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In 2010 the Canadian Dental Association reported that there were 19,563 licensed dentists in Canada (this number is probably a lot higher in 2016). Of these, only 735 were orthodontic specialists. That’s a small number! Every year, there are only 12-14 spots in the entire country for dentist to apply to become orthodontist. In general, orthodontists and dentists work together to look after your oral health, but when it comes to your bite and straightening your teeth, it is essential to see an orthodontist to get the best treatment. After all, you wouldn’t go to your family doctor for heart surgery.

Reasons to see an orthodontist include:

•    Boosting your self-esteem – an orthodontist can give you the attractive smile you always wanted.

•    Only an orthodontist can properly align teeth, jaws and lips, alleviating or preventing physical health problems that may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction and chewing and digestive difficulties – and studies show even heart disease.

•    Only an orthodontist can treat a “bad bite” which contributes to speech impairments, tooth loss and chipped teeth and other concerns.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry. An orthodontist is an expert in the diagnosing, preventing and treating dental and facial irregularities, or “malocclusion,” which means “bad bite.” Orthodontists are skilled in treatments that will bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment.Orthodontics is not only for cosmetic purposes, but also treats and prevents physical health problems related to facial, jaw and tooth misalignment. Orthodontics can prevent bone destruction, chewing and digestive problems as well as headaches, speech impairments, tooth loss and chipped teeth due to a bad bite.

How Does an Orthodontist’s Training Differ from a Dentist’s?

In Canada, orthodontic specialists must first attend college or university (4 years). Once complete, they must then complete a four year graduate program at a dental school in a university. On top of this, orthodontists must also complete an additional three years while they specialize.

After approximately 11 years of school and training (and you thought your school days were long!) orthodontic graduates will have received training in such topics as genetics, embryology and human growth and development. They really know how the entire body works in relation to your mouth, jaw and teeth.

Why Should you see an Orthodontist for Braces and Invisalign?

Orthodontics is about what you can’t see. Yes, we know traditional braces and Invisalign will straighten your teeth and improve your smile cosmetically—but only an orthodontist has the education and training to not only make you look great, but to also diagnose and treat problems that aren’t visible and may cause discomfort and health problems down the road. A dentist, in comparison, would not be as well-versed, experienced or trained in the correction of dental and facial irregularities. Only orthodontists are specialists when it comes to moving teeth, diagnosing jaw development issues and in making sure the teeth stay in the desired position.

Am I too old to get straighten my teeth? You probably couldn’t do anything with my teeth mess, could you? Do you think Invisalign would work for me as I am 50 years old?, etc. These are question I get asked on a weekly basis from parents and grandparents of current patients. My answer: “Healthy teeth can be moved at any age”.

Age brings vulnerability and the thought that certain doors of opportunity are closing, straightening teeth being one of them. What technology and changing times are teaching us is that, 50 is the new 40, Age is just a number, etc. Adults in their 30s, 50s and even late 80s are taking much better care of their health and therefore eliminating the health concerns that were once part and parcel of these age groups.

My practice (Impressions Orthodontics) is made of 50% adults over the age of 25.  This goes to show you that adults that were not given the opportunity to get braces when they were teenagers are now seeking it for different reasons, such as bad bite, TMJ, aesthetic correction, etc. A great-looking smile is a surefire way to boost self-confidence and studies have demonstrated that orthodontic treatment can even enhance an adult’s career opportunities and social life. There is also a potential health benefit, as misaligned teeth can be harder to clean, setting the stage for tooth decay and gum disease. Straightening teeth can also make chewing more comfortable. So there are many reasons to consider orthodontic treatment at any age.

Along with the benefits, the stigma of having braces (metal mouth) is not longer a concern due to the availability of inside braces (Incognito) and Invisalign (clear aligners).  They perform just like braces and correct the smile and bite with the same accuracy and time. There is also no cost difference to choose Invisalign as an option to get to your dream smile.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to send them to info@impressionsortho.com or call 403-457-7700 and we will be more than happy to answer them.

You may be surprised to learn that it’s very important and should be done around their 7th birthday. While most problems can be successfully managed at a later age, Doctor Manisha Jindal has special training in early orthodontic treatment and can determine the best time for your child to receive treatment.

• Why are kids being evaluated at such an early age?

If early orthodontic treatment is indicated, it can simplify later treatment, once all the permanent teeth come in. For example, benefits may include guiding the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth, regulating the width of the upper and lower dental arches, creating space for permanent teeth, preventing the need for permanent tooth extractions, reducing the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correcting thumb sucking, and eliminating abnormal swallowing or speech problems.

