Are crooked teeth holding you back?
Perhaps you underwent orthodontic treatment as a teenager, but experienced tooth movement because you didn't wear your retainers. Or maybe you've never had orthodontic treatment and it's the first time you're considering straightening your teeth. Whatever the case may be for you, and no matter what age you are, it's never too late to consider straightening your teeth to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
Today, we'll discuss orthodontics in North York and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about teeth straightening. Let's get started!
Debunking Common Myths About Adult Orthodontics
There are a lot of myths surrounding adult orthodontics, and we're here to set the record straight. Here's what you should know.
Myth #1: Orthodontics Is Only for Teenagers
This is untrue, especially with the option of Invisalign clear aligners. Our adult patients appreciate the freedom and discretion that clear aligners provide, and many are straightening their teeth for the first time with Invisalign.
It's never too late to straighten your teeth, correct your bite, and enjoy your smile again.
Myth #2: Adult Braces Are Unprofessional or Embarrassing
With all the options available for clear braces that provide discretion, in some cases, no one will notice you're straightening your teeth.
Invisalign uses clear aligners instead of braces to move teeth into alignment, providing the utmost discretion. If clear aligners are not right for your orthodontic needs, we also offer options for clear ceramic braces that provide the benefits of brackets and wires without compromising your smile.
Myth #3: It's a Purely Cosmetic Treatment
While straight teeth do enhance the appearance of your smile, that is not the only benefit that orthodontic treatment offers. There are several ways in which straighter teeth improve your oral health and well-being.
- Easier Home Care — Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss properly. When you effectively keep your teeth clean and free of plaque and bacteria, you're less susceptible to developing common problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
- Better Chewing Function — A correctly aligned bite means that each tooth is doing the job it was designed for when you chew and eat your food. This protects your teeth from damage and makes it easier for you to enjoy food.
- Improved Nutrition — When it's easy and comfortable to chew and eat your food, you can enjoy an enhanced diet.
- Proper Joint Function — A correctly aligned bite supports better jaw joint (TMJ) function and protects you from problems like temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a painful jaw joint disorder that can stem from a misaligned bite.
Your Modern Teeth Straightening Options in North York
At Emery Village Dental, we offer our patients both traditional braces and clear aligners with Invisalign®. Here's some detailed information about how both systems work.
Traditional Orthodontics
With traditional orthodontics, our dentists use brackets and wires to create tooth movement. The brackets are temporarily glued to the surface of your teeth, and the wire is used to facilitate movement and adjustments as treatment progresses. The wire is held onto the brackets with plastic ties that have to be changed every two to three weeks. Braces are typically made of metal, but we also offer clear ceramic braces as an option, which provide patients with more discretion during treatment.
Braces are a proven and effective method for aligning teeth and are ideal for correcting bites, making them a better option for patients who require complex bite adjustments. While everyone's needs are different, most patients who wear braces typically complete their treatment within 12 to 24 months.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign is a system that relies on clear, plastic aligners to gently move teeth into alignment. The aligners fit snugly against your teeth, and they are smooth and comfortable to wear, so they don't interfere with your normal daily activities. Aligners are also removable, so no changes are required to your diet or brushing and flossing routine, unlike with braces.
You'll wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day to achieve the best results and move your teeth according to your treatment plan. Since Invisalign is ideal for less complex cases, most Invisalign patients complete their treatment in 10 to 18 months, depending on their individual needs and treatment requirements.
What to Expect: The Adult Orthodontic Journey
Now that you know about your options, let's talk about how you can get started with adult orthodontics in North York.
- Initial Consultation — Booking an initial evaluation with one of our dentists is the first step. They will gather information about your teeth and oral health with x-rays, a thorough exam, photos, and a discussion about your goals and health history. With this information, they can determine if Invisalign is right for you.
- Starting Treatment — If you move forward with orthodontics, you'll either have an appointment to have braces attached to your teeth or to receive your series of clear aligners and instructions for successful Invisalign treatment.
- Finishing Treatment — At the end of orthodontic treatment, whether you choose braces or clear aligners, you'll receive a set of retainers to wear at night while you sleep. This helps maintain teeth in their correct alignment, as they tend to shift after orthodontic treatment.
Every patient's needs are unique, so treatment timelines vary significantly. However, most patient can complete their orthodontic treatment in 6 to 24 months.
The Lasting Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Whether you choose braces or clear aligners, you'll enjoy these lasting benefits:
- Improved Oral Health
- Enhanced Smile Aesthetics
- Better Chewing Function
- Protected TMJ Health
- Boosted Confidence
If you're ready to learn more about orthodontic treatment and how it can improve your smile specifically, we invite you to contact our North York dental clinic at (437) 900-8266 to schedule an evaluation with one of our dentists. Let us help you take the next steps toward your beautiful new smile!
