At Goldberg Orthodontics we see patients of all ages, from seven to seventy. We believe that quality orthodontic care should be available to patients of all ages.
Kids
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic assessment around the age of seven. This is the perfect time for a first visit because the adult teeth have begun to erupt, which allows us to diagnose tooth and jaw issues early. Often treatment won’t occur for several years but by monitoring growth and development over the next few years we are able to catch problems before they worsen. Some concerns like early or late loss of baby teeth, finger/thumb sucking habits, crossbites, crowded or abnormally positioned teeth, or trouble chewing/biting may lead us to recommend treatment sooner. Early (Phase I) treatment around 8-10 years old may prevent bigger issues later or can help to simplify additional (Phase II) treatment in the future.
Teens and pre-teens
Teenage woes are tough enough, an uncomfortable smile shouldn’t be a part of that. However, a nice smile is about more than smiling confidently for a selfie, it can also make cleaning easier, improve jaw function, and increase the longevity of your child’s teeth. Fortunately, braces are smaller and more stylish than in the past, and the process has become much easier.
Whether your child chooses metal braces, clear braces, or clear aligners we will help ensure their journey is as successful as possible. Ideally, treatment will occur once all of the adult teeth have erupted and while the jaws are still growing. Their willingness to help will go a long way toward how quickly their treatment progresses. By following our recommendations to care for their braces, maintain a healthy diet and a diligent hygiene routine, they can keep their treatment time on track.
We are proud to partner in the Smiles4Canada program which facilitates orthodontic treatment for deserving children who cannot otherwise afford treatment. You can learn more about the program and apply here.
Adults
We often have parents in our office who believe it is too late for them to benefit from orthodontic treatment. The good news is that teeth can move at any age and in fact, more than one in four Canadians in treatment are adults!
Many adults are now choosing treatment because they realize the importance of maintaining their oral health or want to feel better about their smile. For others, it is something their parents weren’t able to do for them and now they wish to do it for themselves. Regardless of your age, orthodontic treatment is always a positive change. Clear braces and clear aligners are two aesthetic options that our adult patients often choose.
TYPES OF BRACES
To ensure a successful journey, start by choosing the option that best suits your lifestyle.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are by far the most common type of braces. They are made of medical-grade stainless steel and are smaller and more comfortable than the braces your parents wore. Braces are bonded to each tooth and small elastics are used to engage a wire into the braces to guide the teeth toward their final destination. You have the option to use coloured elastics for a unique pop of colour, or silver elastics for a less noticeable option. When you start your treatment, we will show you how to clean and care for your braces to prevent breakages and other concerns.
Clear (Ceramic) Braces
Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces but are less noticeable because they are made of clear or tooth-colored materials. They are popular with adults and teenagers looking for a more discreet look. While they are less visible, certain foods and drinks can stain the elastics and they can be more susceptible to breakage so extra caution with certain foods is sometimes required.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a series of custom-made trays that are worn to move your teeth into the proper position. Tooth-coloured attachments are bonded to the teeth and each tray sequentially guides them into the proper position. In order to do this, the trays must be worn full-time. The good news is they can be removed for brushing and eating, so you can eat any foods you like! Aligners are popular with adults and teenagers because they are less visible than braces. We offer several types within our office, including Invisalign™, InvisalignTeen™, Spark™, and SureSmile™, which work from minor alignment issues to more complex changes. Feel free to ask us if you are a candidate for this option.
OTHER TREATMENTS
Please contact us if you might be interested in learning more about any of the following treatments we proudly offer at Goldberg Orthodontics.
Space Maintainers (“spacers”)
These appliances are used to hold space after a baby tooth is lost prematurely, or to help relieve future crowding.
Palate Expanders (“expanders”)
This appliance is used to make your upper jaw wider by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars. This appliance helps to fix crossbites, narrow jaws, and can create space for crowded and impacted teeth.
Growth/Functional Appliances
In some cases, an overbite or underbite can be corrected by modifying jaw growth around the time of puberty. Various functional appliances such as a MARATM or X-BowTM can be used for this purpose.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Once jaw growth is complete, it is more challenging to modify the positions of the jaws with braces alone. Sometimes the help of an Oral Surgeon may be recommended to improve misaligned or asymmetric jaws, or correct other concerns like sleep apnea.
Impacted Teeth
Sometimes a canine (eye tooth) or other tooth can grow “off course” and not erupt into the proper position. We can often catch this early and prevent it, but in some cases an Oral Surgeon will help us place a special bracket on the tooth so we can guide it into place.
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
These appliances are small titanium anchors that are used to move teeth in ways that weren’t possible in the past. In some cases they allow us to correct problems or achieve challenging movements where surgery would have previously been the only option available.
Retainers
Retainers are used to maintain teeth in their positions and prevent them from shifting after orthodontic treatment. They can be either removable or bonded in place. Some minor movements can be made with these appliances. We would be happy to recommend the proper type of retainer for you.
