Straighter, Healthier Smiles Through Orthodontics

Aligned teeth aren’t just an aesthetic aspiration; they can also mean a healthier mouth and teeth. Orthodontics, including braces for both children and adults, is a key way that crowded, crooked teeth, or a “bad bite” can be fixed to support long-term overall health.

Our on-site orthodontist, Dr. Robert Chiasson, provides exceptional care for our clients who need orthodontic care to bring their teeth, lips, and jaw into proper alignment for both health and self-confidence. Book your appointment today.

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About Braces at Sheridan Dental Centre

Having straight teeth isn’t just about looking good—though that’s certainly an important advantage for our patients—it’s also about ensuring your long-term health.

Crooked or crowded teeth are more difficult to clean and can leave your child at the risk of several dental concerns, including:

Cavities and tooth decay
Gum disease and possible tooth loss
Muscle tension and pain
Tooth damage due to a “bad bite,” known as a malocclusion

While braces may straighten your child’s teeth to allow them to take better care of their oral health throughout their life, many of our adult patients appreciate the near-invisible look of Invisalign clear braces.

How Braces Work

Generally speaking, braces refer to orthodontic appliances that put gentle pressure on the teeth and move them into the desired position over a period of time.

The full length of treatment varies based on each patient’s needs, but the Canadian Dental Association says most people wear braces for about 2 years.

Getting Braces

Your dentist may recommend braces in your child’s dental exam as an important part of their long-term, overall health care. In a separate appointment or two, your child’s braces will be placed by our orthodontist.

The process of getting braces can be a little uncomfortable, but it’s not painful. Our orthodontist will explain every step to you and your child to keep you comfortable and involved.

Here’s the typical process:

Brackets are glued onto each tooth as required
A metal band is placed around the molars
Archwires are attached to the brackets and secured with a rubber band in a colour chosen by your child

What To Expect From New Braces

After getting new braces, it’s not uncommon to feel some discomfort for a couple of days after. Your orthodontist will be able to let you know what your child can expect based on their particular situation.

Common experiences in the days following new braces include:

Discomfort while eating
Headache
Jaw discomfort

Over-the-counter pain medicine or a numbing agent like Orajel can be helpful in these first couple of days. Soft foods, like mashed potatoes, pasta, ice cream, fish, and scrambled eggs may be more comfortable to eat while you or your child adjusts.

Types of Braces

There are different types of braces available depending on a patient’s needs and preferences. These braces include:

Conventional metal braces, described above
Invisalign, which are clear and wire-free, often preferred by our adult patients
Lingual braces, which are applied on the tongue-side of the teeth

Caring For Your Teeth & Braces

Brushing and flossing are especially important for people who wear braces. Your orthodontist will help teach you and your child proper brushing and flossing techniques, including how to use floss threaders.

If plaque isn’t correctly cleaned from around the braces, permanent marks could appear on the enamel surface of their teeth.

People who wear braces should avoid chewing anything hard, including ice cubes, nuts, or the ends of a pen or pencil. They also need to avoid sticky foods, like gum or soft candy, which could loosen braces or pull them from the teeth.

Please contact us if your child’s braces have come off their teeth or if a wire is out of place is causing irritation. We can advise you on how to address the issue or have you come in to fix it.

Another Level of Dental Care

Our Orthodontist

Dr. Chiasson is our on-site, fully licensed orthodontist. As a specialist, he’s able to provide a standard of care for orthodontics that just can’t be matched by a general dentist.

Dr. Chiasson works extensively with young patients and collaborates closely with the other Sheridan Dental Centre team members to manage a range of specialized cases.

Book your appointment for general dentistry or orthodontic care today.