If you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, kindly contact our office to arrange for a consultation. You will meet our team and have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about your orthodontic options.
If you would like to proceed, orthodontic records will be taken. These include:
These records are analyzed and treatment is planned with you.
Teeth move during orthodontic treatment as a calculated directional force is applied to each tooth using brackets and wires or aligners. It is normal during orthodontic treatment to periodically feel that your teeth are sore or loose. These sensations can be controlled with diet or analgesics.
Every treatment plan recommended by our team is designed to address your individual dental circumstances. Some patients can be successfully treated in about a year but each case varies followed by a period of retention.
Retention refers to the period of time following the completion of treatment, where the teeth settle into their new positions and the new jaw bone stabilizes around the teeth to “retain” them in their correct position. Retention is critical to the long-term success of orthodontic treatment. Without proper retention, teeth will have a tendency to relapse.
Retention is achieved by wearing a custom fitted “retainer” on the teeth. Retainers can be removable or fixed. Our team will help determine the best retention plan for you!
Identifying the need for orthodontic treatment can sometimes be straightforward, particularly in visibly crooked or crowded teeth.
However, other signs are less obvious, like issues with biting or chewing, speech difficulties, or recurring jaw pain.
During a comprehensive consultation, an orthodontist can evaluate dental health and alignment to provide a definitive diagnosis and suggest an appropriate treatment plan, which might involve braces, retainers, or other orthodontic appliances.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this, as the best age can vary significantly among individuals.
Early intervention, often around the age of 7, can be beneficial to guide jaw growth and accommodate emerging teeth adequately.
Nevertheless, many orthodontic issues can be addressed effectively in adolescence or adulthood, with various treatment options available to suit different needs and preferences.
You will certainly have input into the kind of braces you want within certain clinical constraints.
Your orthodontist will recommend the most suitable types based on your specific dental needs and the complexity of your case.
Unionville Orthodontics offers a range of options, including traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign, all aimed at achieving the best possible outcome while accommodating your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
It’s common to experience discomfort during orthodontic treatment, especially after adjustments or fittings.
This discomfort is temporary and can be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Additionally, utilizing orthodontic wax can prevent irritation from braces, and following the prescribed care instructions will aid in minimizing discomfort throughout the treatment process.
It is advised to avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods as they can damage braces or get trapped easily.
Maintaining oral hygiene is vital during orthodontic treatment, and it often requires special tools such as interdental brushes, floss threaders, and water flossers to clean around braces effectively.
Your orthodontist will guide you on the best practices for cleaning your specific type of braces to prevent issues like tooth decay and prolong the lifespan of your orthodontic appliances.
Typically, you would need to visit the orthodontist for adjustments every 4-8 weeks, although this can vary based on the specific treatment plan.
These visits are crucial as they allow the orthodontist to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to ensure the treatment progresses as expected.
Orthodontic emergencies, though not very common, can occur. In case of a broken wire or bracket, you must contact your orthodontist promptly to arrange for a repair.
They can also offer guidance on managing the issue at home to prevent further complications or discomfort.
Generally, orthodontic treatment is safe and effective. However, potential risks can include tooth decay, notably if one neglects oral hygiene during treatment.
Some patients may also experience temporary speech changes or mild discomfort, but these side effects are usually temporary and resolve as the mouth adjusts to the new appliance.
You can continue engaging in contact sports and playing musical instruments while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Wearing a mouthguard during sports is recommended to protect your braces and teeth.
As for musical instruments, you may need some adjustments initially, but most individuals adapt quickly.
