Orthodontics.
A healthy bite, a balanced airway.
Orthodontics at Leichhardt Dental is led by visiting clinician Dr. Sagar (Jimmy) Rao, who comes in once a month for orthodontic reviews and consultations. The approach is evidence-based and family-focused, with a strong emphasis on airway health and functional alignment — not just a straight smile. For adults seeking discreet teeth straightening we use Invisalign clear aligners, and we screen for snoring and sleep-disordered breathing with custom appliances where indicated. For children, we focus on early interventive orthodontics — guiding jaw growth and airway development, with custom palatal expanders where needed — to help prevent more invasive treatment later.
From clear aligners to airway-focused care.
01Invisalign Clear Aligners
Discreet teeth straightening with custom clear-tray aligners. Planned digitally with 3D scans, reviewed monthly by Dr. Jimmy.
02Early Interventive Orthodontics
Guiding jaw growth, tooth eruption, and airway development in children to help prevent more invasive treatment later. Ideally assessed from age 7, with custom palatal expanders where indicated.
03Airway, Snoring & Sleep (Adults)
Adult airway and functional alignment — screening for snoring and sleep-disordered breathing, Arise home sleep studies, and custom Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS) where indicated.
How orthodontic care runs.
- Step 01
Initial consultation
Dr. Jimmy reviews your goals, medical and dental history, and takes 3D digital scans. For Invisalign cases, you see a preview of the projected movement before committing.
- Step 02
Treatment plan
A written plan covering the expected duration, number of trays or stages, and total investment — including any coordination with other clinicians if needed.
- Step 03
Active treatment
Adults: weekly tray changes worn 20–22 hours a day. Children: appliances or monitoring as needed. Monthly reviews with Dr. Jimmy at his Leichhardt visits.
- Step 04
Retention
Once teeth are in their new position, retainers preserve the result. Lifelong nightly retainer wear is usually recommended to prevent relapse.
Risks & considerations
Orthodontic treatment generally carries low risk. Possible considerations include transient discomfort, root shortening (rare and usually clinically insignificant), enamel decalcification if hygiene is poor, and treatment relapse if retainers aren't worn. Complex cases or skeletal discrepancies may require referral to a specialist orthodontist or maxillofacial surgeon — we'll tell you up-front if that's the right path for you.
All dental procedures carry potential risks and benefits. Individual results vary. A consultation with a registered dental practitioner is required to determine whether a treatment is suitable for you.
Common questions about orthodontics.
Curious about orthodontics for you or your child?
Book a consultation with Dr. Jimmy on his next monthly visit — we'll give you a clear read on whether treatment is right, and what's involved.
Book an appointment online