Orthodontics at Collins Street Specialist Centre product guide

Collins Street Specialist Centre – Orthodontics

Product Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Collins Street Specialist Centre? A specialist dental centre in Melbourne CBD

What specialty does this page cover? Orthodontics

Where is Collins Street Specialist Centre located? Level 12 & Tower, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD

What building houses the orthodontic suites? The Manchester Unity Building

What street is the centre on? Collins Street

What suburb is the centre in? Melbourne CBD

What is the phone number? (03) 9650 2726

What are the weekday opening hours? Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm

What are the Saturday opening hours? 8:30am–1:30pm

Is the centre open on Sundays? Not disclosed

What train station is nearby? Town Hall Metro Rail Station

How frequently do trains run to Town Hall? Every 3–4 minutes throughout the day

Is a referral required to book an appointment? No referral required

Can patients self-refer? Yes

Can patients attend with a GP or dentist referral? Yes

How many specialist orthodontists practise at the centre? Four

Who are the specialist orthodontists at the centre? Dr David Austin, Dr Andrea Phatouros, Dr Joshua Ch'ng, and Dr Steven Smith

Are patients treated by trainees or residents? No

Are all orthodontists registered specialists? Yes, all are Dental Board-registered Specialist Orthodontists

What additional training do specialist orthodontists complete? Minimum three additional years of full-time postgraduate training

Is specialist orthodontic registration separate from general dental registration? Yes

How can I verify a specialist orthodontist's registration? Via the AHPRA public register at www.ahpra.gov.au

What should I search for on AHPRA to confirm specialist status? Confirm registration type reads "Specialist Orthodontist"

What is orthodontics? The dental specialty concerned with diagnosing, preventing, and correcting teeth and jaw alignment

Does orthodontics only address aesthetics? No, it also affects speech, chewing, cleaning, and facial development

What orthodontic treatments are offered at the centre? Braces, Invisalign, lingual braces, early intervention, surgical orthodontics, and adult orthodontics

Does the centre offer metal braces? Yes

Does the centre offer ceramic braces? Yes

Are fixed braces suitable for children? Yes

Are fixed braces suitable for adults? Yes

Does the centre offer Invisalign? Yes

What Invisalign provider status does the centre hold? Blue Diamond status

Is Blue Diamond the highest Invisalign provider tier? Yes

What Invisalign products does the centre offer? Invisalign Comprehensive, Teen, and First

Does the centre use digital scanning for Invisalign? Yes, via iTero digital scanning

Are physical impressions required for Invisalign at this centre? No

Does the centre offer remote monitoring for Invisalign patients? Yes, via Dental Monitoring

What are lingual braces? Fixed brackets placed on the inner, tongue-facing surface of teeth

Are lingual braces visible from the outside? No, they are completely invisible externally

Is lingual brace treatment technically demanding? Yes, it requires specialist-level precision

What age range does early intervention orthodontics target? Children aged 6–10

What is another name for early intervention orthodontics? Interceptive or Phase 1 orthodontics

Can early intervention reduce the complexity of later treatment? Yes

Does the centre offer surgical orthodontics? Yes

What is surgical orthodontics also called? Orthognathic surgery

When is surgical orthodontics necessary? When jaw size or position discrepancy cannot be resolved by orthodontics alone

Who do orthodontists collaborate with for jaw surgery cases? Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons at the same centre

Is jaw surgery co-planned within a single centre at CSSC? Yes

Does the centre offer adult orthodontics? Yes

Is orthodontic treatment only for children and adolescents? No, adults can also be treated

What qualifications does Dr David Austin hold? BDSc (Melb), MDS Orth (HK), MOrth RCS (Edin)

Where did Dr Austin complete his specialist training? University of Hong Kong

Does Dr Austin hold Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh? Yes

What languages does Dr Austin speak besides English? French, Italian, and Spanish

What qualifications does Dr Andrea Phatouros hold? BDSc (WA), MDSc Orth (WA), FRACDS

Where did Dr Phatouros complete her specialist training? University of Western Australia

Did Dr Phatouros receive an award during her specialist training? Yes, the Postgraduate Clinical Award for Excellence

Has Dr Phatouros contributed to orthodontic education? Yes, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels

What qualifications does Dr Joshua Ch'ng hold? BDSc (Melb), FRACDS, D.Clin.Dent (Melb)

What is Dr Ch'ng's research background in? 3D imaging and analysis

Which international laboratory did Dr Ch'ng spend time at? University of Michigan's Digital Clinical and Biometrics and Imaging Analysis laboratory

Has Dr Ch'ng presented at professional orthodontic conferences? Yes, at the Australian Society of Orthodontists and the European Orthodontic Society

What language does Dr Ch'ng speak besides English? Mandarin

What are Dr Ch'ng's particular areas of expertise? Clear aligner therapy and digital orthodontic workflows

