Please click on a question to take you to that section of the page.

What exactly is an Orthodontist?
What are braces?
Do braces hurt?
How long do braces have to be worn?
Am I restricted to the type of foods I can eat while wearing braces?
Do I have to have braces?
What are retainers?
What are alastics?
What are the benefits of early treatment for my child?
What are the benefits of elective orthodontic treatment?
What are the costs involved for treatment?

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What exactly is an Orthodontist?

An Orthodontist is a dentist who has Post Graduate education (anywhere from 8 to 11 years of university in total) and is a specialist in braces, bite problems and jaw joint problems.

What are braces?

Braces are a round or flat metal wire that is placed against the surface of the teeth for straightening irregularly arranged teeth. Ideally, they are worn on both the upper and lower teeth to increase treatment efficiency and to better ensure that the functional bite is satisfactory at the end of treatment.

Do braces hurt?

There is moderate discomfort for several days when adjusted.

How long do braces have to be worn?

The total treatment time can range from 9 months to 5 years, but the average is 24 to 30 months.

Am I restricted to the type of foods I can eat while wearing braces?

After each brace adjustment, the teeth are moderately sore for several days, so hard foods should be avoided to maintain comfort. Also very hard or sticky foods should be avoided or eaten VERY carefully to reduce the risk of appliance breakage.

Do I have to have braces?

Braces are considered elective or optional

What are retainers?

Retainers are placed after braces are removed. They are simple, comfortable, easy-to-maintain appliances which hold the teeth straight while the bone around the teeth remodels to accommodate to new teeth positions. Retainers are generally worn 24 hours per day during the first year, nights during the second year, then progressively less during the third year.

What are alastics?

Alastics are the little rubber bands which hold the archwires onto the brackets. The spelling is "Alastic" and not "Elastic" which is an orthodontic slang that relates to their historical chemical composition. They come in many different colors for fun. Sometimes, steel ligatures (like little twist ties for braces) or chain elastics are used instead of or in addition to alastics. Steel holds the wire very strongly, chain elastics close spaces between teeth and are like a bunch of alastics connected together. Steel ties also come Teflon coated to make them less visible.

All of the ties have advantages and disadvantages at different stages of treatment. The orthodontist will let you know which one is appropriate for you. Alastics and chains are usually changed at every monthly appointment, so you get a new color every month!

By holding the archwire tight to the braces, the alastics, chain and steel ligatures allow the wire to do its work more effectively and their placement is one means of "tightening" the wire.

What are the benefits of early treatment for my child?

• It influences jaw growth in a positive way.
• It harmonizes the width of the dental arches.
• It improves eruption patterns.
• It lowers the risk of trauma to protruded upper incisors.
• It corrects harmful oral habits.
• It improves aesthetics and self-esteem.
• It will either simplify or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics.
• It will reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth.
• It can improve speech problems.
• It can preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth.

What are the benefits of elective orthodontic treatment?

• Functional - Even distribution of wear and tear.
• Health of the gums - they prevent teeth from biting against gum tissue; make it easier to access teeth for brushing and flossing.
• In preparation for cosmetic dentistry or placement of artificial teeth (sometimes teeth need to be repositioned with braces so a normal sized artifical tooth can be placed).
• To eliminate the need for artificial teeth. In some circumstances, spaces in the region of missing teeth can be eliminated by moving the adjacent teeth into the space with braces.
• Reposition or salvage roots of fractured teeth so they can be used to support artificial teeth.
• Improve enunciation (speech).
• Improve dental and facial esthetics and self image. Gain confidence in your smile.

What are the costs involved for treatment?

It will vary depending on what type of problem or problems the patient faces and on the treatment plan selected. Your best bet is to talk to your orthodontist. Book an initial CONSULTATIVE INTERVIEW and get an estimate...you will be surprised at the options for treatment! A rough estimate is usually given at the initial exam and a precise estimate after case analysis and finalization of treatment plan.

There are various dental plans that cover costs over time and your orthodontist may have a program for you so that costs are manageable over time.