Traditional Braces in North York

About traditional braces

Braces have three main parts. Small metal brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth. A thin archwire runs through the brackets and slowly tries to return to its original curved shape, which pulls the teeth along with it. Tiny elastic ties or clips hold the wire in each bracket. Some people also wear small rubber bands between the upper and lower teeth to help line up the bite.

Because they are fixed in place, braces keep working day and night. That makes them a strong choice for teeth that need to rotate, move up or down, or travel a long way, and for people who would struggle to keep removable aligners in. Metal braces are the type we most often use. Tooth-coloured brackets may be an option for some people, so ask us if you would like to talk about them.

Every several weeks you come back for an adjustment. Your dentist may change the wire, replace the ties or add elastics. Your teeth often feel tender for a few days after each visit, then settle. Over time, the wires get stiffer and the teeth move closer to the planned positions.

Living with braces takes a few new habits. Hard, sticky and chewy foods can bend wires or pop brackets off, so you will cut some foods into small pieces and skip others. Brushing takes longer, since food collects around each bracket. A small interdental brush and floss threaders make cleaning easier.

Braces may suit you if

• Your teeth are badly crowded or rotated
• Your bite needs larger corrections, such as a deep bite or crossbite
• You know you might forget to wear removable aligners
• Some adult teeth are not fully in their proper place
• Our dentists have found that aligners alone may not reach your goals

Benefits

• Work around the clock without daily decisions
• Can manage many complex tooth movements
• Nothing to remove, lose or misplace
• Adjustments let your dentist fine-tune progress at each visit

What to expect

1. Consultation and recordsOur dentists examine your bite, take a panoramic X-ray, photos and a scan, and explain the plan.
2. Prepare the teethYour teeth are cleaned and polished so the brackets bond securely.
3. Place the bracesBrackets are bonded one by one and the first wire is fitted. The visit is gentle and needs no needles.
4. Learn to care for themWe show you how to brush, floss and handle soreness, and which foods to avoid.
5. Regular adjustmentsEvery several weeks we change wires or elastics and check how your teeth are moving.
6. Remove and retainWhen your teeth are in place, the brackets come off, your teeth are polished and you get clear removable retainers.

Aftercare

• Brush after every meal, angling the brush above and below the brackets, and use an interdental brush between them.
• Avoid hard foods like nuts, ice and hard candy, and sticky foods like caramel and chewing gum. Cut apples and raw carrots into small pieces.
• If a wire pokes your cheek, cover it with orthodontic wax and call us. A loose bracket is rarely an emergency, but let us know soon.

Other options

Clear aligners, including Invisalign, can straighten many teeth without brackets or wires, as long as they are worn most of the day. For small changes to how front teeth look, bonding or veneers may be considered. Our dentists will compare these with braces for your specific case.

Cost and coverage

The fee for braces depends on how many teeth need to move, how complex your bite is and the expected length of treatment. We use the ODA suggested fee guide as a usual reference and review a written estimate with you first. Orthodontic benefits are often separate from regular dental coverage and may have an age limit or lifetime maximum, so we can send a pre-determination to your insurer, and we direct bill most plans. CDCP patients are welcome, and we can check whether orthodontic care is covered for you. LendCare payment plans are available, subject to approval.

Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.

Your dental team

Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.

Trusted health information

• Oral health for adults (Government of Canada)
• Oral health (Government of Canada)
• Canadian Dental Care Plan (Government of Canada)

Related services

Traditional Braces near you

We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.