Teeth Straightening in Scarborough, ON
What a difference straight teeth can make! A great-looking smile can boost your self-confidence and have a positive impact on social and professional opportunities. Orthodontic treatment is the original smile makeover tool, and you're never too old to take advantage of it. But straight teeth goes beyond esthetics: properly aligned teeth help you to bit, chew and even speak more effectively. They are also easier to clean, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
Orthodontics is not just for children and teens. Adults comprise 1 in 5 of all orthodontic patients. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so you've never “missed the boat” for orthodontic treatment. Our orthodontic patients range in age from 6 to their 60's. It's never too late to gain the smile you have always wanted!
Benefits of Adult Orthodontic Treatment
Adult orthodontic treatment can:
- Straighten / align the teeth to create a more aesthetic and beautiful smile
- Correct relapse (shifting) after previous orthodontic treatment due to lack of long-term retainer wear
- Improve the ability to brush and floss, especially for crowded or overlapping lower front teeth
- Correct your bite, enabling you to bite and chew more comfortably
- Close spaces between teeth
- Reduce excessive wear on teeth due to grinding or poor bite
Orthodontic Appliances - Braces
Braces use light, constant forces to gradually move and align teeth to their intended position in the mouth. Teeth are held in place by the periodontal ligament, a hammock-like structure which is very responsive to forces placed on the teeth.
When you imagine someone wearing braces, you probably picture small metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth, with a thin wire running through them. This time-tested style is the most popular, effective, precise and economical. Less visible braces are available to provide adults with more discreet options to blend more easily into their personal and professional life. Clear braces use brackets made of transparent ceramic which are hardly visible.
Cost
The fee for orthodontic treatment is determined based on the severity of the problem, the complexity of the treatment, the appliances used and the treatment time.
Oral Health During Orthodontics
During orthodontic treatment, gentle forces will be applied to your teeth to move them through their surrounding bone. If the gum tissues are not healthy during treatment, bone loss can result and weaken the long-term prognosis of your teeth.
To prevent this from occurring, patients are carefully examined for signs of tooth decay and periodontal disease before orthodontic treatment. Cavities must be restored and any gum disease brought under control before we can begin orthodontic treatment.
People with braces require more effort to keep their teeth and gums clean. Daily oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing and rinsing are a necessity. Some people with braces can benefit from using a water flosser, a water irrigation device which emits small pressurized bursts of water to flush away debris between and around the brackets. It is extremely important to have regular cleanings and check-ups during orthodontic treatment.
Retention & Post Orthodontic Care
Once your orthodontic treatment is completed, it's extremely important to wear a retainer as directed. That's because teeth naturally tend to drift back to their original locations — which is the last thing you want after going through the time and expense to straighten them! Wearing a retainer holds your teeth in their new position long enough for new bone and ligament to form around them, and helps keep your beautiful new smile looking great for a lifetime.
Call our office to schedule a FREE orthodontic consultation.
We'll walk you through the orthodontic process and highlight the best treatment options available for your situation.