Orthodontics

Our Fraser Family Dental Clinic offers a full range of orthodontic procedures to our patients. Orthodontics is used to gently, and overtime, move the teeth and jaw into the correct position. It is important for our teeth to fit together correctly to allow for proper care and cleaning. When teeth are misaligned, they create hard to reach areas that can allow for bacteria to build up, and over time lead to periodontal disease and tooth decay. In addition to a healthier mouth, orthodontic treatments also improve the appearance of an individual’s smile.

To create your individualized treatment plan numerous diagnostic techniques will then be used including; plaster molds of your teeth, photographs, and x-rays. There are numerous dental appliances that can be used in orthodontics to help move the teeth, affect the growth of the jaw, and retrain muscles. All appliances, whether fixed or removable, work by placing a gentle pressure on your jaws and teeth. Your orthodontic appliance will be determined based on the type of dental complication you have and the severity of it.

Fixed appliances include braces and fixed space maintainers. Braces are the most common orthodontic option and consist of brackets and wires. The brackets are placed onto the front of each tooth and a wire is then passed through each band and then secured onto the back teeth using special bands. Over the course of time the wire is tightened, and the teeth move into proper position. A fixed space maintainer is most commonly used to fill the position when a baby tooth is lost prematurely. This allows for the space to remain until the permanent tooth erupts.

Removable appliances include aligners and removable retainer. Aligners are used in a specific sequence to move teeth over time. They will need to be removed before brushing, flossing, and eating. One of the most popular aligners on the market is Invisalign. Removable retainers are used once orthodontic treatment is done to help prevent the teeth from shifting back into their previous positions.

Please contact our office to schedule your orthodontic consultation today!