Orthodontics in London, Ontario
Achieve a straighter, healthier smile with orthodontic care at 525 Dental in London, Ontario. Orthodontic treatment can help address crooked or crowded teeth, gaps, protruding teeth, and bite problems while improving the appearance and function of your smile.
Our dental team can assess your teeth and bite and discuss whether orthodontic treatment may be appropriate for you or your child. Depending on your individual needs, treatment may involve braces, clear aligners or other orthodontic appliances. When specialized orthodontic care is required, we can help coordinate a referral to an orthodontic specialist.
What Is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontics focuses on correcting the position and alignment of teeth and, when appropriate, the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Proper alignment can improve how your teeth come together, make daily brushing and flossing easier, and help support good long-term oral health.
Orthodontic treatment uses appliances such as braces or clear aligners to apply controlled pressure that gradually moves teeth into a more appropriate position. Treatment plans vary depending on the patient’s age, dental development, bite, the position of the teeth and the complexity of the orthodontic problem.
Who Can Benefit From Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is not only for teenagers. Children, teens and adults may benefit from an orthodontic assessment when there are concerns with tooth alignment or the way the upper and lower teeth come together.
Orthodontic treatment may be considered for concerns such as:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked or rotated teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Certain difficulties with chewing or tooth function
An assessment can help determine whether orthodontic treatment is appropriate and whether treatment should begin now or at a later stage.
Braces
Braces are one of the most established methods of orthodontic treatment. They use brackets and wires to apply controlled pressure and gradually move teeth into their planned positions.
Modern braces are available in different forms, including traditional metal braces and tooth-coloured ceramic options. The appropriate type depends on the patient’s treatment needs and the recommendation of the dental or orthodontic professional providing the treatment.
Clear Aligners
Invisalign clear aligners are removable, transparent trays designed to gradually move teeth. They can be a discreet alternative to traditional braces for some patients.
Clear aligners are not suitable for every orthodontic problem. An assessment is important to determine whether aligner treatment can achieve the desired result for your particular teeth and bite.
If clear aligner treatment is being considered, your dental professional will evaluate your oral health, tooth alignment and bite before recommending an appropriate treatment approach.
Why Is Tooth Alignment Important?
Orthodontics is about more than the appearance of your smile. Crooked and crowded teeth can be more difficult to clean effectively, which can make maintaining good oral hygiene more challenging. Certain bite problems can also affect chewing and may contribute to uneven tooth wear or other dental concerns.
Improving tooth alignment may make it easier to maintain your daily oral hygiene routine while supporting comfortable tooth function and a healthy smile.
Orthodontic Care for Children
Some orthodontic problems can be identified while a child’s permanent teeth are developing. An orthodontic assessment can help determine whether early monitoring or treatment may be beneficial.
The timing of treatment depends on the child’s dental development and the type of orthodontic problem. In some cases, treatment can begin while a child is still growing; in other situations, monitoring and treatment at a later stage may be more appropriate.
If you have concerns about your child’s developing teeth or bite, speak with our dental team about whether an orthodontic assessment is appropriate.
Orthodontics for Adults
It is never too late to discuss tooth alignment. Adults may also be candidates for orthodontic treatment, provided their teeth, gums and supporting structures are healthy enough for treatment.
Depending on the individual case, treatment may involve traditional braces, ceramic braces or clear aligners. Your dentist or orthodontic specialist can explain which options may be appropriate for your needs.
Maintaining Your Oral Health During Orthodontic Treatment
Good oral hygiene is especially important during orthodontic treatment. Braces and other appliances can create areas where plaque and food particles collect, making thorough brushing and cleaning essential.
Continue with regular dental examinations and professional dental hygiene appointments as recommended. Your dental team can also provide guidance on brushing, flossing and caring for your teeth throughout treatment.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Treatment time varies from person to person. The length of treatment depends on factors such as the type and severity of the orthodontic problem, the patient’s age, the treatment method and how well the patient follows the treatment instructions.
Your dental or orthodontic professional can provide a more specific estimate after completing an assessment.
Orthodontic Care in London, Ontario
At 525 Dental, we believe every patient deserves a treatment plan that is based on their individual oral health needs. If you are concerned about crooked teeth, crowding, gaps or your bite, our team can assess your smile and discuss the next steps with you.
We welcome children, adults and families at our Oxford Street East dental office in London, Ontario.
Interested in orthodontic treatment? Contact 525 Dental at 519-672-1190 to schedule an assessment and discuss your options.