A great smile can take you far in life, but crooked teeth may be preventing you from being your most confident self at work and at play. The dentists at Esquire Dental Centres are ready to help Scarborough residents evaluate their options and achieve the smile they’ve always wanted.
Crooked smiles can be fixed at almost any age. Orthodontic treatment, which consists of dental braces and retainers, is available for patients as young as eight years old to straighten teeth and correct the bite. Adults now have more options than ever to align their teeth, from traditional braces to newer, invisible aligners. The Esquire Dental Centres team has broken down the differences between available orthodontic options.
Braces And Retainers
Even if all their teeth haven’t come in, children should be evaluated for orthodontics by age seven. This is done to check the jaw and teeth for potential problems and develop a treatment plan, if needed. Children typically begin active treatment around age nine and continue into their early teens. It’s important to correct problems while the child is still growing since treatment can take longer and require more work once growth has stopped.
Braces have improved over the years. Brackets today come in a variety of materials such as ceramic, and plastic to provide a more natural appearance. Wires are now made of copper-titanium or nickel-titanium, both of which are longer lasting and equate to fewer adjustments than the stainless-steel wires of the past. Additional appliances such as rubber bands and headgear may be required if more force is needed to move the teeth into their new positions.
How long do you need to wear braces? The time required varies for each patient, but they usually are worn for one to three years. Retainers – either removable or bonded behind the teeth – are often worn daily for the first six months after braces are removed to keep your teeth from shifting. Your team at Esquire Dental Centres will customise a plan that’s best for your needs.
Invisalign
Older teens and adults have an alternative to fix their crooked smiles: Invisalign. Esquire Dental Centres offers invisible aligners to patients who have minor spacing issues or crowded teeth. Those with more severe orthodontic problems may need conventional braces.
Invisalign treatment consists of clear BPA-free plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth and are hardly noticeable. You only remove them when eating, brushing and flossing. Every two weeks, you will use a new customized aligner that continues to move your teeth toward the desired position. Treatment time could take anywhere from a few months to two years, and your dentist will discuss whether you’ll need retainers to keep your teeth in their new alignment.
To find out which orthodontic treatment is best for you, set up a consultation at Esquire Dental Centres. Scarborough residents can call 416 203-1434 for convenient appointment times.
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