Adult Orthodontics in Surry Hills: Braces & Invisalign for Adults
What Is an Orthodontist, Anyway?
Quick one for anyone who's never needed this before: an orthodontist is a dentist who specialises in straightening teeth and fixing bite problems, using tools like braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign. You don't always need a separate specialist practice for this; at Surry Hills Dental Centre, we offer orthodontic treatment alongside general dental care, so it's one less referral to chase. We collaborate with our trusted specialist orthodontists for more complex cases, so you are always in good hands for the best outcome.
Can Adults Actually Get Braces or Invisalign?
Yes, and honestly, it's more common than most people think. The only real requirement is healthy gums and bone to support the movement. Invisalign tends to be the more popular pick with my adult patients simply because it's removable and far less obvious than metal braces; though traditional braces still win out for more complex bite corrections. You can explore our Invisalign treatment options to see what may suit different cases.
The mechanics are the same as they'd be for a teenager: gentle, steady pressure gradually moves your teeth into a new position. The real difference with adults is that your jaw has finished growing, so I'm planning treatment around the teeth you have now and respecting the biological envelope that we have, rather than anticipating more growth down the track.
Invisalign vs Braces vs Clear Aligners: How They Actually Compare
| Invisalign | Traditional Braces | Other Clear Aligners |
Visibility | Nearly invisible | Visible metal brackets | Nearly invisible |
Removable | Yes | No | Yes |
Average treatment time | 6–18 months | 12–24 months | 6–18 months |
Best suited for | Mild-moderate crowding/spacing | Complex bite corrections | Mild-moderate cases |
Daily upkeep | Removed for eating/cleaning | Careful cleaning around brackets | Similar to Invisalign |
What Does It Actually Cost?
I know this is usually the first question on everyone's mind, so let's get the elephant out of the room. There's no single price tag for orthodontic treatment; it depends entirely on how much movement your teeth need. At Surry Hills Dental Centre, we typically offer four Invisalign tiers:
● Invisalign Comprehensive: $9,800, for more significant crowding or bite issues, with unlimited trays so we can focus on getting the result right rather than rushing it.
● Invisalign Moderate: $8,900, up to 26 trays, well suited to moderate crowding or minor bite concerns.
● Invisalign Light: $6,500, up to 14 trays, ideal if you've just got one or two teeth that need shifting.
● Invisalign Express: $4,500, around seven trays, for very minor tweaks; often for patients who had braces years ago, skipped wearing their retainer, and just need a small correction.
Traditional braces sit in a similar range, typically $6,000 to $9,000 depending on complexity. If a payment plan makes things easier, we offer an interest-free option; a deposit upfront, then instalments roughly every 6–8 weeks that line up with your check-in appointments.
Prices above reflect current Invisalign fees as published in our full Invisalign pricing breakdown and are subject to change based on your specific case; always confirm at your consultation.
How Long Will It Actually Take?
It really comes down to your starting point:
● Minor crowding or spacing: roughly 6–9 months
● Moderate misalignment: roughly 9–14 months
● Complex bite corrections: up to 18 months or more
I can only give you an exact number once I've had a proper look; X-rays and a bite assessment tell me what I'm actually working with.
Does It Hurt?
Most patients feel some mild pressure or soreness for two to four days after their aligners are changed or their braces are adjusted; more of a dull ache than sharp pain. Over-the-counter pain relief usually sorts it out, and it settles as your mouth gets used to each new stage.
Why Adults in Surry Hills Choose Us
I've been doing Invisalign and orthodontic treatment here at Surry Hills Dental Centre alongside Dr Sophie Brown and Dr Bistra Trpkova, and one thing patients tell me often is that they appreciate having everything explained properly before we start. One recent review put it simply: I “take the time to thoroughly explain everything, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident.”
We're at 616 Crown St, Surry Hills; an easy walk from Central Station and Museum Station, whether you're local or just squeezing in an appointment around work. We're a certified Invisalign provider and a fully accredited dental practice, so your treatment plan follows current clinical standards rather than guesswork.
Serving Surry Hills, Waterloo, Darlinghurst & Redfern
We're based right in Surry Hills, but a good number of my adult orthodontic patients come from Waterloo, Darlinghurst, and Redfern too. Being right near Central Station makes the clinic an easy stop whether you're local or commuting in from one of these nearby suburbs; no need to look for a dentist closer to home when we're a short trip away.
Ready to Start?
Whether you're leaning toward Invisalign or traditional braces, the first step is a consultation so I can take a proper look and talk through what fits your lifestyle and budget.
Book an Adult Orthodontic Consultation
Curious about what the day-to-day of treatment actually feels like? Don't miss our guide: What's the Invisalign Process? A Detailed Guide for Sydney Locals; a full walkthrough of what to expect from your first appointment onward.
Looking into treatment for your child too? See our guide to children's orthodontic treatment in Surry Hills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too late to get braces or Invisalign as an adult?
No. There's no upper age limit, as long as your gums and jawbone are healthy enough to support tooth movement.
Is Invisalign better than braces for adults?
Most of my adult patients prefer Invisalign because it's removable and barely noticeable, but braces may still be the better call for more complex bite corrections. I'll advise which suits you after an assessment.
How much does adult orthodontic treatment cost in Surry Hills?
Invisalign at our clinic ranges from $4,500 to $9,800 depending on the tier, and traditional braces typically run $6,000–$9,000. An interest-free payment plan is available.
Can I still eat normally with Invisalign?
Yes. You take the aligners out before eating or drinking anything other than water, so there are no food restrictions during treatment.
Do I need a referral to see someone about orthodontic treatment?
No. You can book directly with us for a consultation to talk through whether Invisalign or braces suit you.
How often will I need appointments?
Most adult patients come in every 6–8 weeks to check progress and pick up new aligners or get adjustments.
Do you treat adult patients from Waterloo, Darlinghurst, or Redfern?
Yes. Our Crown St clinic in Surry Hills is a short trip from all three, and many of my adult orthodontic patients travel in from these suburbs for treatment.
