Numerous benefits can be contributed to having a straight and healthy smile. Orthodontic treatments can dramatically help with improving wear patterns on the teeth, increased oral function, reduced TMJ problems, correct force distribution of the teeth along with creating easier to clean teeth and gums. Increased self-confidence is another positive outcome.

Each case is unique. The facial soft tissues, the jaws and the teeth are all examined carefully to see if orthodontic therapy is recommended. Certain common indications for orthodontic treatment include:

• Excessive crowding or overlapping of teeth
• Excessive spacing between teeth
• Finger and thumb-sucking habits that occur longer than age 6 or 7
• Difficulties chewing food
• Open-bite where upper and lower teeth do not touch or overlap
• Bucked-teeth overjet where upper teeth protrude past lower teeth
• Teeth and enamel wearing excessively
• A pronounced overbite where the upper teeth significantly cover the lower majority of the bottom teeth
• Underbite where the upper front teeth reside behind or inside the lower front teeth
• A lower jaw that slides or shifts during chewing or talking

The CAO or Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that kids undergo a thorough evaluation no later than age 7.

During this time, there may be no immediate concerns to your child’s bite; however, there is a multitude of orthodontic problems that can be successfully treated and detected at this time. Generally, it is a time to monitor jaw development and growth. Orthodontists can recognize any subtle issues with emerging adult teeth, orofacial myology and jaw growth even when baby teeth are still there.

Early detection can help to deal with complex problems in their infancy. Certain orthodontic appliances such as spacers and specific techniques can help to fix issues during growth before they become a larger issue. Interceptive, early treatment can benefit comprehensive options in the future and sometimes eliminate the need for traditional braces in the future. As the jaws are still growing at this age, it is possible to achieve results that may not be attainable once the teeth and jaws have completed their growth.

• Guiding adult teeth into a more favorable position
• Correcting tongue position during speech and while resting
• Removal of excess teeth
• To promote nasal breathing instead of mouth-breathing
• Stopping negative oral habits such as thumb-sucking and mouth-breathing
• Improving the way the lips come together
• Reducing potential trauma from front teeth that protrude
• Fixing a deep overbite that has pressure on the palate and surrounding tissues
• Removal of crossbites (when any upper teeth reside on the inside of the lower teeth).

Every client will require individual treatment recommendations. By opting to book an early orthodontic evaluation with us, you are choosing to give your child the best chance for a radiant, functional, and healthy smile.

Interceptive treatment is also Phase I orthodontic treatment. The intention is to improve or fix very specific problems in a time-sensitive way. These treatments can correct spacing, crowding, cross-bites, bad oral habits, under-bites, and discrepancies with jaw size. Typically, Phase I treatment happens around the ages of 6 to 12. It often relies on removable appliances to expand or widen the upper jaw, normalize jaw growth, improve tongue functioning, and nasal breathing.

Phase II ortho treatment happens after Phase I is complete, generally after age 12. It typically sees full braces for comprehensive treatment after all of the adult teeth have come in.

It is never too late to undergo orthodontic treatment. Approximately 1 in 5 clients today are adults. Many finally commit to improving their smile for aesthetic and health reasons.

Definitely. While orthodontic therapy was initially considered a childhood or adolescent treatment, it has regained popularity with adults over the past two decades. It is estimated that 1 in 5 ortho clients are adults.

These clients desire the same oral benefits including enhanced jaw function, oro-facial symmetry, and a healthy, happy smile with improved aesthetics.

Miniature brackets are bonded with special cement onto the tooth’s surface. Next, an archwire is inserted to connect all of the brackets. Tiny elastics are utilized to hold the wire into the bracket slot. After the archwire is attached to your brackets, it wishes to return to its initial shape. This puts slight pressure onto your teeth and slowly encourages them to move into a new position.

Slight discomfort during orthodontic treatment is to be expected; although, orthodontic treatment should not cause pain. After the braces and archwire is connected and activated, it is normal to experience mild soreness for 1 to 4 days after your appointment. You will get used to wearing braces over time. Having metal in your mouth takes some getting used to as your tongue, cheeks, and lips work to accommodate. Minor irritation may occur during this time and will heal over a week or two. We have orthodontic wax and lots of tips and tricks to help you adjust to your new smile!