As a mum, I just want the best for my kids—especially when it comes to their health and happiness. So when my daughter needed orthodontic treatment, I found myself asking all the usual questions: Braces or Invisalign? Should I talk to our dentist? Or do we need a specialist? And, most importantly, who could we really trust?
After doing a bit of research and speaking to friends in the community, we found Orthodontix Forestville—and honestly, it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve made. I want to share what I’ve learned along the way, especially if you’re trying to choose between braces, Invisalign, or just want to understand more about orthodontic care for your child (or even yourself!).
Why Orthodontix Forestville Was the Right Choice
We’re lucky to have Orthodontix right here in Forestville. The clinic is warm, modern, and welcoming. Dr Roger Hammond and his team made us feel completely at ease from the very first appointment. As a mum, knowing my daughter is in safe, experienced hands made all the difference.
Dr Hammond has over 24 years of experience in orthodontics, and it shows in every part of the process—from consultation to ongoing care. He explained everything clearly, answered all my questions, and helped us decide what treatment was best based on my daughter’s needs, not just what was trendy or convenient.
Dentist or Orthodontist? What’s the Difference?
One of the first things I learned is that while many people start by talking to their dentist, it’s actually an orthodontist who specialises in straightening teeth and fixing jaw alignment.
What does a dentist do?
Your family dentist is amazing for check-ups, cleans, fillings, and general dental care. They help keep teeth healthy and spot early signs of trouble. But when it comes to teeth alignment or jaw positioning, you’ll want an expert who’s had years of extra training—an orthodontist.
What does an orthodontist do?
An orthodontist like Dr Hammond is a specialist who focuses purely on aligning teeth and jaws. He uses tools like braces and Invisalign to treat crowding, bite issues, gaps, and more.
In short: All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists.
Our Choice: Braces or Invisalign?
Like most parents, I was curious about Invisalign. It’s clear, removable, and seems so much easier than traditional braces. But it turns out the choice depends on the type of issue being treated, your child’s age, and how consistent they’ll be with wearing aligners.
Dr Hammond walked us through both options. Here’s what I learned:
Braces: Still a Great Option
Braces have been around for decades, and there’s a reason they’re still widely used—they work.
✅ Pros:
Effective for all ages and all cases (especially complex ones)
Predictable results, because they’re fixed in place
New styles like clear or ceramic braces are less noticeable
Fun colours for kids and teens to customise their look
❌ Cons:
More visible than aligners
Some irritation early on from brackets and wires
You need to be careful with food—no chewy lollies or hard snacks
Invisalign: The Modern Alternative
If your child is older, or you’re considering orthodontics for yourself, Invisalign might be the better fit.
✅ Pros:
Practically invisible—great for self-conscious teens or adults
Removable for eating, brushing, and flossing
Smooth plastic trays are comfortable to wear
Fewer appointments and no emergency wire fixes!
❌ Cons:
You must wear them 20–22 hours a day—discipline is key
They can be misplaced or forgotten
Not ideal for all bite types or very complex cases
What to Expect at Orthodontix Forestville
From the first visit, the team at Orthodontix Forestville made us feel like family. Here’s how our experience has gone so far:
The Consultation
We had a full orthodontic assessment including digital scans—no messy impressions! Dr Hammond explained what needed fixing, the treatment options, and the expected timeline.
Custom Treatment Plan
Whether it’s braces or Invisalign, the team tailors the plan to your child’s exact needs. We were shown predicted results using 3D imaging, which made it all feel real and exciting.
Regular Support
Every few weeks, we pop in for check-ups. The team is always friendly, on time, and reassuring. They’re quick to answer any questions I have as a parent—no question is too small.
Costs and Payment Plans
I’ll be honest—I was nervous about the cost. But Orthodontix Forestville offers flexible payment plans and helps you claim through your private health fund if you have one. There were no hidden fees or surprises. Everything was explained upfront.
Why I Recommend Orthodontix Forestville
✅ Experienced Care – Over two decades of specialist orthodontics
✅ Convenient Location – Based locally in Forestville
✅ Advanced Technology – Digital scans, 3D planning, and Invisalign expertise
✅ Supportive Team – Friendly, approachable, and truly care about your child
✅ Tailored Options – From early intervention to adult treatment
Got Questions? Here Are a Few I Had:
Do I need a referral?
Nope. You can book a consultation directly—that’s what we did.
Can my dentist do Invisalign?
Some can, but orthodontists are specialists in tooth and jaw movement, and that expertise matters—especially for complex cases.
Is Invisalign really invisible?
Yes, it’s incredibly discreet. Most people won’t notice unless they’re really looking!
How long does treatment take?
Usually 12–24 months, but your plan will be customised after the initial assessment.
Book Your Child’s Smile Consultation Today
Whether you’re still weighing up braces vs Invisalign, or just want to speak to a team that understands kids and families, I couldn’t recommend Orthodontix Forestville more.
Visit www.orthodontix.com.au to book your consultation and take that first step towards a healthy, confident smile—for your child, or even for you.
