Services
Orthodontic services are provided within the scope of specialist orthodontic practice and are guided by treatment objectives derived from individual clinical findings. Care is planned using evidence-based principles and clinical judgment, with consideration of biologic limits, long-term stability, and appropriate sequencing over time. Patient preferences are incorporated within these parameters when orthodontic care is clinically indicated.
Scope of care
Orthodontic services include clinical evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, and management of dental and occlusal conditions within the specialist orthodontic scope of practice. Orthodontic care does not replace medical or general dental diagnosis or treatment outside this scope. When findings suggest conditions requiring additional assessment or management, referral to the appropriate healthcare provider may be recommended.
Growth, development, and timing
Orthodontic needs and treatment timing vary according to dental development and skeletal maturity rather than chronological age alone. Clinical findings related to tooth eruption, jaw relationships, and growth status determine whether care involves observation, phased intervention, or comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Evaluation focuses on whether treatment is appropriate and, if so, when intervention would be most effective and least restrictive.
Early orthodontic evaluation focuses on dental development and jaw relationships to determine whether monitoring, interceptive care, or delayed treatment is appropriate. Not all children require immediate orthodontic intervention.
Adolescent orthodontic care addresses alignment and bite relationships during active growth, with treatment sequencing guided by individual developmental findings.
Adult orthodontic care considers completed growth, overall oral health, and biological limits to determine whether treatment is appropriate and how it may be planned safely.
Treatment planning and appliances
Treatment planning is based on diagnostic findings and biologic feasibility, with patient preferences considered within those constraints. Appliance selection is guided by treatment objectives and anticipated biomechanical requirements. Fixed appliances, removable appliances, or aligner therapy may be used when appropriate to support the planned tooth movements.
Patient Responsibilities
Successful orthodontic care also depends on patient participation. Patients are expected to maintain oral hygiene, attend scheduled appointments, and follow appliance instructions. These responsibilities influence treatment efficiency, risk management, and the ability to proceed as planned.
Orthodontic Consultation
An orthodontic consultation at Orthodontics Victoria is a focused clinical assessment to determine whether orthodontic treatment is indicated and, if so, to outline appropriate next steps based on individual findings.
The consultation is diagnostic in nature. It includes a clinical examination and discussion of dental alignment, bite relationships, growth and development where relevant, and factors that may influence treatment planning or risk management.
Definitive treatment planning, appliance selection, timelines, and fees are not finalized at the consultation. In some cases, active treatment is not recommended at that time, and observation or delayed intervention may be advised.
Following the consultation, outcomes may include a recommendation for treatment, a request for diagnostic records before planning proceeds, monitoring with follow-up, or no orthodontic treatment indicated.
The purpose of the consultation is to provide clarity, support informed decision-making, and determine whether orthodontic care is appropriate at this stage.
