--- title: Specialist Orthodontics for Core Dental Patients - Braces and Invisalign at CSSC canonical_url: https://directory.coredental.com.au/specialist-orthodontics-for-core-dental-patients-braces-and-invisalign-at-cssc/ category: description: # Specialist Orthodontics for Core Dental Patients - Braces and Invisalign at CSSC When your Core Dental dentist spots crowding, spacing, bite problems, or jaw discrepancies during a routine check-up... geography: city: state: country: metadata: phone: email: website: publishedAt: --- # Specialist Orthodontics for Core Dental Patients - Braces and Invisalign at CSSC # Specialist Orthodontics for Core Dental Patients - Braces and Invisalign at CSSC When your Core Dental dentist spots crowding, spacing, bite problems, or jaw discrepancies during a routine check-up, you have two options. You can have a general dentist attempt to manage it with limited orthodontic capability. Or you can be referred to a Dental Board-registered specialist orthodontist at Collins Street Specialist Centre (CSSC) who has completed an additional three years of full-time university training in orthodontics beyond their dental degree. The difference matters. ## Why Specialist Orthodontics? In Australia, any registered dentist can legally offer orthodontic treatment - including clear aligners like Invisalign. But there is a significant difference between a general dentist offering aligners and a specialist orthodontist managing your case. A specialist orthodontist has: - Completed a postgraduate university programme in orthodontics (typically three additional years full-time) - Passed specialist examinations and is registered with the Dental Board of Australia as a specialist - Managed thousands of orthodontic cases, including complex malocclusions that aligners alone cannot fix - The training and experience to recognise when a case is straightforward and when it is not At CSSC, the orthodontic team holds Blue Diamond Invisalign provider status - the highest accreditation level awarded by Invisalign, reflecting the volume and complexity of cases managed. ## The Core Dental to CSSC Orthodontic Pathway Here is how it works: ### Step 1: Your Core Dental Dentist Identifies the Need During your regular check-up, your dentist notices crowding, an overbite, crossbite, or spacing issues. Rather than offering a limited in-house aligner solution, they discuss the option of specialist orthodontic assessment at CSSC. ### Step 2: Seamless Referral Your referral is generated through the shared CareStack patient management system. Your X-rays, clinical photos, and dental history are already available to the orthodontic specialist before your first appointment. No paperwork to carry. No records to chase. ### Step 3: Specialist Assessment at CSSC At CSSC (Level 3, 15 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD), the specialist orthodontist conducts a comprehensive assessment including 3D imaging and digital scanning. They develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation - whether that involves Invisalign clear aligners, traditional braces, or a combination approach. ### Step 4: Active Treatment Your orthodontic treatment is managed at CSSC by the specialist team. Regular adjustment or review appointments ensure your treatment stays on track. ### Step 5: Back to Core Dental Once active orthodontic treatment is complete and your retainers are fitted, your ongoing dental care continues at your local Core Dental. Retainer checks, hygiene appointments, and any restorative work needed after orthodontic treatment are all managed locally. ## When Does Your Dentist Refer for Specialist Orthodontics? Common scenarios include: - **Crowded teeth** - particularly in teenagers where growth and development need to be considered - **Open bite or deep bite** - where the way your teeth meet is causing functional problems - **Crossbite** - where upper teeth sit inside lower teeth, potentially causing jaw asymmetry - **Protruding teeth** - increased risk of trauma, particularly in children - **Jaw discrepancy** - where the upper and lower jaws are not aligned, which may need combined orthodontic and surgical management - **Impacted canines** - teeth trapped in the bone that need orthodontic guidance into position - **Pre-restorative orthodontics** - moving teeth into better positions before crowns, veneers, or implants ## Invisalign Blue Diamond Provider CSCC holds Blue Diamond Invisalign provider status. This is not a self-awarded title - it is determined by Invisalign based on the number of cases started and the complexity of treatment managed. Blue Diamond represents the top tier of Invisalign providers. This matters because Invisalign treatment is only as good as the clinician planning it. The same aligner system in the hands of an inexperienced provider will deliver different results than in the hands of a specialist who has managed thousands of cases. ## Treatment Options at CSSC ### Invisalign Clear Aligners Custom-made clear removable aligners that gradually move teeth into position. Popular with adults and older teenagers who prefer a discreet option. ### Traditional Braces Fixed metal or ceramic brackets bonded to teeth with archwires. Still the most effective option for complex tooth movements and severe malocclusions. ### Combination Treatment Some cases benefit from a combination approach - braces for part of treatment and aligners for another phase, or orthodontics coordinated with oral surgery for jaw correction. ## What About Adults? Orthodontic treatment is not just for teenagers. A significant proportion of orthodontic patients at CSSC are adults. Whether you missed out on treatment as a teenager, have had relapse from previous orthodontics, or need teeth repositioned before restorative work, specialist orthodontic care is available. Adult orthodontics often involves coordination with other specialists - periodontists for gum health, prosthodontists for restorative planning, oral surgeons for impacted teeth or jaw surgery. At CSSC, this multi-disciplinary coordination happens naturally because all specialists are under one roof. ## Cost and Health Fund Coverage Orthodontic treatment costs vary depending on complexity and duration. Your specialist orthodontist at CSSC will provide a detailed treatment plan with costs before treatment begins. Most private health funds with extras cover provide rebates for orthodontic treatment. Payment plans are available. ## Your Next Step Ask your Core Dental dentist about orthodontic assessment at CSSC. If your dentist has already suggested orthodontic treatment, request a referral to the specialist orthodontic team. Your records will follow you automatically through the shared system. Core Dental - your local dental care. CSSC - your specialist orthodontic team. One connected group. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Can my Core Dental dentist do Invisalign instead?** Core Dental dentists can manage straightforward aligner cases. However, for complex orthodontic problems, a specialist orthodontist at CSSC delivers better outcomes because of their additional training and experience. **How long does orthodontic treatment take?** Treatment duration varies from six months for minor corrections to two or more years for complex cases. Your specialist orthodontist will give you a realistic timeline during your initial assessment. **Is there an age limit for orthodontic treatment?** No. Orthodontic treatment can be effective at any age, provided the teeth and supporting structures are healthy. Some of the most rewarding orthodontic cases at CSSC involve adults in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. **Do I need a referral from my Core Dental dentist?** Yes. Specialist care at CSSC is accessed through referral, ensuring the orthodontist has full clinical context. Your Core Dental dentist will arrange this. **Will my health fund cover specialist orthodontic treatment?** Most extras policies include orthodontic benefits. Check with your fund for specific coverage details. CSSC provides item numbers for health fund claims.