Your Pickering Invisalign® Provider
Orthodontics
How We Approach Orthodontics
Our goal for orthodontic treatment stays the same no matter your age – to help you achieve straighter teeth and a healthy smile.
We do this with the use of either traditional metal braces or Invisalign clear aligners. Both of these options put gentle pressure on your teeth to help move them into their desired position.
From the first time we meet you, we aim to help you feel relaxed and confident in the treatment process. We believe that successful orthodontic care begins with informed patients.
This is why we will take the time to discuss the treatment plan with you in great detail, and allow you to provide input on what you hope to achieve with orthodontic care.
With treatment using braces or clear aligners, we help you straighten your teeth, allowing for a strong, confident smile to shine through.
Metal Braces
Traditional braces, which are typically made of either metal or a combination of metal and ceramic, have been used for decades to straighten teeth. These days, metal braces have a much lower profile, which allows for more comfort and a less obvious appearance.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
With Invisalign clear aligners, your smile can be transformed without the use of metal wires and brackets.
Due to their clear appearance, Invisalign aligners provide a discreet look – those passing by may not even be able to spot the difference! Invisalign also provides the opportunity to undergo treatment with few changes to your daily life. Because clear aligners are removable, you will be able to brush and floss normally as well as enjoy your favourite foods.
Braces FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions our dentists at Dentistry on Liverpool commonly receive about braces:
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Do braces hurt?
While the braces should not generally cause any pain, you may feel some mild discomfort in the first few days after they've been adjusted.
This is because your teeth are starting to realign and will need some time to get used to the pressure of the elastic ties and archwire. You can also use dental wax to help alleviate and prevent any pain caused by the brackets rubbing inside your lips.
Your cheeks and lips may need a week or two to get used to the braces on your teeth after they're first placed.
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How do braces straighten teeth?
Braces use pressure, applied consistently, to help adjust the position of your teeth.
As pressure is applied and the teeth move, the jawbone changes shape to adjust to the new positions of the teeth.
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How will my braces look on my teeth?
The appearance of your braces will ultimately depend on which type you get.
For instance, ceramic braces are made to closely match the natural colour of your teeth.
Metal braces are made of medical-grade stainless steel and may have transparent or coloured brackets. You'll be able to choose the colour of the brackets to match your preference.
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How long will I need to wear braces?
The overall duration of your orthodontic treatment will vary depending on the severity of your condition and the desired result.
Braces are designed to shift your teeth into their proper positions as prescribed by your dentist. Most people who undergo orthodontic treatment with braces typically wear them for about two years.
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How can I prevent cavities while wearing braces?
You should take extra care to clean your teeth properly when wearing braces. This is because food and debris can get stuck in the wires and brackets, which leaves the potential for decay to develop.
Maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine is vital to ensuring your orthodontic treatment is successful. This means brushing up to five times a day - after every meal and before you go to bed. You should also floss once per day to be sure that you're removing plaque, bacteria and debris from between your teeth.
You may want to use an electric toothbrush, an interdental brush and/or a water flosser to help clear food, bacteria and plaque away.
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What can I eat with braces?
While there are some foods that you should avoid when you have braces, there are many different foods that you can eat without issue. Here is a list of foods that you should and shouldn't eat with braces:
Foods You Can Eat With Braces:
- Breads: Pancakes, soft tortillas, muffins without nuts, pancakes
- Dairy: Pudding, yogurt, soft cheese, milk-based drinks
- Fruits: Fruit juice, bananas, apple sauce
- Grains: Soft-cooked rice, pasta
- Vegetables: Beans, steamed spinach, mashed potatoes
- Meat & Poultry: Soft-cooked chicken, lunch meats, meatballs
Foods to Avoid With Braces
- Hard foods: Hard candy or nuts
- Chewy foods: Licorice or bagels
- Crunchy foods: Ice, chips, popcorn
- Sticky foods: Chewing gum, caramel candy
- Foods that require you to bite into them: Carrots, apples, corn on the cob