Orthodontics

Orthodontics is one of several recognized specialties within dentistry. Orthodontists are dentists who are trained in aligning the teeth and jaws, including the correction of asymmetrical bite patterns. Many dentists are trained to provide some orthodontic treatment but will often refer to an orthodontic specialist when the malocclusion is quite severe.

The teeth can become misaligned for several reasons, including accidents or injuries that impact the teeth, jaw, or face, abnormally sized teeth and jaws, or adult teeth that grow in crooked.

Other potential causes of malocclusions include:

  • Habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, or tongue thrusting
  • The extended use of pacifiers or bottles
  • Losing milk teeth (baby teeth) early, which can cause adult teeth to grow in at a slant
  • Cleft lip and other oral conditions
  • Conditions such as TMD (temporomandibular)
  • Gum diseases that lead to loose teeth
  • Genetics
  • Poor nutrition (especially in children as the teeth develop)
  • Poor dental care or dental hygiene
  • Tumours in the mouth or jaw

These may lead to crooked teeth, as well as issues such as overbites (when the upper front teeth rest in front of the lower front teeth) and underbites (when the lower front teeth rest in front of the upper front teeth). Less commonly, they can also lead to open bites, cross bites, and over spaced or crowded teeth. Although many of these issues first appear in children, they may also present later in teens and adults.

In turn, malocclusions can impact a person’s quality of life, causing them pain or discomfort when chewing or biting, speech problems, and low self-esteem. Orthodontics aims to structurally and cosmetically correct the teeth and jaw to restore full function and aesthetics to the mouth, jawline, and face.

Clear Aligner Therapy IN North Vancouver

Clear aligner therapy is an innovative orthodontic treatment designed to straighten teeth and correct misaligned bites. This is a gentle method that slowly pushes teeth into the correct positions throughout the treatment period.

WHAT IS CLEAR ALIGNER THERAPY?

Clear aligners are custom-made plastic trays designed to fit over your teeth. Throughout treatment, you will routinely receive a new set of aligners with the position adjusted slightly. Over time, they will shift your teeth into their proper positions.

THE BENEFITS OF CLEAR ALIGNER THERAPY

One significant benefit of clear aligner therapy is that clear aligners are nearly invisible, unlike braces. Because of this, it does not affect your appearance. Clear aligners are also removable, meaning that you can remove them at mealtime and avoid the dietary restrictions of traditional braces.