Orthodontics is one of the most important areas of dentistry because it helps people achieve the best dental health by providing treatments that improve both function and appearance. We’ve seen many patients regain their confidence after getting their teeth straightened and their bite function corrected. In the past few decades, orthodontics has changed a lot, giving patients more options than ever before.
To understand orthodontics, you need to know that this field is all about finding, preventing and treating problems with teeth. Some of these issues are crooked teeth, too many teeth, spacing problems and bite problems that can change how your upper and lower teeth fit together. Many people think of orthodontics as just making teeth look better, but the health benefits go way beyond that.
Cleaning teeth that are properly aligned is easy, which reduces your risk of getting gum disease and dental decay for life. Brushing and flossing is harder when teeth are crowded or overlapping, which lets bacteria build up in areas that are hard to reach. Bite problems can also cause teeth to wear down unevenly, jaw joint problems and migraines that make life miserable.
Getting orthodontic treatment at the right time is key to getting the best results. When kids are about 7 years old, when their permanent teeth start to come in along with their baby teeth, it’s usually a good time to have them evaluated. This stage of mixed dentition lets orthodontic doctors spot problems that are starting to happen and figure out if interceptive therapy can help. Sometimes early intervention stops problems from getting worse later on.
But orthodontics isn’t just for kids and teens. People are realizing that properly aligned teeth can have lifelong benefits, so adult treatment is becoming more and more popular. Modern treatments work well and fit well with adult life. Many people get braces to fix problems they had since they were kids or new ones that have developed over time.
In modern orthodontics there are many ways to treat problems, from traditional metal braces to clear aligners and everything in between. Metal braces are still useful for complex cases and give you exact control over how your teeth move. Modern brackets are smaller and more comfortable than older ones, which makes them more appealing to everyone. Clear ceramic braces are the middle ground between how well they work and how they look. These brackets are the same colour as your teeth so they blend in with your smile. They give you the same results as regular braces. Many patients like this option because it lets them keep their privacy while still getting good care.
Invisible aligners have changed the face of orthodontics by giving people a way to get treatment that fits into their busy lives. These translucent trays are custom made for you and slowly move your teeth into the right position without being seen. Patients can take off their aligners for special occasions, eating and drinking but they must follow the plan for wearing them to be successful.
A full evaluation including digital imaging and a look at how your bite fits together is the first step in the treatment process. We create individualized treatment plans that take into account your unique needs, lifestyle and aesthetic goals. Regular check ups ensure progress is stable and changes can be made when needed.
Modern orthodontics also uses state of the art technology that makes treatments more accurate and shorter. Digital treatment planning lets us see what the end result will be before treatment starts. This helps patients understand what they need to do to get a healthy smile.
It’s more important to keep your mouth clean during treatment. We give you step by step instructions on how to clean around orthodontic appliances and recommend products that can help you take better care of your teeth at home. Getting professional cleanings while getting braces helps keep your teeth healthy while they are being straightened.
Our full service dental office offers Root Canal for infected teeth and Dental Implants for missing teeth as part of a full oral rehabilitation plan for patients who need more dental work.
People in Vaughan can get the latest orthodontic treatments in their own neighbourhood so they don’t have to travel far for expert care. We are still committed to giving all our patients the best orthodontic care possible which will improve their oral health and quality of life.