Modern orthodontic treatment solutions are common for both adults and children. It is possible to correct misaligned teeth at any age with various treatment methods that suit your individual lifestyle and treatment needs. We consider your concerns and long-term goals as well as the results from a comprehensive diagnostic exam.

Our office embraces a holistic approach towards orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics; this means that that the teeth positions need to be in balance with the upper and lower jaw, the jaws in balance with the face and skull and that the head is in proper relation with the rest of the body. This approach is also called Functional Orthodontics.
Functional Orthodontics uses several types of appliances for different purposes: the purpose of most functional appliances is to create enough space for all of the teeth and to align the upper and lower jaws. In most cases, extraction (removing teeth) is not needed with this approach.
When there is enough space created for all of the teeth and the jaw relation is correct, then braces will be placed to level and align the teeth.
This approach results in very balanced, beautiful faces, healthy TM joints (these are the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull) and an improvement in the body posture.

Early Treatment

Early interceptive orthodontic treatment usually starts before the eruption of the permanent teeth or when the child has very few permanent teeth present. Our goal is to guide the growth of the upper and/or lower jaw to make adequate space for the eruption of all the permanent teeth. We feel that children should be evaluated by the age of four to see if there is a bone problem (orthopedic) or a tooth problem (orthodontic). If problems are detected and treated early it allows us to guide the permanent teeth into the correct position, often preventing the need for braces, extractions or even surgery later in life

Functional Appliances are used mainly in growing children to help solve the problem of narrow upper and lower jaws, which could cause crowding of the permanent teeth. The use of functional appliances can reduce the time the child must wear fixed braces and also can reduce the need for the extraction of permanent teeth. Functional appliances develop the dental arches so that all the permanent teeth can erupt, which ensures an outstanding profile, broad smile and healthy jaw joints.

The ideal age for the use of functional appliances is between ages seven and eleven, when the cooperation level is the highest. Arch development (functional appliances) can also be used in adults to develop the arch to a more normal shape and size before applying the braces.

To make appliance use more fun we offer Palate Pleazers – the ability for kids (or adults) to customize their appliances with fun colours and decals.

We also provide appliance replacement insurance on our appliances, which reduces the cost for repairs or remakes if the appliances are broken or lost.

Orthodontics is usually our second phase of treatment, following the use of functional appliances. Braces are used to move the teeth into alignment to support the development of the bone achieved in the first phase of treatment. The second phase of treatment is initiated when most of the permanent teeth have erupted.
To help make the wearing of braces more fun, patients have a choice of different colored elastics.
We also offer the choice of metal or ceramic brackets.

This phase of treatment usually lasts between 12-24 months depending of the amount of tooth movement necessary to align the teeth and to establish a proper bite. It is important to remember that treatment time is estimated. Patient cooperation is the best way to keep on time with your treatment.
After phase II is completed it is necessary to wear retainers to hold the final result. The great part about our retainers is that they are virtually invisible which helps guarantee patient acceptance and ensures they will be worn at the appropriate times.

For certain types of cases, Invisalign can give you the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted, without having to wear braces. It works through a series of nearly invisible aligners that no one can tell you are wearing. So you can smile more during treatment as well as after.

Visit www.invisalign.com