• Does early orthodontic treatment benefit all children?

Early treatment does not necessarily benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be more easily and efficiently corrected in the teen years when all the permanent teeth have all come in. Some skeletal orthodontic problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or has been completed. Dr. Jindal develops a customized treatment plan based on each individual child’s needs. Coming in for an evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean that we’ll begin Early Orthodontic treatment. We will only start if Dr. Jindal believes it will help your child in the long run.

• If my child has treatment early, will this prevent the need for braces as an teen?

Early treatment can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent additional problems from developing, and simplify future treatment, but oftentimes, additional treatment is still necessary. However, children who have undergone early orthodontic treatment typically wear braces or Invisalign for a shorter period of time in their teen years than those who have not undergone early intervention. It’s a nice trade off!

At Dentalign Orthodontics, in London, Ontario, Dr. Manisha Jindal creates a custom treatment plan for each child, teen (or adult) in our care. Your child may not need Early Treatment, but it’s best to come in and find out early, rather than waiting and risking increased issues.

Please click below to schedule a complimentary consultation and find out if your child is a good candidate for Early Orthodontics. We look forward to meeting you!

There are many myths about orthodontics and braces. This blog post will help you to understand the major misconceptions that most people seem to have regarding this very important health care service.

1. My child has to wait until all his adult teeth are in place before he can get braces. 

This is a common statement I hear every day from parents and patients. The truth is that you should have an orthodontic evaluation on or before age 7, as suggested by the American Association of Orthodontists because some orthodontic problems show up early and are best treated early while the jaws are still growing and the adult teeth have not fully erupted into place. The types of problems best treated early are persistent thumb or finger sucking, severe crowding, narrow jaws, chronic mouth breathing, under bite problems (lower jaw in front of upper jaw), baby teeth falling out too early and severe overbite problems (upper teeth overlap lower teeth).

2. My child’s teeth are so crowded, I just know she/he will need teeth pulled. I had the same problem at her age and had 8 teeth removed.

Depending on the severity and the age of your child, most children today with severe crowding can be treated without any extractions of adult teeth. Advances in treatment options allow for non-extraction orthodontics and future facial negative consequences.

3. Braces are just for kids, I have bad teeth and probably my teeth are not going to move.

Adults orthontic treatment is growing at an exponential rate. My office is compromised of 50% adults and 50% kids and teens. With appliances like Acceledent, that speed up adult tooth movement and Invisalign(clear aligners) to move adult teeth, there are no limitations for adults getting a straight beautiful smile.

4. I understand that braces are usually worn for 2 to 3 years, its too time.

Most orthodontic treatments today range from 6 to 24 months. Sometimes longer treatment times are due to poor compliance, missed appointments, teeth not erupting as quickly as predicted or an extremely difficult case. The technology that is built into the braces today allows for more efficient tooth movement in less time and with virtually no discomfort!

5. I had braces as a teenager and now my teeth have shifted.

Most adults who seek retreatment will comment that their teeth shifted around the age of 20-25, as people stop wearing retainers in college or shortly after their braces come off, hence the reason for the shifting. Retainers are for life and are required to keep your teeth straight. They are prescribed night time life wear.

6. Braces are expensive and I will need to take a second mortgage on my home to pay for them.

The truth is that braces are really the best bargain in health care today. Orthodontic treatment time ranges from 12-24 months and the approximate cost is $6900-8900. If you have had a crown placed on your tooth recently or an implant for a missing tooth you probably paid $1500-4500 for one tooth. Orthodontics is working on all your teeth and providing you with a beautiful smile and health teeth for lifetime. To make braces even more affordable, most offices will set you up with an interest free payment plan for the length of your treatment. Braces are truly an investment in you or your child’s future and affordable too!

7. My Family Dentist does braces too along with cleanings, crowns and fillings. Having my family treated here is the same as going to an Orthodontist and probably less expensive too!

The truth is that a Family or General Dentist does not have the specialized training in orthodontics that an Orthodontist has. An Orthodontist is first a General Dentist who goes back to school for an additional 2 to 3 years to specialize in Orthodontics only, a total of 11 years after high school. What I ask my patients is, “For a mole on your nose would you go to your trusted family doctor or a plastic surgeon?” I am sure the answer is simple.

You may have other questions or concerns that were not addressed in this blog. Call (519-601-9473) or email us (info@dentalign.ca) and we would be more than happy to answer.