Orthodontics for Adults in Richmond Hill
It’s never too late to achieve the smile you deserve. Many adult patients at our Richmond Hill office seek orthodontic treatment because they missed out on braces as a teenager, their teeth have shifted after previous treatment, or they need alignment work to support other dental procedures like implants or cosmetic restorations. As long as your teeth and bones are healthy, orthodontic treatment can be highly effective at any age. Our specialist offers discreet options like ceramic braces and Invisalign clear aligners tailored to the unique needs and preferences of adult patients. Book a free adult orthodontic consultation at Rad Orthodontics today.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners and is a discreet alternative to traditional braces for some patients.
They are custom-made clear plastic aligners that are removable. Patients wear them about 7-14 days each and then switch to the next one. Little by little teeth move and become straight.
During our initial consultation we will discuss the pros and cons of Invisalign versus braces and recommend the best treatment alternative based on the
- Complexity of your treatment: More complex cases are typically best treated with traditional braces.
- Age: some changes in teeth and bones on the jaws cannot be achieved when we are not growing anymore.
- Lifestyle: The aligners need to be worn about 20-22 hours per day and It is recommended to remove them when eating and drinking hot/sugary drinks.
Braces
Orthodontic braces are composed of 3 parts:
- Brackets which are glued to the teeth
- Wires
- Ligature, which are colored little rubber bands that tie the wire to the bracket
The braces are used to align your teeth so that we can improve their look and function.
The most common types of braces are metal or ceramic. The clear ceramic brackets offer a more esthetic alternative for patients who want their braces to be less noticeable.
Many patients may also need to wear elastics on top of the braces to improve their bite and function.
Bonded or Fixed Retainers
The fixed retainer is a little piece of wire that is glued to the back of the front teeth. Its purpose is to prevent the shift of the front teeth so that they stay straight.
While you have them in your mouth, you need to pay special attention to:
- Your oral hygiene: brushing, flossing (or using your waterpik) and getting cleanings in order to avoid cavities between your front teeth
- Your eating habits: it is best to avoid biting into food or chewing sticky food with your front teeth. These can break or bend your fixed retainer, causing a shift of your teeth.
Removable Retainers
The removable (typically clear) retainer that is given to patients needs to be worn only at night!
You just need to make sure that you brush your teeth before putting them and going to sleep.
They need to be cleaned every morning with some cold water and soap to prevent the growth of bacteria.