What is Orthodontics?
Your Guide to a Healthier, More Confident Smile and How Braces Work
We're passionate about creating beautiful, healthy smiles for patients of all ages in Mississauga and Georgetown. Maybe you're a parent curious about braces for your child, or an adult considering options for yourself at Heritage Orthodontics. We're here to guide you through the ins & outs of what orthodontic treatment is.
What exactly is orthodontics? It's a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. But it goes beyond straightening teeth – it's about improving your oral health, boosting your confidence, and giving you a smile you can't wait to share with the world.
How To Know If You Need Orthodontics
Wondering if you or your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment? Here are some common signs to watch for:
- Crowded teeth ("crowding") / crooked teeth: When teeth are too close together, they can be difficult to clean properly, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Gaps between teeth: Gaps can affect the bite and make it harder to chew food effectively. Some people don't prefer the appearance of certain gaps in their teeth.
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite: These bite problems can cause jaw pain, difficulty speaking, and uneven wear on the teeth. They're described further, below.
- Difficulty chewing or speaking: If teeth don't fit together properly, it can impede these everyday functions.
- Jaw pain or clicking: These can be signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which can be treated with orthodontics.
If you notice any of these signs, it's a good idea to schedule a consultation with Dr. Selnes. He'll assess your specific needs and recommend the best course of action.
Children as young as 7 years old can benefit from seeing us at Heritage Orthodontics. An early evaluation may allow us to detect and address potential orthodontic issues before they become more complex, guiding proper jaw growth and creating space for incoming teeth. This decision can lead to a healthier, more beautiful smile as your child grows.
The Surprising Benefits of Orthodontics
Sure, a straight smile looks amazing, but orthodontics is about so much more than straight teeth! It's about:
- Improving oral health: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Preventing jaw problems: Correcting bite issues can prevent jaw pain and TMJ disorder.
- Boosting your confidence: A beautiful smile from orthodontic treatment can do wonders for self-esteem and overall well-being.
- Early intervention: Addressing orthodontic issues early on in children and teenagers can often lead to simpler and more effective treatment.
- Crowded teeth ("crowding") / crooked teeth: When teeth are too close together, they can be difficult to clean properly, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Crooked Teeth,
Straight Talk
Let's break down some of the most common bite problems we see at Heritage Orthodontics:
- Overbite: This occurs when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth, which can cause difficulty biting or chewing, jaw pain, and wear on the teeth. In severe cases, an overbite can also affect speech and facial appearance.
- Underbite: This is the opposite of an overbite, where the lower front teeth protrude beyond the upper front teeth. An underbite can interfere with the ability to bite and chew properly, and may also lead to jaw pain and issues with the facial profile.
- Crossbite: A crossbite happens when some of the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of aligning with them.This misalignment can cause uneven wear on the teeth, difficulty chewing, and jaw pain. In some cases, it can also contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.
- Open bite: If the upper and lower front teeth don't touch when biting down, this is an open bite. This gap can make it difficult to bite and chew certain foods, and may also affect speech. Open bites can sometimes be caused by thumb sucking or tongue thrusting habits, now or in the past.
Brace yourself for a smile upgrade!
Here's the science behind the magic.
Braces work by using gentle, consistent pressure to gradually move your teeth into their desired positions. It’s a process that requires patience, but the results are worth it – a straighter, healthier smile.
First, small brackets are attached to the front of your teeth. These brackets serve as anchors for the wires, which are threaded through them. The wires are then tightened, creating pressure that guides your teeth into their proper alignment.
Over time, the braces work by this pressure causing the bone surrounding your teeth to adapt, allowing your teeth to shift. As your teeth move, the wires are adjusted to maintain the pressure and continue the alignment process.
Different types of braces use different materials and techniques to achieve the same goal. Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires, while newer options like LightForce braces utilize 3D-printed ceramic brackets which are custom fit to your tooth surfaces. Invisalign, on the other hand, uses clear, removable aligners that cause incremental movement of your teeth in a fashion similar to brackets and wires, but far sleeker. Clear braces are another choice, and all forms of treatment require wearing either a removable retainer or a fixed retainer wire after treatment to maintain the great results.
No matter which type of orthodontic treatment you choose, Dr. Selnes will create a personalized treatment plan to address your unique needs and goals. With his expertise and guidance, you can achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that will last a lifetime.
Your Personalized Smile:
Find the Right Treatment for You
We offer a variety of treatment options at Heritage Orthodontics to suit your unique needs and preferences, and several types of braces:
- Traditional Braces: The tried-and-true method for straightening teeth. Today's braces are more comfortable and stylish than ever, with options like metal braces, champagne braces and ceramic braces that blend in with your teeth.
