What Is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment involves the use of braces, aligners, and other dental appliances to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, can improve chewing and speech function, and contribute to a more balanced smile.
At Orion Dental, we provide orthodontic services for children, teens, and adults at our Scarborough and Milton offices. Our dentists will evaluate your teeth and bite, discuss your concerns, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
6–24
Months, depending on the case
All Ages
Children, teens & adults
4–8 wk
Between adjustment visits
Straighter
Teeth and bite alignment
What Bite Problems Does Orthodontic Treatment Fix?
Orthodontic treatment can address a wide range of alignment and bite problems. Left untreated, these issues can lead to uneven tooth wear, difficulty chewing, jaw pain, and an increased risk of decay and gum disease because misaligned teeth are harder to clean properly.
Overbite
The upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively in a vertical direction, sometimes causing the lower teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
Underbite
The lower teeth protrude past the upper front teeth, which can affect chewing function and facial balance.
Crossbite
One or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside, which can cause uneven jaw growth and wear.
Open Bite
The front teeth do not meet when the back teeth are together, making biting into foods difficult and sometimes affecting speech.
Crowding
Insufficient room in the jaw causes teeth to overlap, rotate, or push out of alignment, making thorough cleaning more difficult.
Spacing
Gaps between teeth caused by missing teeth, undersized teeth, or habits such as thumb sucking can affect both function and appearance.
Orthodontic Options We Offer
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces consist of stainless steel brackets bonded to the front of each tooth, connected by a wire that is periodically tightened to guide teeth into position. Modern metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than those used in previous decades. They remain a well-established method for treating complex orthodontic cases.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces function the same way as metal braces but use tooth-coloured or clear brackets that blend in with your teeth. They are less noticeable than metal braces, making them a popular choice for adults and older teens who want a more discreet option while still benefiting from the effectiveness of traditional braces.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually shift teeth into place. Aligners are removable, allowing you to eat, brush, and floss normally. Invisalign is suitable for many mild to moderate orthodontic cases and is popular among adults who prefer a less visible treatment option.
Not Sure Which Option Is Right for You?
What Age Should My Child Have an Orthodontic Assessment?
Early orthodontic evaluation allows your dentist to monitor the growth and development of your child's teeth and jaws. In some cases, early intervention (Phase I treatment) can help guide jaw growth, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and reduce the need for more involved treatment later.
Not all children need early treatment. Your dentist may recommend monitoring your child's development and beginning treatment once most permanent teeth have come in, typically between ages eleven and fourteen.
We provide gentle dental care for children and work to make orthodontic visits comfortable and positive experiences.
Is It Too Late for Adults to Get Orthodontic Treatment?
More adults than ever are choosing to straighten their teeth. Whether you had braces as a child and your teeth have shifted over time, or you never had the opportunity for orthodontic treatment, it is not too late to improve your smile and bite alignment.
Adult orthodontic treatment may take slightly longer than treatment for children and teens because adult bones have stopped growing. However, the results are just as effective. Many adults prefer Invisalign or ceramic braces for their less noticeable appearance.
Ready to find out which orthodontic option is right for you or your child? Book a consultation at our Scarborough or Milton office — we will review your teeth, answer every question, and outline a clear plan.
Book an Orthodontic ConsultationHow Does Orthodontic Treatment Work, Step by Step?
Understanding the full process helps set realistic expectations and keeps treatment on track. Here is what to expect from start to finish.
Consultation & Records
Your dentist takes digital X-rays, photographs, and impressions (or a digital scan) of your teeth and bite. This gives a complete picture of your orthodontic needs and forms the basis of your personalized plan.
Treatment Plan
Your dentist reviews the records with you, explains which issues need to be corrected, presents the available options, and provides a realistic timeline and cost estimate so you can make an informed decision.
Appliance Placement
Brackets are bonded to your teeth and the archwire is placed (for braces), or your first set of custom aligners is fitted (for Invisalign). Your dentist checks that everything feels comfortable and teaches you how to care for your appliance.
Regular Adjustments
For braces, you will visit every four to eight weeks so your dentist can tighten the wire and check progress. Invisalign patients pick up new aligner sets and have their progress monitored at each visit. Good oral hygiene is especially important during this phase.
Retainer Phase
Once your teeth reach their final positions, braces are removed or your aligner series is complete. A custom retainer is made to hold your results. Wearing your retainer as directed is essential — teeth can shift back if the retainer is neglected.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Treatment time depends on the complexity of your case, your age, and how consistently you follow your dentist's instructions (especially for Invisalign, which requires twenty to twenty-two hours of daily wear). Simple alignment corrections may be complete in six to twelve months; more involved cases involving significant bite correction can take eighteen to twenty-four months or longer.
Invisalign Requires Discipline
Caring for Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment
- Brush after every meal to remove food particles from around brackets and wires
- Use an interdental brush or floss threader to clean between teeth and under wires
- Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage braces
- Attend all scheduled adjustment appointments
- Continue regular dental checkups and cleanings
- Wear any rubber bands or appliances as instructed
The Long-Term Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is an investment that provides benefits well beyond a straighter smile. Properly aligned teeth are significantly easier to keep clean, as there are fewer tight spaces where plaque and food particles can accumulate. This can reduce your long-term risk of cavities, gum disease, and the need for restorative treatments such as fillings or crowns.
Correcting bite alignment also helps distribute chewing forces evenly across your teeth, reducing the risk of premature wear, chipping, and jaw strain. Patients with untreated bite issues sometimes develop temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort, headaches, or difficulty chewing. Addressing these concerns through orthodontics can improve both comfort and function. After treatment is complete, wearing your retainer as directed is essential to maintaining your results and protecting the investment you have made in your oral health.
Choosing the Right Orthodontic Option
With several orthodontic options available, choosing the right one depends on the nature of your orthodontic issues, your lifestyle, and your preferences. Traditional metal braces remain the most versatile option and are often recommended for complex cases involving significant crowding, large gaps, or bite corrections that require precise control. Ceramic braces offer a less visible alternative with similar capabilities, though they may require slightly more care to avoid staining the brackets.
Invisalign clear aligners are well-suited for many mild to moderate cases and are popular among adults and teens who value discretion. Because aligners are removable, they allow you to eat without restrictions and maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine. However, Invisalign requires discipline — aligners must be worn for twenty to twenty-two hours each day to stay on schedule. During your consultation at our Scarborough or Milton office, your dentist will evaluate your specific situation and help you understand which approach is likely to suit your case.
Straight Teeth Are Healthier Teeth
Orthodontic Treatment at Orion Dental
At Orion Dental, we provide personalized orthodontic care for patients of all ages. We will take time to explain your options, answer your questions, and develop a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.
To schedule an orthodontic consultation, book an appointment online or call our Scarborough office at 416-291-0306 or our Milton office at 905-636-9770.