Soreness settles
Mild soreness is normal for a few days. Choose soft foods, drink cool water or use an ice pack on your cheek, and take suitable pain relief if needed.
Braces & orthodontics in Berwick
Braces & orthodontics in Berwick
Modern fixed braces, clear aligners, expanders and retainers for teens and adults. Treatment is planned and provided here at our family clinic by dentists with additional training in orthodontics.
Teens and adults welcomeAll health funds accepted
- Fixed bracesfor teens and adults
- 4–6 weeksbetween review visits
- Expandersfor younger patients
- Retainersto hold your new smile
Orthodontics at Beaconsfield Dental
Straighter teeth and a better bite, close to home
Orthodontic treatment moves teeth and guides the jaws to fix crowding, gaps, protruding teeth and bite problems. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, and many people feel more confident smiling.
We’re a general dental practice. Our orthodontic dentists have completed additional training in orthodontics, and treat braces and aligner patients here in Berwick. If a specialist orthodontist would be better for you, we’ll say so.
How it works
Your braces journey, step by step
Consultation
Your first visit is a consult: we examine your mouth and bite, talk through what you’d like to change and explain your options.
Check-up and clean
Braces go on healthy teeth. Any cleaning, fillings or gum care is done first.
Records appointment
X-rays, photos and digital study models so your dentist can plan your treatment.
Braces fitted
Brackets are bonded to your teeth and joined with a fine wire. We show you how to look after them.
Reviews every 4–6 weeks
Short visits to adjust your braces and keep treatment on track.
Retainers
Braces come off, teeth are polished and retainers hold your new smile in place.
Living with braces
Braces aftercare guideLooking after your braces
Brush after meals
Use a soft brush along the gum line and above and below the brackets. Super floss or interdental brushes make flossing easier.
Wax for pokey wires
Dry the area, roll a small ball of orthodontic wax and press it over the bracket or wire that’s rubbing. Don’t cut or bend wires yourself.
Cut, don’t bite
Hard, sticky and chewy foods can break brackets and wires. Cut firm fruit and vegetables into small pieces instead of biting into them.
Good choices, especially early on
- Pasta and rice
- Eggs
- Yoghurt and soft cheese
- Soup
- Mashed potato
- Soft-cooked vegetables
- Soft fruit
- Fish
- Tender meat in small pieces
- Smoothies
Best avoided
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Hard lollies
- Toffee and caramel
- Chewing gum
- Ice
- Crusty bread
- Hard chips and pretzels
- Biting into raw apples or carrots
Expanders
Making room with an expander
An expander is a fixed appliance that gently widens the upper jaw to create space. It can feel strange at first, with some pressure, extra saliva and slightly different speech for a few days. A small gap may appear between the front teeth, which can be a normal part of expansion.
Turn it exactly as your dentist shows you, stick to soft foods while you adjust, and clean carefully around it.
Retainers: keeping the result
Removable retainers
Clear plastic, worn full time for the first 3–6 months, then every night. Brush them nightly and keep them in their box. Dogs find them tasty!
Bonded wire retainers
A fine wire fixed behind the front teeth. Not visible, and little effort to wear.
Bonded wires are used together with a clear retainer for full-mouth retention.
Before you decide
Things to know about braces
Successful treatment is a partnership. Tap each one to read more.
Looking after your teeth matters more than ever
Food and plaque collect around brackets. Brush after meals, floss or use interdental brushes, and keep up your 3–6 monthly check-ups and cleans. Poor cleaning can leave permanent white marks or lead to decay and gum problems.
Treatment time depends on a few things
Your plan includes an estimated timeframe. It can run longer if teeth are slow to move, appliances break, elastics aren’t worn or appointments are missed.
Retainers keep the result
Teeth tend to move back after braces come off, especially the lower front teeth. You’ll wear a removable retainer full time for the first 3–6 months, then nightly, and many patients also have a fine wire bonded behind the front teeth.
No orthodontic result can be guaranteed
Teeth, jaws and growth vary from person to person. Sometimes an ideal result isn’t possible without extra treatment such as bonding, crowns, extractions or a change to the plan. We’ll explain any changes before they happen.
Risks are uncommon, but they exist
Possible complications include root shortening, gum inflammation or recession, nerve damage in a tooth, jaw joint symptoms and allergies to materials. Most are rare or minor. Your dentist will go through them with you before you start.
Downloads
Braces guides to download
Plain-English guides written by our team. Read them before your consult, or keep them handy during treatment.
Braces
Braces aftercare guide
Soreness, cleaning around brackets, orthodontic wax, and foods to enjoy or avoid.
Download ExpandersExpander aftercare guide
What to expect in the first few days, turning your expander, eating and cleaning.
DownloadEvery patient is different. These guides are general information only. Your dentist will talk you through your own treatment plan and risks at your consult.
Your dentists
Meet our braces dentists
Dr Guy and Dr Sean have additional training in orthodontics and treat braces patients here in Berwick. Dr Nipuni treats clear aligner patients only.
- Dr Guy TurtonClear aligners and braces
- Dr Sean WeragodaClear aligners and braces
Dr Guy Turton
BDS Distinction (Otago), PG Dip Digital Ortho (UK)Guy has been treating patients in the south east of Melbourne for over 13 years. He has a passion for continuing education and predominantly focuses…
Dr Sean Weragoda
B.D.SC MELBOURNEDr Sean graduated from Melbourne University in 2006. He's a happy and easy going guy who enjoys dentistry and looking after people.
Dr Guy and Dr Sean are general dentists with additional training in orthodontics. They are not specialist orthodontists. If your case would be better handled by a specialist, we’ll tell you and arrange a referral.
Good to know
Braces questions
How often will I need appointments?
Usually every 4–6 weeks. We’ll work around school and work as much as we can, though after-school times are popular and book out early.
What can I eat with braces?
Stick to soft foods for the first few days. After that you can eat most things, but avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods like popcorn, nuts, toffee, ice and crusty bread. Cut apples and carrots into small pieces: cut, don’t bite.
What is an expander?
An expander is a fixed appliance that gently widens the upper jaw, often for younger patients. You turn it exactly as your dentist shows you. Our expander aftercare guide explains what to expect.
Are your dentists orthodontists?
No. We’re a general dental practice. Dr Guy and Dr Sean are general dentists with additional training in orthodontics, and provide braces here in Berwick. If your case needs a specialist orthodontist, we’ll refer you.
Who provides braces?
Dr Guy Turton and Dr Sean Weragoda provide braces. Dr Nipuni Bopitiya treats clear aligner patients only.
Related treatments
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Clear Aligners
Straightening teeth and correcting bites with personalised orthodontic solutions for improved dental health and aesthetics.
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Professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, enhancing oral hygiene and preventing gum disease and cavities.
Learn moreBeaconsfield Dental · Berwick
Thinking about braces for you or your teen?
Book a consult online. We’ll check your teeth, explain your options and give you a clear plan before you start.