Braces
Dental Office in North Surrey, B.CBraces for Children & Teens
People of all ages can benefit from orthodontics, but the teen and pre-teen years remain the best time for treatment, since the jaw is still growing. Treatments are generally shorter and simpler, and patients can begin to reap the health and aesthetic benefits sooner.
Children may be wary of orthodontic treatment because they are afraid it will hurt. The good news is that modern orthodontic treatment involves little or no discomfort.
The American Dental Association recommends that a child receive their first orthodontic assessment at age seven. This basic examination can identify emerging problems that will benefit from treatment as the adult teeth come in (interceptive treatment), or problems that are best monitored, and treated when adult teeth have emerged in the early teen years.
The orthodontist may recommend dental appliances including:
Fixed braces
A bracket affixed to each tooth, attached by wires, often with elastic bands on the brackets to further guide specific teeth. The orthodontist attaches the braces, and adjusts them at regular intervals over the treatment period. Modern braces are quite discreet in appearance.
Headgear
A removable appliance that sits in the mouth, fastened around the head with straps. Headgear is worn for a portion of each day, from 12-20 hours. It is often used for interceptive treatment.
Retainer
A custom-molded, removable dental appliance used to ‘retain’ proper alignment after braces are removed, often worn at night.
Braces for Adults
Subtle treatment, Visible Results.
It’s estimated that one third of today’s orthodontic patients are over 18. Treatments typically take longer than those for teenage patients, but still yield great results.
Your smile and the confidence to display it more often is reason enough to explore orthodontic treatment, but the benefits may go much further. In general, straight teeth are healthier teeth – easier to clean, less prone to decay. Correcting misalignments may also help to alleviate other health concerns.
Virtually unnoticeable new alternatives to traditional metal braces are further tipping the scales in favor of treatment for adults
Virtually unnoticeable new alternatives to traditional metal braces are also leading more adults to consider treatment.
Our office offers a range of treatment options, including:
Metal (traditional) braces
A metal bracket affixed to each tooth, attached to an arch wire with tiny rubber bands (ligatures) or tiny wires. The orthodontist adjusts the arch wire every few weeks to gradually move teeth.
Ceramic Brackets
Ceramic Brackets are tooth-colored and used with clear ligatures for a much more discreet look. The system is otherwise the same.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-Ligating Braces use brackets that fasten to the arch wire without ligatures, offering a discreet look and generally requiring fewer adjustment appointments over the course of treatment.
Invisalign treatment
Invisalign isn’t braces at all, but a series of custom-molded clear aligners that are virtually invisible when worn.
Ready to Make a Change?
Call our dental office to book your appointment now