Braces in Scarborough

The cost depends mainly on how much your teeth need to move, how long treatment takes, and whether you choose metal or ceramic brackets. A short correction on a few teeth costs less than a full realignment of both arches. Many dental plans include some orthodontic coverage, often with a lifetime maximum, and we help you check yours. After your consultation you receive an exact written quote, so you know the full picture before treatment begins.

Both use brackets and a wire to move teeth in the same way, so they are equally capable. The difference is mostly appearance. Metal braces have small stainless-steel brackets that are hard-wearing and tend to cost less. Ceramic braces use tooth-coloured brackets that blend in with your natural teeth and are less noticeable from a distance, which appeals to many adults and older teens. At your consultation we help you weigh looks, budget, and how your teeth need to move.

It depends on your teeth and your priorities. Braces are fixed on and work continuously, which makes them well suited to complex movements and to anyone who would rather not rely on wearing a removable appliance. Invisalign is far less visible and comes out to eat and brush, but only works while it is actually in your mouth. Some involved cases are better with braces. We compare both honestly at your consultation and tell you which tends to fit your situation.

Treatment length varies with your case. A minor correction may take several months, while more involved movement can take a year or two. How closely you keep to your adjustment visits and care instructions affects staying on schedule. At your consultation, we map out the movement from your records and give you a realistic estimate for your own teeth, rather than a one-size-fits-all figure, so you know roughly what to expect before you begin.

Having braces fitted does not hurt, though it takes some time to place each bracket. In the days after fitting, and after each adjustment, it is normal to feel some tightness or mild soreness as the teeth begin to move, and that usually eases within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods help in the meantime. If a bracket or wire is rubbing, let us know and we can smooth or adjust it so it is more comfortable.

Adults are very welcome candidates for braces. Orthodontic treatment is not only for teenagers, and many adults choose braces to correct crowding that has worsened over time, to close a gap, or to fix a longstanding bite problem. Ceramic braces offer a more discreet option for those who would prefer it. What matters is the position of your teeth now and what you hope to change, which is exactly what we assess at a consultation before recommending anything.

To protect the brackets and wires, it is best to avoid hard foods like nuts and ice, very sticky foods like toffee and chewing gum, and tough, chewy items that can pull a bracket loose. Cutting firm foods such as apples and carrots into smaller pieces helps too. You do not have to give up much, but a few habits change for the length of treatment. We go through the specifics with you when your braces are fitted.

Cleaning takes a little more effort, because food and plaque gather around the brackets and wires. Brushing after meals, using a small interdental brush to reach between the wire and teeth, and flossing with a threader or special floss all help keep things healthy. Good cleaning matters throughout treatment, since neglected areas can leave marks on the enamel once the braces come off. We show you the technique and check in at your adjustment visits.

Yes. Teeth naturally tend to drift over a lifetime, so a retainer holds your new smile in place once the braces come off. We explain how often to wear it, usually full-time at first and then mostly at night. Wearing your retainer as directed is what protects the result you spent months achieving, so it is an important final step rather than an optional one. We will make sure you know exactly how to care for it.

Dr. Ghazala Zaid, our principal dentist, has a clinical interest in braces and orthodontic treatment and can discuss and plan this care with you. To be clear, she is a general dentist with a focus in this area rather than a specialist, and part of an honest consultation is telling you when a case would be better handled through a referral. Where braces are a good fit to provide here, she will explain the plan and the options in plain language before you decide.