Open 7 days a week / Ajax: 905-427-4280 / Whitby: 905-444-9449 / Pickering: 905-420-4006
SMILE GALLERY | EVENTS | BLOG
We are Open & Offering All Services
Orthodontics (Braces)
Orthodontic Services and Braces in Ajax, Whitby and Pickering
Orthodontics is a specialized form of dentistry that focuses on the treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontic treatment often involves braces, as they help in the treatment of dental and facial abnormalities. At Durham Dental Services, we provide orthodontic treatments in Ajax and surrounding areas. Our dentists have been assisting the people of Ajax for years by offering proper dental care. Orthodontic treatment helps patients achieve improved dental health and does wonders to the patient’s confidence. As you know, our teeth are involved in several day-to-day activities, which is why keeping a check on our dental health is of utmost importance.
When it comes to braces, it might seem that only those with crooked teeth require braces, but in reality, any of us can happen to need them. There is no specific reason why people go for orthodontic treatment or braces, so we have compiled a list of reasons why anyone can be suggested to get braces. If you’re experiencing any of the following issues, then we advise you to see a dentist for orthodontic treatment:
- Overcrowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Gaps in teeth
- Crossbite
- Open bite
If you still have some doubts about orthodontics, then feel free to contact us, and our board-certified dentists will be happy to assist you. We have a wide range of braces in store, so get in touch if you’re looking for braces in Ajax, Whitby, or Pickering.
Understanding Orthodontics: Straightening Out Your Smile
Malocclusion is the technical term describing the improper fit and alignment of the teeth and jaws. It can be divided into two categories: “crooked teeth” or a “poor bite.” Malocclusion may be caused by:
Inherited Traits
Traits such as jaw size and tooth size are inherited, but they are often in conflict. For example, you may have a small jaw but large teeth, which causes crowding. Conversely, you may have a large jaw and small teeth, causing your teeth to be widely spaced or “drift” out of place. Other inherited traits include: missing teeth, teeth that erupt in the wrong place (transposed with other teeth) or congenital defects, such as a cleft palate or severely underdeveloped upper or lower jaw.
Oral Habits
Tooth loss from accidents or decay can cause the remaining teeth to drift into new positions.
Tooth Loss
Oral habits such as thumb or finger sucking, pacifier use and possibly mouth breathing are related to malocclusion.
Braces Can Correct Crowding
Mild malocclusion causes no functional problems and little cosmetic concern, while severe cases may cause difficulty eating and speaking and can be a source of embarrassment. Crowding is the most common type of malocclusion. In children, early crowding of their permanent teeth may prevent the remaining teeth from coming in properly. However, mild crowding may be corrected naturally as the child’s jaw grows. Your orthodontist will be able to evaluate your specific condition. With or without correction through braces, the teeth have a natural tendency to drift towards the front of the jaw. As a result, 65% of adults eventually end up with crowded lower front teeth.
Symptoms of Malocclusion
The most common symptom of malocclusion is crooked or protruding teeth. Physical symptoms of malocclusion are rare. However, you can look for any of the following:
In children, permanent teeth may come in (erupt) out of their normal position
Difficulty in chewing due to bite alignment
Biting the cheeks or the roof of the mouth
Speech difficulties
Pain in the jaws or facial muscles
In adults, symptoms will remain the same or worsen over the years. To be sure, it is recommended to have your dentist assess your bite.
Orthodontic Treatment for Malocclusion
The orthodontic treatment goal for malocclusion is to reposition the teeth into a proper bite while maintaining or improving your appearance. The most common way this is done is through braces. At our Whitby, Ajax and Pickering locations, we offer conventional braces, as well as other orthodontic appliances.
We offer conventional braces and a host of orthodontic appliances at our Ajax, Whitby and Pickering locations. Whenever you feel like you need braces, give us a call, and we’ll assist you in choosing the right ones.
During the childhood or teen years, your orthodontist will take advantage of your child’s growth spurts to guide permanent teeth into place and guide the jaw’s growth. For adults, in addition to the use of appliances such as braces, adjustments may be made by grinding tooth tips or providing space maintainers to counteract the effects of premature tooth loss. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can be avoided by using dental crowns or veneers. In severe cases, surgery may be the only viable treatment. Orthognathic surgery is performed for severe jaw-related problems once the jaw has stopped growing.
Don’t want to be a “metal-mouth”?
Long gone are the days when braces meant becoming a metal-mouth as these days, several aesthetically pleasing options are available. Our wide range of braces at Durham Dental Services includes “invisible” braces, clear braces, wires, and many other options. Certain appliances are worn only at night or on a limited basis. Contact our dentists and learn all about orthodontics and braces in Ajax, Whitby and Pickering.
Caring for Your Braces in Whitby, Ajax and Pickering
Your orthodontic treatment’s success, including braces at our Whitby, Ajax and Pickering locations, depends on your ability to care for your appliances and follow your orthodontist’s specific instructions. If it isn’t possible to keep your appointments, you should at the very least practice careful dental hygiene and wear your appliances as directed. If your child is too immature to take on the responsibility, consider starting treatment at a later time.
Your braces will require special care. This may include the following:
Avoid eating sticky and hard foods such as gum, taffy and nuts.
Taking vitamins with fluoride
Using a retainer as often and for as long as is required
Carefully brushing after each meal or snack
Stopping any oral habits, such as thumb sucking, which may have contributed to the malocclusion