Braces and orthodontic treatment in Bellevue Hill
Fixed braces move teeth predictably, including the cases clear aligners cannot handle. We treat children, teenagers and adults, and refer to a specialist when a case calls for it.
- Assessment of teeth, bite and jaw growth, with x-rays where indicated
- Metal fixed braces, plus clear aligners where they are appropriate
- Early assessment for children from around age seven, as recommended in Australia
Book an orthodontic assessment
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Prefer to talk now? Call (02) 9389 4748
A practice since 1950
Three generations of the Digges family have cared for patients on Bellevue Road, and many local families have stayed with us from their children's first check-ups through to grandchildren.
Assessment before treatment
Every treatment plan follows a clinical examination and, where needed, imaging. You get options and a written quote, not a sales pitch.
Cover and claiming
Claim on the spot with HICAPS for most private health funds, and we are a CDBS provider for eligible children.
General and specialist care
General, cosmetic, orthodontic, implant and surgical dentistry under one roof, with referral to registered specialists when appropriate.
How orthodontic treatment runs
Assessment
Examination of teeth, bite and jaw relationship, with photographs, scans and x-rays where clinically indicated.
Plan and quote
Options, timeline, risks and fees set out in writing. If your case would be better managed by a specialist orthodontist, we tell you and refer.
Fitting
Brackets and wires are bonded, or your first aligners are issued, along with cleaning and diet advice for the treatment period.
Adjustments
Reviews every six to ten weeks to adjust wires or check aligner tracking, and to monitor gum health throughout.
Retention
Braces are removed, teeth are cleaned and polished, and retainers are fitted, with a review schedule after that.
The dentists who will look after you
Bellevue Hill Dental was founded by Dr Bryan Digges in 1950 and is led today by Dr David Digges and Dr James Digges, supported by our hygienists, oral health therapists and dental assistants.
All of our dentists are registered with the Dental Board of Australia. Registration details can be verified on the Ahpra register of practitioners.
Dr David Digges
Dentist
Leads the practice alongside Dr James Digges, with a general practice covering preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
Dr James Digges
Dentist
Third generation of the Digges family at Bellevue Road. Provides implant treatment at the practice, alongside general dentistry for families across the Eastern Suburbs.
Orthodontic questions we are asked most
How long will treatment take?
Fixed braces commonly run 12 to 36 months depending on how much movement is needed. Your dentist gives you an estimate at the planning stage and reviews it as treatment progresses.
When should a child first be assessed?
Around age seven is the usual guidance, because that is when the developing bite and jaw growth can first be evaluated. Assessment does not mean treatment starts then.
Am I too old for braces?
Adults are treated routinely. What matters is the health of your gums and bone rather than your age, so periodontal health is assessed before treatment begins.
What are the risks?
Possible risks include decalcification or decay around brackets if hygiene is poor, gum inflammation, root resorption, jaw joint discomfort, relapse if retainers are not worn, and occasionally the need to extract teeth to create space. These are discussed before you consent.
Do you have an orthodontist on site?
Orthodontic treatment here is provided by our general dentists with training in orthodontics. We work with registered specialist orthodontists and refer cases that are better managed by a specialist.
Will I need to wear a retainer forever?
Some form of long-term retention is recommended, usually a removable retainer worn at night or a fixed wire behind the teeth. Without it, teeth tend to drift back over the years.
Opening hours and location
We are at 3 Bellevue Road, Bellevue Hill NSW 2023. Street parking is available on Bellevue Road and adjacent streets, and the practice is accessible by bus along Old South Head Road.
Orthodontic patients from across the Eastern Suburbs
Get an honest orthodontic assessment
Call the practice, send a text, or leave your details and we will call you back to find a time that suits.