INTRODUCTION
Orthodontic Care for Every Stage of Life
Orthodontic care corrects the alignment of teeth and jaws, improving both appearance and long-term oral health. Crooked and misaligned teeth are harder to clean and more prone to decay and gum disease over time. Correcting alignment issues can also relieve bite problems, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing. At Balsam Dental in The Beaches, we provide orthodontic services for children, teens, and adults. We work with you to plan the right treatment approach for your situation, and use modern techniques and materials to deliver comfortable, effective results.
FEATURES
What Is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic care corrects the alignment of teeth and jaws, improving both appearance and long-term oral health. Crooked and misaligned teeth are harder to clean and more prone to decay and gum disease over time. Correcting alignment issues can also relieve bite problems, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing. At Balsam Dental in The Beaches, we provide orthodontic services for children, teens, and adults. We work with you to plan the right treatment approach for your situation, and use modern techniques and materials to deliver comfortable, effective results.
Types of Orthodontic Services We Offer
Dental Braces
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Dental braces are the most common approach to correcting alignment. Modern braces are smaller and more comfortable than earlier versions, and can effectively treat a wide range of alignment and bite issues. Most patients get braces during their teen years, but braces work well for adults too.
Retainers
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Retainers are recommended after any orthodontic treatment. As the name suggests, retainers keep teeth from shifting back to their previous positions. This is the final step in the alignment process, and consistent retainer wear is critical to keeping your results long-term. Retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth and jaw structure.
Clear Aligners
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For patients looking for a more discreet alternative to traditional braces, we also offer Invisalign clear aligners at our Beaches practice. Visit our Invisalign page to learn more about clear aligner treatment.
AGE & TIMING
The Best Age for Orthodontic Treatment
Patients with dental problems can get orthodontic treatment at nearly any age. However, when it comes to braces, the ideal time is between 11 and 14 years of age, while the mouth and head are still in a growing phase. In older age, oral problems tend to be more complex and can take a longer period of treatment. That said, modern dental techniques allow patients to get orthodontic treatment done at any age with excellent results. At Balsam Dental in The Beaches, we treat both children and adult patients.
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WHEN NEEDED
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment mainly involves the correction of irregularities in teeth and jaws. Crooked and misaligned teeth negatively affect one's appearance and are also harder to clean, which puts them at higher risk of loss due to tooth decay and gum disease.
Reasons to consider orthodontic treatment
• Misaligned teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• More pleasing appearance
• Healthier teeth are more likely to last a lifetime
• A straightened and even smile
If you are encountering various breathing problems due to the misalignment and wrong positioning of your teeth, you must consider having orthodontic treatment. Book a consultation at Balsam Dental in The Beaches, Toronto.
BENEFITS
Timing, treatment, and common questions.
What can I expect at my first orthodontic consultation?
Your first orthodontic consultation is about understanding your situation and mapping out options. We'll do a full exam of your teeth and jaws, take X-rays and photographs if needed, and talk through what you'd like to achieve. From there we can recommend the treatment approach that fits best, walk you through what it involves, and answer any questions before you commit to a plan.
When Do You Need Orthodontic Treatment?
If you are encountering various breathing problems due to the misalignment and wrong positioning of your teeth, you must consider having orthodontic treatment, depending on your oral condition. Misaligned or crowded teeth are also at higher risk of decay and gum disease because they're harder to clean.
What Are the Best Orthodontic Treatments?
The best treatment depends on your specific alignment issues and personal preferences. Traditional braces are highly effective for complex cases and are still the standard for many patients. Clear aligners like Invisalign work well for many mild to moderate cases and offer a more discreet option. During your consultation, we'll walk through which approach makes the most sense for your goals.
What Is the Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist?
Orthodontists mainly have expertise in correcting your teeth and jaw alignments and in fixing bite problems through various procedures, while dentists are specialists who diagnose dental problems, make treatment plans, and restore your smile by performing various dental care procedures. Both orthodontists and dentists have significance in maintaining and restoring oral health.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
Skip anything sticky, hard, or chewy that can damage brackets or wires: caramels, taffy, gum, popcorn, hard candy, nuts, ice, tough crusty bread, corn on the cob, whole apples. Cut hard fruits and veggies into small pieces. It sounds like a lot but you get used to it quickly — and it's much easier than dealing with a broken bracket.
How do I brush and floss with braces?
Brush after every meal — food gets trapped everywhere in braces. Use a soft-bristled brush and get around each bracket carefully. For flossing, floss threaders or a water flosser make a huge difference and are worth the small investment. Interdental brushes can also help clean between brackets. We'll show you the technique at your fitting.
Do braces hurt?
You'll feel pressure and mild soreness for 2–4 days after your braces are first put on and after each tightening appointment. Over-the-counter pain relief helps, as does eating soft foods. The insides of your cheeks and lips may get irritated at first — orthodontic wax applied to the brackets prevents this while your mouth toughens up. It's manageable.
What happens if a bracket breaks or a wire pokes me?
Call us — we'll get you in as soon as we can. For a poking wire in the meantime, use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push it flat, and cover any sharp point with orthodontic wax to protect your cheek. For a loose bracket, leave it in place if possible and avoid chewing on that side until we can fix it.
