Teeth-Straightening Solutions From The Teenage Years And Beyond
Orthodontics offers options for everyone in the family, from teens to adults. All treatments are delivered to ensure your health and comfort.
How Do I Know If I Need Orthodontics?
- You may benefit from orthodontic treatment if you experience any of the following:
- Overbite: Upper teeth sit too far forward.
- Spacing: Noticeable gaps or spaces between teeth.
- Underbite: Lower teeth extend too far forward.
- Crowding: Teeth overlap or are difficult to floss.
- Crossbite: Your bite doesn’t align comfortably.
- Pain: Chronic headaches, jaw discomfort, or pain in the upper back and neck.
Orthodontics can address these issues to improve both your smile and your comfort!
Orthodontic Treatment Options
Orthodontics offers a range of treatment options tailored to your needs and budget. Here are a few popular choices:
Traditional Braces
Braces work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to move teeth into their proper positions, with adjustments made at regular appointments. Some patients may also need rubber bands or headgear, and it’s normal to feel slight looseness as teeth shift. Traditional metal braces remain a popular, effective, and affordable option for patients of all ages.
Clear Brackets
Ceramic braces work like traditional metal braces but use clear or tooth-coloured brackets and wires that blend with your teeth, making treatment more discreet. They apply gentle, continuous pressure to gradually move teeth into alignment, with adjustments to the wires or elastics at follow-up visits. Durable and effective, ceramic braces are a popular choice for teens and adults seeking less noticeable orthodontic treatment, though good oral hygiene is important to maintain their appearance.
Clear Aligners - Invisalign
Clear aligners like Invisalign are a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces, using custom-made, clear trays to gradually move teeth into proper alignment. Worn at least 22 hours per day and switched every one to two weeks, they apply gentle, controlled pressure without metal wires or brackets. Aligners are removable for eating and oral hygiene, nearly invisible, and suitable for teens and adults with active lifestyles. With fewer emergencies and a subtle appearance, clear aligners offer an effective way to correct crowding, spacing, and bite issues.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal time for orthodontic treatment is during adolescence, before all adult teeth have fully developed. If you’re a parent, consider scheduling a consultation for your teen. But don’t worry—there are excellent orthodontic options for adults too! It’s never too late to achieve a great smile.
Braces don’t hurt when first applied, but as your teeth begin to shift, you may feel some discomfort. Most patients describe this as more of an annoyance than actual pain. If you experience significant discomfort, let us know! We offer solutions to ensure your treatment is as comfortable as possible.
Steer clear of foods that can damage your braces, such as caramel, candy apples, or corn on the cob. Sticky or hard-to-clean foods like gum and popcorn should also be avoided. For clear braces, avoid foods that might stain, such as beets, curry, or cheese sauces like Kraft Dinner. Reducing sugary and acidic foods is also essential to maintain oral health.
Contact us immediately! Don’t wait for your next appointment – we’re here to help.
Special tools like floss threaders and super floss are designed to help you clean around braces or permanent retainers. We’d be happy to demonstrate proper techniques at your next visit!
Treatment time varies. Minor adjustments can take as little as six months, while most patients will need braces for 6 months to 2 years. After an oral exam, we can provide a more precise estimate for your treatment plan.