- LightForce Braces: The latest innovation in orthodontic technology, LightForce braces are 3D-printed and customized to fit your teeth perfectly. This means fewer appointments, faster treatment times, and a more comfortable experience. Discover Lightforce Braces
- Invisalign: If you're looking for a discreet way to straighten your teeth, Invisalign might be the answer. These clear aligners are virtually invisible, and you can remove them for eating and brushing. Explore Invisalign
The best treatment option for you will depend on your specific needs and goals. Dr. Selnes will discuss all your options with you during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.
Your Dream Smile, Your Way
During your consultation with Dr. Selnes, he will discuss the different treatment options available to you, based on your individual needs, and make a recommendation that seems best.
You will have the final say in which options you pursue, so we've created this chart to help you start understanding the comparison between traditional braces, Invisalign, and LightForce – each with unique features tailored to different needs and preferences.
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| How It Fits | Custom, 3D printed ceramic brackets | Custom clear aligners | Standard metal or ceramic brackets |
| Treatment Length | 10-18 months * 45% faster treatment times compared to traditional braces |
12-18 months | 18-24 months |
| Check-up Frequency | 8-12 weeks * 41% fewer scheduled appointments compared to traditional braces |
8-10 weeks | 6-8 weeks |
| Comfort | More comfortable than traditional braces | Quite high | Moderate, with some discomfort expected after adjustments |
| Appearance | Clear brackets | Virtually invisible | Visible metal brackets (silver or champagne) |
| Compliance | Fixed | Removable, must be worn 20-22 hr/day | Fixed |
| Technology | Advanced digital scanning, custom 3D printed brackets, wires | Advanced digital scanning, clear aligner trays | Traditional metal brackets, wires |
| Material | Custom, 3D printed ceramic | Thermoplastic | Metal or ceramic |
| Dietary Restrictions | Avoid hard and sticky foods | None | Avoid hard and sticky foods |
| Cleaning | Diligent brushing and flossing | Remove for regular brushing and flossing | Diligent brushing and flossing |
| Stain Risk | Low | Low | Low |
| Breakage Risk | Less common | Low, but aligners can get lost | Occasional bracket or wire breakage |
| Sports considerations | Custom mouth guard highly recommended | Can be removed | Custom mouthguard highly recommended |
| Complex Cases | Effective for all orthodontic issues, increased precision | Effective for mild to moderate cases | Effective for all orthodontic issues |
Other Innovative Tools for a Beautiful Smile
In addition to braces and Invisalign, Dr. Selnes may use these other appliances to help achieve your perfect smile:
- Expanders: These are used to widen the upper jaw, creating more space for your teeth.
- Separators: These small rubber bands create space between your teeth to prepare for braces.
- Retainers: After your braces or Invisalign treatment, you'll wear either a removable retainer or fixed retainer wire(s) to keep your teeth in their new positions.
What to Expect During Your Orthodontic Treatments
Starting orthodontic treatment is a big step, but don't worry – we're here to support you every step of the way! Here's what you can expect as we craft your straighter smile:
- Regular checkups: You'll visit Dr. Selnes every 6-12 weeks so he can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. The frequency depends on your use of traditional metal braces -vs- Lightforce braces -vs- Invisalign, and your personalized treatment plan. This will all be discussed in detail during your complimentary consultation.
- Oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly is even more important when you have braces. We'll give you tips on how to keep your teeth clean and healthy during treatment.
- Potential discomfort: You may experience some mild discomfort when you first get your braces or switch to a new set of Invisalign aligners. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if your braces hurt, and the discomfort usually subsides within a few days.
- Dietary considerations: You may need to avoid certain foods that can damage your braces, such as sticky candy or hard nuts, but not if you're wearing Invisalign. Don't worry otherwise, you'll still have plenty of delicious options to enjoy!
- Treatment duration: The length of your treatment will depend on the complexity of your case. Dr. Selnes will give you a personalized estimate during your consultation.
Your Smile, Your Confidence, Your Future
Imagine looking in the mirror and seeing the smile you've always dreamed of. Imagine feeling confident and carefree in photos, no longer hiding your teeth. Imagine enjoying all your favourite foods without worrying about damaging your braces.
With orthodontic treatment, you can achieve all of this and more. A straight, healthy smile can transform your life, boosting your confidence and improving your overall well-being. It's an investment in yourself that will pay dividends for years to come.
Let's Create Your Forever Smile!
No referral needed, and no obligation.
Come and discuss the benefits of orthodontics.