Your First Visit

At the first visit to the orthodontist, a comprehensive examination is performed. At this appointment or at a later date, diagnostic records will be taken to determine the best course of treatment. Complete diagnostic records typically include a medical/dental history, clinical examination, plaster study models of the teeth, photos of the patient's face and teeth, and X-rays. This information is used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of treatment as the teeth move under orthodontic care. Once the records are viewed, a treatment plan and fee can be confirmed.

Braces-on Appointment

The braces on appointment usually takes one hour. At Manuka Smiles we use 2 techniques to place brackets on the teeth: direct bonding and indirect bonding.

Direct bonding

With this technique, the orthodontist places each bracket directly onto your teeth. First, the surface of your teeth where the braces will be placed is cleaned. Then each bracket is positioned accurately onto each tooth using special orthodontic glue that is set using bright blue light. After the brackets are on, the orthodontic wires are placed and tied in using the modules of your choice. Finally, one of our staff members will then teach you how to look after your braces, show you a new way of brushing your teeth and then answer any questions that you may have.

Indirect bonding

With this technique, impressions of the teeth are taken and the orthodontist places the brackets on the patient's model instead of directly on the teeth. The main advantage of indirect bonding is that it improves the accuracy of bracket placement and benefits our patients.  It reduces treatment time, requires fewer adjustment visits and helps create a more detailed finished smile. It also reduces the chair time for the patient on their Braces-on visit.

On the Braces-on visit, the surface of your teeth where the braces will be placed is cleaned. Then the orthodontist transfers the brackets from the models to the teeth in transfer trays. The orthodontic glue on the brackets is set using bright blue light. The rest of the appointment is similar to the direct bonding: the orthodontic wires are placed and tied in using the modules of your choice.  Finally, one of our staff members will then teach you how to look after your braces, show you a new way of brushing your teeth and then answer any questions that you may have. 

Regular Appointments

After the Braces-on appointment you'll see us at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 10 to 20 minutes.

Our regular office hours are 8am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to noon on Friday.

Patients are seen by appointment only. We make every effort to be on time for our patients, and ask that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. Cancel only if it is an emergency. It is difficult to reschedule you since most appointments are made 4 to 8 weeks in advance.

Payment & Office Policies

Cost

The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the patient's problem. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We have payment plans to suit different budgets. The practices preferred method for ongoing payments is via direct debit from a bank account. We work hard to make orthodontics affordable.

Fees

In an effort to keep orthodontic fees down while maintaining the highest level of professional care, we have established this financial policy:

• If full payment is made at the onset of treatment, we will offer a fee discount.
• To fit your individual needs, financial arrangements can be made to extend your payments over a period of months.
• For your convenience, we accept payment by VISA, MASTERCARD, EFTPOS, CASH & CHEQUE, for payment of the initial charges or full payment of the treatment.
• In cases of serious delinquency, treatment will be discontinued, although we will make every effort to accommodate patients with temporary difficulties.

Health Insurance

If you have health insurance, we will provide you with all the necessary paperwork to make your claim, from your health fund.

We would advise that you consult your health fund prior to commencing treatment and starting your contract with us.

Things to clarify with your health fund include:

• Your membership year (is it calendar, financial or date of joining).
• How much is the lifetime amount the health fund will reimburse you.
• What your rebate percentage is 60%, 80%, if it is 60% for example, you will need to be charged $1000 in order to claim $600.

This is all information that will enable us to structure your contract, to maximize your health fund rebate.

Net Medical Expenses Tax Offset

Orthodontics is claimable though the net medical expenses tax offset. The tax rebate is 20% of the net medical expenses over the $1500 threshold. For further information visit the taxation website or follow the link >