Western Ortho - Specialist Orthodontists
Dr Shelley Coburn and Dr Richard Gillies
Call Us: (03) 9687 8243
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Patient FAQ's
Who are the orthodontists?
Richard Gillies was trained at Melbourne University.
After a time in general dental practice, he was accepted for the Master of Dental Science course, specializing in Orthodontics. Following successful completion of this course he entered private specialist orthodontic practice and is registered with the Dental Board of Australia as a specialist orthodontist.
Shelley Coburn is also a fully qualified Registered Specialist Orthodontist and is conversant with all modern orthodontic techniques, including advanced techniques of InvisalignTM (sequential clear aligners).
She has a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and a Clinical Doctorate in Dentistry (Orthodontics) and has been working as an orthodontist in Melbourne for the last 3 years.
She has a special interest in early intervention and enjoys getting to know her patients and their families during their orthodontic journey.
Shelley lives nearby so is very familiar with the local area.
What is involved?
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Treatment needs or desires vary considerably. Consequently the treatment type will vary.
Most patients seeking treatment have complex problems that can only be treated by full fixed appliances (known as braces). These attachments allow the orthodontist to have considerable control over all tooth movements and so align them in their best functional and cosmetic position. Fortunately, the position where the teeth function best also looks the best.
Are braces the only way?​
Not always. There are a number of techniques that will achieve minor movement of teeth. Recently, however, more advanced Invisaligntm techniques have made it possible to treat more difficult malocclusions (bad bites).
Complex problems treated simply often run into problems in the long term and the teeth move back to some degree.
So what should I do?
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It is best to arrange a consultation visit so your problem can be fully assessed. Recommended or compromise treatments can be explained. X-rays are usually arranged to check the underlying anatomy of the jaws and the teeth below the surface.
The initial consultation fee of $60.00 covers the examination, assessment of x-rays, discussion of suggested treatment plans.This includes the cost of a follow up visit that may be required to discuss subsequent x-rays or tests.
How early should children be seen by an orthodontist?

Your general dentist can usually help here so you should discuss any concerns with him/her. If it is a problem that might be solved by early intervention he or she would arrange for a referral to an orthodontist for an assessment. Shelley has a special interest in this field and would be happy to give advice. In selected cases, early intervention can reduce the severity of a developing bad bite and help the eruption of blocked adult teeth.
In general, comprehensive orthodontic treatment is delayed until nearly all second (adult) teeth have erupted (this time varies from about 10 to 13 years of age).
A very bad bite that might damage teeth or affect growth of the jaws would justify early treatment.

I am an adult, can I have orthodontic treatment?
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Adult teeth move orthodontically at a similar rate to teenagers and treatment time is much the same.

Limiting factors can be large spaces where teeth have been removed many years ago, heavily filled teeth and the presence of gum disease. Gum disease is not only found in old people and it can occur severely but painlessly in young adults. If gum disease is present it will need to be treated by your dentist or a specialist periodontist before orthodontic treatment can be commenced.

The website of the Australian Society of Orthodontists provides some good information on orthodontic treatment. It can be accessed by clicking here: Orthodontics Australia
Must I have metal braces?
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The metal braces (we use cobalt-chromium brackets which are 99% nickel free) are still the most efficient means of moving teeth. They are very much smaller these days and are easier to keep clean.
Ceramic (Clear) brackets are commonly used for adults, but usually only in the upper jaw. They are more expensive.
How much will it cost?
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Comprehensive treatment with full braces on the top and bottom teeth will take close to 2 years, with adjustment visits on a monthly basis.
Cost is calculated at the start of treatment and includes all parts of the treatment except that provided by your dentist (such as cleans, checks and extractions.).
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The checking of X-rays, the pre-treatment models and photographs, fitting of braces, all necessary adjustment visits. removal of the braces, required retention devices and follow up retention reviews are all included in this cost.
Total cost is between $7000.00 and $7500.00
Most patients take up the option of paying off the treatment cost over the 2 year period. There is an initial deposit followed by monthly payments.
Single jaw or simpler tooth movements cost less. This option would be explained at the consultation visit.
Will tooth extractions be needed?
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The argument about extracting or not extracting teeth has been around since the early days of orthodontics over 100 years ago. The answer lies in the middle ground. In many cases extractions can be kept to a minimum or avoided altogether.
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Over-expanding the jaws for the sole purpose of avoiding extractions can produce an unattractive result that will also be unstable. Where there are large teeth, small jaws, grossly crowded or protrusive teeth it is likely that some extractions of premolars may be required.
Will I need to wear elastics or headgear?
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Headgear is occasionally used in this practice retard adverse bone growth, reverse deficient growth or avoid the need for extractions.
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Elastics worn between the jaws can be an important part of treatment and is a means of moving the teeth in each jaw in relation to each other so the best fit can be obtained.
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This fit of the teeth of both jaws is a very important if the best functional fit is to be obtained. Good function will result in better stability. Poor elastic wear is the most common cause of excessive treatment time.
Will my teeth move if I don’t wear my retainers?​
Oh yes! When the braces are removed, the teeth are in new, soft bone, and tissue fibres have been stretched to get the teeth into their new positions. They must be held here until the bone hardens and the tissues get used to the new tooth positions.
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If you do not wear your retainers well, teeth will move. You may not notice the extent of this movement until it is too late and re-treatment would be necessary. Not a good idea! If you have any problems with your retainers, or if you break or lose them, get on to us straight away.
What about wisdom teeth?
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These are the last molars to form and can start to push on the straightened teeth as they develop. Retention plates are not discontinued until the positions of the wisdom teeth are assessed.
If this eruptive pressure is affecting or likely to affect the erupted teeth, or if they are jammed up or pointed in the wrong direction, we will arrange their removal. This would be done by your dentist or a specialist maxillofacial surgeon as a day procedure under general anaesthetic.
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