If you are weighing up options for yourself or your child in Brisbane North, here is how Medicare, private health extras and our payment plans work, plus what to expect at a free consultation in Nundah or Caboolture.

Medicare, at a glance

• Routine orthodontics is not covered. This includes metal braces, ceramic braces and Invisalign^® in private practice.
• Limited help exists for complex medical needs. The Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Scheme can help eligible patients with medically necessary care arranged through a hospital team.
• Hospital-only items may be covered. If orthodontic services are provided as part of an inpatient hospital procedure, Medicare might contribute to the hospital side, not ongoing private orthodontic treatment.
• Check your situation. If a public hospital specialist has discussed a medical program with you, ask for written details of any scheme coverage and what is out of pocket.

Does Medicare cover Invisalign^® or ceramic braces?

No. Medicare does not pay for Invisalign^®, clear aligners or ceramic braces provided in private clinics. These are considered elective dental services. If you want a more discreet option, private health insurance extras and flexible payment plans are the usual pathways.

What is the Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Scheme?

The Medicare Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Scheme supports eligible patients who have a cleft lip and or palate or comparable craniofacial conditions requiring multidisciplinary care. It is typically coordinated through public hospital units. The scheme can cover certain services tied to the medical condition and treatment pathway. It does not act like general orthodontic cover for cosmetic or routine alignment in private practice. If you think this may apply to your family, speak with your hospital specialist team for eligibility and referral details.

How private health insurance extras work for orthodontics

Orthodontic cover sits in extras (ancillary) policies, not hospital policies. In Australia, funds structure orthodontic benefits in predictable ways:

• Waiting periods. Most funds apply a 12-month waiting period for orthodontics. If you upgrade cover, a new waiting period usually applies.
• Lifetime or annual limits. Some policies have a lifetime orthodontic limit paid in stages; others have an annual limit with a lifetime cap. Benefits often ramp up over the first 2 to 3 years.
• Benefit type. Rebates may be a percentage of the fee up to a cap, or set dollar amounts per item number. Level of cover matters more than fund brand.
• Timing claims. Many patients claim part of the fee in one calendar or financial year, then the remainder after limits reset, subject to your plan rules.

What to ask your fund before you start:

• Do I have orthodontic extras on my current policy, and what is the waiting period remaining?
• What are my annual and lifetime limits, and do they reset by calendar or financial year?
• How are payments released, as a lump sum or staged claims?
• Are retainers included, and are there limits on aligner refinements or appliance repairs?
• If I upgrade today, what changes for orthodontic waiting periods and limits?

Typical costs in Brisbane and how Wired Orthodontics makes it manageable

Most full orthodontic treatments at Wired Orthodontics fall in the range of approximately $7,000 to $9,000, depending on case complexity and appliance type. To help families and adults budget, we offer:

• 0% interest finance with Denticare
• Weekly plans from about $55 per week, usually over up to 36 months (transactional costs may apply)
• Paid-in-full discounts
• Family discounts when more than one family member starts treatment

At your consultation, you receive an itemised quote with all expected fees for braces or Invisalign^®, including retainers and scheduled reviews. If you are comparing options, you can also review the current pricing overview for Invisalign^® and braces on our cost page.

For readers looking into clear aligners, you can learn more about Invisalign^® on our Brisbane treatment page. If fixed appliances are on your radar, our braces overview explains metal and ceramic choices for adults and teens.

What happens at your free consultation

Your complimentary visit in Nundah or Caboolture includes:

• Specialist Orthodontist assessment with Dr Sep and the team
• 3D intraoral scan and bite records, no messy impressions
• A personalised plan, indicative timeline and an itemised quote
• A walk-through of payment options and any private health claiming guidance

Both clinics have free onsite parking and weekday appointments, with early mornings available in Caboolture to suit work and school schedules.

If Invisalign^® is suitable, we discuss the process and fees, including the $300 submission fee credited to treatment and how production fees work once aligners are manufactured. For braces, we outline metal and ceramic options, expected reviews and home-care tips to reduce breakages.

Local options in Brisbane North

We care for adults and families across Nundah, Sandgate and Caboolture. If you prefer a nearby specialist team:

• See an orthodontist in Nundah at our Sandgate Road clinic, with easy parking and weekday appointments.
• If you are closer to Moreton Bay, book with an orthodontist in Caboolture for early morning or during-school options.

Quick FAQ

Are braces covered by Medicare?

Not for routine private treatment. Only very specific medical programs or hospital-based care may attract Medicare benefits.

Does Medicare cover Invisalign^® or ceramic braces?

No. These are private elective treatments.

How do private health extras work for orthodontics?

Orthodontics sits in extras cover with typical 12-month waiting periods, annual or lifetime limits, and staged benefit payments. Confirm details with your fund before starting.

What is the Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Scheme?

A Medicare program coordinated through hospital units for eligible patients with cleft or similar craniofacial conditions. It is not general cover for private orthodontics.

What payment plans are available at Wired Orthodontics?

0% interest plans including Denticare, weekly payments from about $55, plus paid-in-full and family discounts. Your itemised quote sets everything out clearly.

Next step

If you are ready to see what is possible, book your consultation with Wired Orthodontics in Nundah or Caboolture. You will receive a clear plan, an itemised quote and practical guidance on health fund claiming. Free onsite parking is available at both clinics, with weekday and early appointments to suit busy families and adults.

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