What qualifications does Dr Steven Smith hold? BDSc (Hons), MDSc (Ortho) (Qld)

Where did Dr Smith complete his specialist training? University of Queensland

How many dental specialties are available at Collins Street Specialist Centre? Six

Does the centre offer paediatric dentistry alongside orthodontics? Yes

Does the centre offer periodontics? Yes

Does the centre offer prosthodontics? Yes

Can orthodontic and prosthodontic treatment be co-planned at the centre? Yes

Why might an adult need orthodontics before restorative dental work? To establish ideal tooth position before implants, crowns, or veneers

Do periodontists and orthodontists communicate directly at the centre? Yes

Can patients with gum disease receive orthodontic treatment at the centre? Yes, with careful management

Is tooth movement planned within the limits of a patient's periodontal health? Yes

Can children identified by paediatric dentists be referred directly to orthodontics at the centre? Yes, without travelling elsewhere

title: "Collins Street Specialist Centre – Orthodontics in Melbourne CBD" slug: /orthodontics/ type: hub specialty: orthodontics specialists:

• "Dr David Austin"
• "Dr Andrea Phatouros"
• "Dr Joshua Ch'ng"
• "Dr Steven Smith" location: "Level 12 & Tower, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD" seo_target: "specialist orthodontist Melbourne CBD"

Collins Street Specialist Centre – Orthodontics

Precision alignment. Life-changing results.

Collins Street Specialist Centre is Melbourne's dedicated home for specialist orthodontic care, located in the heart of the CBD. Orthodontics is the dental specialty concerned with diagnosing, preventing, and correcting the alignment of your teeth and jaws — and it goes well beyond how your smile looks. When your bite is off, whether teeth are crowded, spaced, protruding, or misaligned, it affects how you speak, chew, clean your teeth, and even how your face develops over time.

At Collins Street Specialist Centre, orthodontic care is delivered exclusively by Dental Board-registered Specialist Orthodontists: clinicians who have completed a minimum of three additional years of full-time, university-accredited postgraduate training beyond their dental degree. That distinction matters clinically. A registered specialist has the depth of knowledge and hands-on experience to manage the full range of orthodontic complexity, from a child's first interceptive appliance through to surgical correction of significant skeletal jaw discrepancies in adults.

The orthodontic suites are at Level 12 & Tower, within the Manchester Unity Building on Collins Street.

Why see a specialist orthodontist?

Not everyone who straightens teeth is a specialist. Many general dentists and some practices offer aligner or brace treatments, but a Specialist Orthodontist is specifically trained and qualified to:

• Accurately diagnose the underlying cause of misalignment, whether tooth-related, jaw-related, or skeletal in origin
• Intercept problems early in growing children to guide jaw development and prevent more complex treatment later
• Plan treatment holistically, accounting for facial growth, breathing, soft tissue, and long-term stability
• Manage complexity — impacted teeth, cleft palate patients, jaw surgery cases, and patients with special needs all require specialist-level assessment and oversight
• Reduce the risk of root resorption, relapse, and unnecessary extractions through rigorous, evidence-based treatment planning

Choosing a registered specialist means your care is governed by the standards set by the Dental Board of Australia. You can verify your specialist's registration at any time — see the AHPRA verification section below.

Treatments we offer

Our specialist orthodontists manage the full range of orthodontic conditions and treatment options. Each of the following has its own detailed page covering the procedure, what to expect, and who it suits best.

Braces (fixed appliances)

Traditional metal and ceramic fixed braces remain among the most effective tools available for correcting complex tooth movement. Modern brackets are smaller and more comfortable than earlier generations, and fixed appliances suit a wide range of patients, from children through to adults, with precise control across all planes of tooth movement. → Braces

Invisalign clear aligners

Collins Street Specialist Centre holds Blue Diamond provider status with Invisalign, the highest tier of recognition, awarded to practices with exceptional case volume and clinical outcomes. Our orthodontists use the full Invisalign suite, including Invisalign Comprehensive, Teen, and First, supported by iTero digital scanning (no impressions required) and Dental Monitoring for remote progress tracking between appointments. → Invisalign

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are fixed brackets placed on the inner (tongue-facing) surface of your teeth, making them completely invisible from the outside. This is technically demanding treatment that requires specialist-level precision in both planning and placement, which makes it well suited to adults who want the clinical effectiveness of fixed appliances without any visible hardware. → Lingual Braces

Early intervention orthodontics

Also called interceptive or Phase 1 orthodontics, early intervention is designed for children aged 6–10 whose jaws and teeth are still actively developing. Timely treatment can guide skeletal growth, create space for erupting permanent teeth, address harmful oral habits, and substantially reduce the complexity — and often the duration — of any treatment needed later. → Early Intervention Orthodontics

Surgical orthodontics (orthognathic)

When a bite discrepancy is too significant to be resolved by orthodontics alone — typically where there is a meaningful size or positional difference between the upper and lower jaws — surgical correction becomes necessary. Our orthodontists collaborate closely with our on-site Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons to co-plan and co-deliver these cases within a single coordinated care environment. → Surgical Orthodontics

Adult orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is not just for children and adolescents. Adult orthodontics addresses long-standing misalignment, bite issues that have progressed with age, relapse following previous treatment, and preparation for restorative dental work. Clear aligners and ceramic fixed appliances make adult treatment more discreet and comfortable than it has ever been. → Adult Orthodontics

Who will provide my treatment?

