Straightening Smiles From Adolescence On
Most kids lose their baby teeth by age 13. Even before those last few baby teeth are gone, with most adult teeth already in place, it’s usually pretty clear where overcrowding will happen or where permanent teeth are coming in crooked. This makes it the ideal time to start orthodontic treatment while their permanent smile is still settling in.
As much as we love bringing out the natural beauty of a smile, orthodontic treatment matters even more for long-term oral health. Misaligned teeth and a crooked bite can be tough to clean properly, feel uncomfortable, and even lead to aches and pains. With orthodontic treatment, these issues can often be resolved in as little as six months.
Your teen might benefit from orthodontic treatment if they have:
- An overbite, when the upper teeth sit too far forward.
- Excessive spacing, or gaps between the teeth.
- An underbite, when the lower teeth sit too far forward.
- Crowding, when teeth overlap or are difficult to floss.
- A crossbite, or a bite that doesn’t mesh comfortably.
- Chronic headaches, jaw pain, or upper back and neck pain.
Braces are just one part of caring for your teen’s growing smile. If you’re also looking after younger kids at home, our children’s dentistry services are there to support their oral health every step of the way.
Orthodontic Options for Every Smile
There are several treatment options available, depending on the patient’s personal needs and budget. Here are a few of the options we offer:
Traditional Braces
When you hear the word braces, you probably picture those bulky metal brackets with wires. Modern dental brackets are now smaller, far less noticeable and just as effective as the older, bulkier versions. They’re also easier to keep clean and much more comfortable to wear.
Clear Brackets
If you’re considering braces, we also offer clear brackets, which tend to be especially popular among our young adult patients. These brackets combine conventional orthodontic treatment with a more discreet look. At a quick glance, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing braces.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, have rapidly grown in popularity. A series of custom-made, transparent trays gradually shift your teeth into their ideal position. They fit snugly and precisely, and can be removed occasionally to eat, to brush and floss as usual, or for special occasions like a school dance or class presentation.
What is the cost of orthodontic treatment in Scarborough?
With a typical dental insurance plan, orthodontic treatment usually averages between $3,000 and $5,000 or more out of pocket. After an oral exam, we’re happy to provide an accurate quote so you can find out how much your insurance plan covers and what your actual out-of-pocket costs would be. Without insurance, orthodontic treatment typically runs about $4,000 to $6,000 or more.
How do we actually determine the cost of your orthodontic treatment, and why does it seem so expensive?
When considering the cost of orthodontics, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The current condition of the patient’s oral health, including teeth and gums.
- How much the teeth need to move.
- The type of orthodontic treatment chosen.
- The length of the treatment.
Since every smile is different, the only way to find out which treatment fits best and what it will cost you out of pocket is to come in for a consultation. After an examination, we can build a personalized treatment plan with an accurate timeline and cost.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, routine dental cleanings and checkups are even more important during orthodontic treatment, since braces create extra spots for plaque and food to hide.
Braces don’t hurt when they’re first applied. Once they start shifting your teeth, you may notice some discomfort, though most patients describe it as more annoying than painful. That said, if you experience any pain or discomfort, let us know. There are ways to make your treatment as comfortable as possible.
Most orthodontic treatment starts once the majority of permanent teeth have erupted, typically between ages 11 and 14, though this varies depending on your teen’s individual dental development.
It’s best to hold off on whitening until braces come off, since the brackets cover part of each tooth and can lead to an uneven shade once they’re removed.
Avoid foods that could damage your braces, like candy apples, caramel or corn on the cob, along with foods that are tough to clean out of braces, like caramel, gum and popcorn. It’s also smart to limit sugary or acidic foods, since they’re harder than usual to clean off your teeth. Clear braces can also stain from foods like beets, curry and Kraft Dinner.
Floss threaders and super floss are both available and specially designed for flossing around braces or permanent retainers. We’re happy to show you how to floss with braces at your next appointment.
This may be a dental emergency, so call us right away. Don’t wait until your next scheduled appointment.
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