontic treatment, however this can be easily overcome…

At Newwave Orthodontics on the Sunshine Coast we recommend Panadol or Paracetamol to relieve soreness whilst undergoing orthodontic treatment, as Advil or Ibuprofen can actually slow the rate of tooth movement.

3D imaging software is used to customise the Invisalign clear aligners to perfectly fit your mouth. With the use of a series of aligner trays, the treatment works by gradually moving your teeth into the desired position. The trays are generally upgraded every two weeks until the treatment is complete. For best results, it is best to wear your aligner trays day and night as per Dr Miles’ recommendation. You can, however, remove them for eating and brushing your teeth.

There are a number of benefits to choosing Invisalign as a straightening treatment. Made from transparent, medical-grade materials, the treatment is almost completely invisible and does not involve any metal archwires, brackets or elastic bands. It is often more comfortable than other orthodontic alternatives. Invisalign aligner trays are removable, so there are no dietary restrictions and you can brush and floss as usual.

Minor cases start from $2030, while the average Invisalign cost is $6040. Dr Miles will assess your specific case at your initial examination, and give you an exact quote for your treatment based on your unique needs. We also have payment plans available on request.

Taking care of a mouthguard is super easy! Simply, rinse your mouthguard with soap and warm water after each use and keep it in a designated case to ensure that it does not get lost

Yes. Braces do not impede your ability to play sports. You simply need to take extra care to protect them while participating in sports by wearing a mouthguard.

It may. That is why it is so important to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth from any damage.

Dr Peter Miles from Newwave Orthodontics recommends children be screened for orthodontic care by age 10.

While sometimes for complex cases children as young as seven can be screened, the general age is around 10 years old. This will help reduce the risk of impacted teeth and other more complex issues down the track.

At Newwave Orthodontics on the Sunshine Coast we provide high quality orthodontic treatments for kids combined with an unsurpassed level of care.

Newwave Orthodontics is located on the Sunshine Coast, and with a principal orthodontist who has many years’ experience and has co-authored a book on evidence-based clinical orthodontics, you can be sure your child is in the best possible hands. With many treatments tailored to your budget and lifestyle, at Newwave Orthodontics we strive to provide the best in orthodontic care.

We are conveniently located at 10 Mayes Avenue, Caloundra, QLD 4551.

Our principal orthodontist, Dr Peter Miles, has carefully chosen the team at Newwave Orthodontics because they love working with kids.

Dr Miles feels it is very important for children to feel safe and secure while at our orthodontic practice on the Sunshine Coast, which is why he has carefully chosen a team who love to work with children. This has helped younger patients feel more at ease whilst undergoing treatment, as our team works hard to provide a fun and educational experience for all our patients.

At Newwave Orthodontics we typically address dental issues that occur in the jaw or teeth.

Our elite team is dedicated to helping your child benefit from a healthy, straight smile. We have a wide range of treatment options that can help address the following orthodontic concerns:

• Jaw dysfunction
• Overbites
• Crowded or misaligned teeth
• A sunken or protruding jaw
• Underbites
• Crossbites

If you are unsure whether your child requires orthodontic care, bring them in to see Dr Miles at around age 10 for a full orthodontic assessment to help identify any issues early.

There are many warning signs that can help you tell if your child may benefit from an orthodontic examination…

Some typical tell-tale signs that your child may need an orthodontic assessment include:

• The early or late loss of teeth
• Difficulty in chewing
• Sucking on the fingers
• Crowded or misaligned teeth
• Jaw dysfunction

A sunken or protruding jaw

Evidence based clinical orthodontics is used to base clinical decisions on sound science instead of opinion or experience.

By providing clinicians and practicing orthodontists important and current scientific evidence, Evidence Based Clinical Orthodontics gives a wealth of information to enable these professionals to create sound decisions for safer and more effective treatment protocols.

Dr Peter Miles co-authored and edited the textbook alongside Daniel J Rinchuse and Donald J Rinchuse.

The collaboration of these three esteemed orthodontic professionals resulted in the contemporary, informative and current textbook known as Evidence Based Clinical Orthodontics. Through this effort many clinicians, orthodontists and other interested parties can understand the latest in scientific evidence and use this to make sound clinical decisions.

Teeth are moved by gentle pressure exerted by our orthodontic treatments.

Whether the chosen treatment is Invisalign, lingual braces or conventional braces, all our treatments effectively exert small amounts of pressure onto the teeth; gradually moving them to their desired positions. Our principal orthodontist, Dr Peter Miles will help you understand how our treatments work and recommend the best one for you.

The main issue with basing clinical decisions on experience or opinion is the risk of using out dated, ineffective and unsafe protocols.

Healthcare is an important profession, and a large part of being a healthcare professional (such as a dentist or orthodontist) is the need to remain up-to-date on all aspects of current research, protocols and treatments. This is why it is poignant to base clinical decisions on scientific evidence, as this allows medical practitioners to streamline processes, ensure total safety and create more effective treatments.

Dr Peter Miles constantly lectures on the latest clinical updates, and even emails local dentists so he can help them remain on the forefront of scientific advancements.

If you would like to remain up to date about new clinical studies and scientific evidence in the field of dentistry and orthodontics, feel free to check back to our lectures page for current information. If you are interested in joining Dr Miles’ academic mailing list, please feel free to contact us so we can add your details.

A deep bite occurs when the front teeth at the top overlap the bottom teeth. In the most extreme cases, this can mean that the bottom teeth are biting into the gums of the upper jaw and roof of the mouth. If untreated, a deep bite can lead to more serious dental issues and even result in the front teeth having to be removed.

A deep bite often requires a combined approach, incorporating braces or Invisalign to straighten the teeth and realign the jaw. This is complemented by bonding to build up areas where the teeth have been worn away. In some situations, a deep bite is exacerbated by the loss of the back teeth, in which case, implants or bridgework may be required.

Invisalign is a discrete way of treating deep bite. Using clear aligners that are barely visible, Invisalign can widen the arch of your upper and lower jaw to create more room for the teeth to fit snugly next to one another. By using a series of different aligners, your orthodontist can gradually pressure your teeth into a new, improved formation.

Depending on your age, the severity of your condition and the skill and experience of your orthodontist, a deep bite can be corrected in six months to two years. While that may sound like a long time, when you consider that the bones and soft tissues in the mouth all need to shift in order for the correction to set, it’s not long at all and the result is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.