A healthy smile can be one of the most important messages that you give to the rest of the world. When you or your child gains the confidence to smile, it can be a significant step towards boosting self–esteem. By now your dentist has probably discussed with you the benefits of having healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may result in tooth decay, gum disease, and ultimately can even lead to tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints. These can cause you to experience chronic headaches and face or neck pain. Treatment by an orthodontist is often less costly than the cost of restorative dental care that may develop in later years.
When a person's teeth or jaws do not fit together properly, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct these problems and promote ideal function. These bad bites which are commonly called malocclusions can cause premature wear of the teeth and enamel, speech problems and may increase the chance of injury to the teeth and/or jaw joints if left untreated.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when teeth do not have proper room to erupt from the jaws. Crowding can often be corrected by expansion and most often removal of teeth can be avoided.
Openbite
An openbite is a bite where the top and bottom front teeth do not touch. Proper chewing is typically impacted by this type of bite and may cause adverse effects to the gums, premature wear of the back teeth and TMJ (jaw joints) concerns.
Deep Overbite
Excessive vertical overlap of the upper and lower front teeth can lead to excessive wear of the front teeth and gums and place excess pressure on the TMJs (jaw joints).
Missing Lateral Incisors
The upper lateral incisors are commonly missing causing dramatic cosmetic and functional concerns. Orthodontic treatment can open space for future prosthetic replacement of these missing front teeth.
Underbite
An underbite is a condition where the lower teeth protrude over the front teeth. This bite can lead to damage of the teeth, gums and jaw joints.
Spacing of Teeth
Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth or smaller than average teeth.
Impacted Teeth
Unfavourable angulations of unerupted teeth can limit their ability to erupt normally into the mouth. Impacted teeth can also become infected, cystic and even damage adjacent teeth.
Timing
Though we can enhance your smile at any age, there is a best time to begin treatment. The recommended age that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur is at the age of 7. The reason for this age is that typically by the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate side to side and front to back relationships. At the age of 7, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but the examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.
Advantages of early treatment
Some of the benefits of early treatment are:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Influencing jaw growth to produce facial symmetry
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Reducing the risk of trauma due to protruding front teeth
- Reducing the treatment time with braces
Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Even though most people think that orthodontics are mainly for aesthetic purposes, orthodontic treatment also improves malocclusions (bad bites). Malocclusions occur as a result of misalignment of the teeth or jaws. Malocclusions affect how you feel about your smile, the way you smile, the way you clean your teeth, and the way you chew.
Why should your malocclusion be treated?
Untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are harder to clean and thus it may contribute to tooth decay and/or periodontal (gum) disease. Crossbites can result in uneven tooth wear and unfavourable, asymmetric growth. Teeth that protrude are more susceptible to chipping. Openbites can result in speech impediments and tongue thrusting.
Tooth alignment can be achieved at any age provided that your gum tissue and jaw structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed specifically with adults in mind.
Orthodontic treatment at an adult stage can dramatically improve your appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums are extremely important at any age and certainly we realize this as an adult. Orthodontics can improve your bite and positions of your teeth to ensure the best possible outcome for periodontal health. A bad bite and/or crooked teeth can contribute to periodontal (gum) disease and bone loss as well as abnormal wear of teeth.
New technology and techniques in orthodontics can greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, and shorten treatment times. There are now many options to choose from, including smaller metal braces, ceramic braces, or transparent removable aligners.
Remember – we can help you show your smile to the world, because you are never too old for the benefits of a smile.
The final stage of your treatment is called the retention stage. This stage occurs once we remove your braces. It will last a minimum of 12 months and may even last indefinitely, depending on your original condition. Retainers support the teeth in their corrected positions and guide the teeth into the established occlusion. Please remember to wear your retainer as directed. Failure to do so, even for a short time, may cause a relapse. Your final outcome depends on the use and care of your retainers. There are 2 types of retainers:
Fixed retainer
This type of retainer is bonded to the inside of your teeth and is permanent. You need to pay careful attention that it stays intact. If it becomes loose, please contact us immediately.
Removable retainer
This type of retainer can be removed when eating or brushing your teeth. You will need to put your retainers in a protective case when they are not being worn so they do not get lost or damaged. You will be given instructions as to the wear and duration of your retainers. These instructions are important in maintaining the beautiful smile that you have worked so hard to show.
Welcome to the world the bright new smile of Haley
