Orthodontic treatment is a dental specialty focused on correcting misalignments and irregularities in the teeth and jaws. It involves:
- Assessment and Diagnosis: The first step is a comprehensive examination at Smile Solutions Orthodontists. We will assess your teeth, jaws, and facial structure using X-rays, photographs, and iTero® Element™ digital scans of your teeth.
- Treatment Planning: Based on the assessment, Dr. Black, Dr. Eckler, Dr. Leung, Dr. Dhingra, or Dr. Zimmerman will develop a personalized treatment plan to address the specific issues identified. This plan may involve various orthodontic appliances and techniques tailored to your individual needs.
- Orthodontic Appliances: Orthodontic treatment often involves the use of appliances to move teeth into their correct positions gradually. The most common appliance is braces, which consist of brackets bonded to the teeth and wires that apply gentle pressure to shift them over time. Other appliances include clear aligners (like Invisalign®), which are transparent plastic trays that are changed periodically to move the teeth.
- Regular Adjustments and Monitoring: Throughout the treatment process, you will visit our Mississauga or Brampton orthodontic office every four to ten weeks for adjustments to your appliances and monitoring of your progress. These visits ensure that the teeth continue to move in the desired direction and at the right pace.
- Retention: Once the desired alignment is achieved, you’ll enter the retention phase. This involves wearing retainers to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Retainers may be removable or fixed depending on your needs.
- Follow-Up Care: After active treatment is complete, patients typically continue to see their orthodontist for periodic follow-up appointments to ensure the stability of the results achieved.
Are braces right for you?
There are several signs and indicators that may suggest you could benefit from orthodontic treatment with braces:
- Crooked or Misaligned Teeth: If your teeth are noticeably crooked, crowded, or misaligned, braces may be recommended to straighten them.
- Overbite or Underbite: An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap significantly with the lower front teeth, while an underbite occurs when the lower front teeth protrude beyond the upper front teeth.
- Crossbite or Open Bite: A crossbite occurs when some of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed, while an open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not make contact when biting down.
- Gaps or Spaces Between Teeth: If you have noticeable gaps or spaces between your teeth, braces can help close these gaps and improve the overall alignment of your smile.
- Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: Misaligned teeth or bite issues can sometimes lead to difficulty chewing food properly or speaking clearly.
- Jaw Pain or TMJ Issues: Jaw pain, popping or clicking sounds when opening or closing the mouth, and other symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can sometimes be alleviated with orthodontic treatment to correct bite problems.
- Aesthetic Concerns: Even if there are no functional issues, some people may choose to get braces for purely aesthetic reasons, to improve the appearance of their smile and boost their confidence.
Length of Treatment
The duration of orthodontic treatment can vary widely depending on several factors, including the severity of the orthodontic issues, your age, the type of treatment used, and how well you follow your orthodontist's instructions. On average, however, orthodontic treatment with braces typically lasts between 18 months to three years.
During your initial consultation, your orthodontist will provide an estimate of how long your specific treatment is expected to take based on your unique needs and circumstances. It's essential to communicate with us throughout your treatment process and follow our recommendations to ensure the best possible outcome within the estimated timeframe.
Orthodontic Treatment at Smile Solutions Orthodontics
- Smile Solutions offers Time Value Treatment where we do more work during each visit. This means fewer visits and less inconvenience without extending overall treatment time.
- We have five orthodontic specialists, and our patients can request one specifically or take advantage of our combined years of experience all under one roof!
- Our office was established over 50 years ago and we've treated tens of thousands of patients over the years, now seeing third-generation patients!
- We offer free consultations, virtual consultations, and flexible, interest-free payment plans.
- We work with our patients and their families to maximize insurance and tax benefits.
- Our team speaks more than ten languages, and we strive to deliver excellent customer service along with excellent orthodontic treatment and care.
- We only provide treatment for our patients that we would recommend for our own family.
If you're unsure whether you need braces, it's best to schedule a consultation with one of our Mississauga or Brampton orthodontists. They can evaluate your specific dental issues, discuss your treatment options, and recommend the best course of action to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.