Our CBD rooms are located on the 18th Floor, 15 Collins Street - Melways Reference 1B M10. We are situated at the Spring Street end of Collins Street. There are several ways of parking in  the City: Parking Stations are located on Flinders Lane, Bourke Street and Little Collins Street which are in walking distance to our surgery. Meter Parking is also available on Macarthur Street near St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Alternatively, via rail Parliament Station is situated on Spring Street within 200 metres of our surgery.

The Greensborough practice is located at 271 Greensborough Bypass Road - Melways reference 20 D6. We are on the corner of Somers Avenue, opposite Windsor Reserve where parking is available.

Unlike many Australian orthodontists who are trained in Begg Technique (developed by Dr. P. R. Begg in Adelaide, S.A.), we are an Edgewise-based practice - as are most University of Melbourne graduates.

In most cases, we use a Straight-Wire technique which employs fairly simple, "straight forward" mechanics for tooth movement. Dr. Schwartz will often use Ricketts mechanics (developed by Dr. Robert Ricketts in Southern California) and this will often involve the use of "segmental" wires in conjunction with "looped" archwires.

Ceramic or "clear" braces are often preferred by many patients for aesthetic reasons as from a distance of 3-4 metres, these appliances are almost invisible and all that can be seen is the orthodontic wire. However, with sliding mechanics there is a substantial increase in frictional forces and tooth movement will be delayed. As a general rule, an average treatment time will be increased by as much as six (6) months or 25-33%. A further problem with ceramic braces is that teeth that come into contact with the brackets can become excessively "worn down" due to the hard, brittle nature of the ceramic material. As such, we never use ceramic brackets on lower teeth.

Having Your Braces Fitted
Fitting braces involves two appointments one week apart. The first being a quick visit where records are up-dated (ie. plaster casts, photos

Follow-Up Appointments
These appointments are usually quite short and fairly straight forward. Your orthodontist may change or alter your archwire and assess your treatment status. Any irritations or damage to your appliances should be told to the Dental Assistant prior to your Orthodontist arriving. Questions relating to treatment progress can be raised with your Orthodontist during this appointment time and he will be happy to
discuss them with you.

Oral Hygiene
Once braces have been placed the Dental Assistant will inform you of your home care duties and ways to look after your braces. She will show you how to clean your teeth, what to look out for, how to avoid breakages, what to do in case of a breakage and what foods to avoid. She will explain to you that teeth, gums and braces need to be cleaned three times per day (ie: after each meal) and of the consequences of poor oral hygiene. During treatment oral hygiene is assessed on a regular basis and reiterated if it is not maintained. Poor oral hygiene can lead to the early removal of braces leaving the teeth in a less then desirable position.

Headgear & Elastics
At some stage during your treatment you may be asked to wear Headgear or Elastics. You are informed of this at your second consultation.
Headgear performs various functions such as moving upper teeth back to create more space for unerupted teeth. It also inhibits the forward
growth of the upper jaw allowing the lower jaw to "catch-up". Elastics are used in tooth related movements and can be worn in various ways.
Elastics and Headgear are a vital part of treatment and must be worn as explained by the Dental Assistant in order to successfully achieve results. Incorrect wear results in unwanted tooth movement. At any stage during treatment if you are not sure on how to wear your elastics contact the surgery for further clarification. Both Headgear and Elastics are not worn for the full course of treatment but you may be asked to recommence at various times.