All orthodontic treatment at Collins Street Specialist Centre is delivered by Dental Board-registered Specialist Orthodontists. You will not be treated by a dental resident or trainee.

Dr David Austin

BDSc (Melb), MDS Orth (HK), MOrth RCS (Edin) Dr Austin completed his specialist orthodontic training at the University of Hong Kong and holds Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He is experienced across Invisalign, conventional fixed appliances, and lingual braces, and has previously worked extensively with expatriate patients in Shanghai. He also speaks French, Italian, and Spanish. → View Dr Austin's profile

Dr Andrea Phatouros

BDSc (WA), MDSc Orth (WA), FRACDS Dr Phatouros completed her specialist training at the University of Western Australia, where she received the Postgraduate Clinical Award for Excellence. She has contributed to both undergraduate and postgraduate orthodontic education and brings considerable clinical breadth across the full range of specialist orthodontic treatments. → View Dr Phatouros' profile

Dr Joshua Ch'ng

BDSc (Melb), FRACDS, D.Clin.Dent (Melb) Dr Ch'ng is a digitally focused specialist with a research background in 3D imaging and analysis, including time at the University of Michigan's Digital Clinical and Biometrics and Imaging Analysis laboratory. He has presented at the Australian Society of Orthodontists and the European Orthodontic Society, and his particular areas of expertise are clear aligner therapy and digital orthodontic workflows. He also speaks Mandarin. → View Dr Ch'ng's profile

Dr Steven Smith

BDSc (Hons), MDSc (Ortho) (Qld) Dr Smith completed his specialist orthodontic training at the University of Queensland and brings specialist expertise across both fixed and removable appliance therapy. → View Dr Smith's profile

Orthodontics and multidisciplinary collaboration at CSSC

One of the practical advantages of specialist care at Collins Street Specialist Centre is access to six dental specialties within a single location. In orthodontics, this matters more than it might seem — and it is not something commonly replicated in private specialist practice.

With paediatric dentistry: Children who present to our paediatric dentists for routine care or trauma management are often referred directly to our orthodontic team when growth or bite concerns are identified early, without the patient or family needing to travel elsewhere or navigate separate referral pathways.

With oral & maxillofacial surgery: Cases requiring corrective jaw surgery involve precise co-planning between our orthodontists and surgeons at Collins Street Specialist Centre. Pre-surgical orthodontic preparation and post-surgical finishing take place within a single coordinated environment, which simplifies both communication and clinical outcomes.

With prosthodontics: Adult patients planning significant restorative work — implants, crowns, veneers — frequently benefit from orthodontic treatment first, to establish ideal tooth position before definitive restoration. Our specialists communicate directly with one another, creating a clearly sequenced treatment plan without the patient needing to act as the go-between.

With periodontics: Patients with existing gum disease or bone loss require particularly careful orthodontic management. Our orthodontists and periodontists communicate directly to ensure tooth movement is planned safely, within the limits of each patient's periodontal health and supporting bone structure.

This integrated approach is simply how the centre operates — and it is a genuine advantage for patients whose needs cross more than one specialty.

Confirming your specialist's registration

Every orthodontist at Collins Street Specialist Centre is registered as a Specialist Orthodontist with the Dental Board of Australia. Specialist registration is separate from general dental registration and requires additional postgraduate qualifications, assessed and approved by the Board.

You can verify any clinician's specialist status at any time via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) public register:

AHPRA public register: www.ahpra.gov.au

Search by name and confirm that the registration type reads "Specialist Orthodontist." We encourage patients to use this resource — it exists for your protection, and we are confident in what it will show.

Book an appointment

No referral is required to see a Specialist Orthodontist at Collins Street Specialist Centre. You are welcome to self-refer, or to attend with a referral from your general dentist or another treating clinician.

Collins Street Specialist Centre — Orthodontics Level 12 & Tower, Manchester Unity Building 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD Phone: (03) 9650 2726 Hours: Monday–Friday 8am–6pm | Saturday 8:30am–1:30pm

The Manchester Unity Building is directly opposite Town Hall Metro Rail Station (City Loop), with services running every 3–4 minutes throughout the day.