ABOUT ORTHODONTICS

 

For most people, achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is the reason for receiving orthodontic care. If you're self-conscious about your smile, correcting your concerns with braces or Invisalign can significantly improve the way you look and feel. When your treatment is complete, you will have the smile you've always dreamed of and the confidence to show it off! We also want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire orthodontic experience, and our practice is dedicated to making sure that you receive the quality care you deserve.

HOW ORTHODONTIC TREAMENT WORKS

Orthodontic appliances are made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be bonded/fixed to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, appliances, including braces and clear aligners slowly move teeth to the proper position.

Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each and every tooth. You can now choose clear or metal brackets and, in some cases, the color of your appliance. Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort. Our office has 3D intraoral scanners that often replace the goopy impressions needed for your initial orthodontic records. This allows for a much more comfortable experience!

DURATION OF TREATMENT

Treatment time varies and can last between one and three years, depending on several factors including age, treatment method, and case severity. A big factor in a successful treatment is you. The more involved and diligent you are, the more efficient your treatment will be. For children, receiving interceptive or early treatment can also help provide a quicker treatment time.

Before beginning your orthodontic care, your doctor will discuss all of your options and provide an estimate for how long your full treatment may take. Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment and learn more about orthodontics and the treatments we provide.

FIRST VISIT BEFORE AGE 7

  • Both the Canadian Association of Orthodontists and American Association of Orthodontists recommend that children are evaluated by an orthodontist no later than age 7

  • Why? Underlying problems with jaw growth and the emergence of permanent teeth can be identified at this time. Your child’s teeth may seem straight, but there could be problems with the jaws and teeth that only a trained orthodontist can recognize.

  • At this initial orthodontic check-up, your child’s bite may be fine, or a problem may be identified. From this point onwards, the growth and development of your child may be monitored or interceptive treatment may be recommended if there is a problem that can be resolved with early treatment. 

  • Early orthodontic treatment may simplify treatment at a later age, or may prevent a more serious problem from worsening and creating damage. Sometimes, early treatment is growth dependent, and can address problems that cannot be resolved as easily at a later age when the growth of the face and jaws is complete

  • What can early treatment do? With early or interceptive orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist can: 

    • Guide permanent teeth into more favourable positions

    • Reduce the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth

    • Correct oral habits (i.e. thumb-sucking)

    • Guide the growth of the jaws

    • Improve appearance during developmental years

FOR ALL AGES

  • Today, any age is a great age for orthodontic treatment!

  • Did you know that about ¼ of orthodontic patients are adults? Did you know that this proportion is growing? Orthodontic treatment can benefit patients of all ages, whether you are 7 or 70!

  • Orthodontic treatment can help adults in many ways. Orthodontics can prevent or improve periodontal (gum/bone) problems, and it can prevent further wear or attrition of the teeth. Adults may seek orthodontic to boost self-confidence & self-esteem, and improve dental and facial appearances. An orthodontist may work alongside your dentist to improve the ability of the dentist to restore missing teeth. Orthodontics can enhance the function of your teeth and your oral health.