Orthodontist Richmond BC

Orthodontists are specialized dentists who are trained to diagnose and treat facial and occlusal (bite) abnormalities.  Often in a separate office from a family dentist, Orthodontists treat smiles with crooked, misaligned teeth and bite issues. At Smile Shapers, your dentist and your orthodontist are in the same office.  You won’t need to find a separate specialist, and your child can feel comfortable and relaxed in a familiar environment!

What Ages Do Orthodontists Treat?

Most professionals recommend that children see an orthodontist around 7 years old to check bite alignment and any concerns about crowded or crooked teeth.  But at our Richmond office, at least 25% of our patients are adults, not children or teens.  That’s one in every four patients! Any time you are concerned about your smile alignment is the right age to get an orthodontic consultation.

What About Oral Hygiene During Treatment?

If you are having orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to maintain an excellent standard of oral hygiene.  This is especially true of braces, though it also applies to Invisalign and other appliances.  Wearing orthodontics in your mouth provides more surfaces for bacteria to accumulate and can leave your gums vulnerable to inflammation and gum disease. We recommend brushing after every meal, at least three times daily, and flossing at least once a day. Your Smile Shapers orthodontist can show you the best way to floss with braces.

If you’ve ever considered having your teeth straightened, call our Richmond, BC dental office for an orthodontic consultation!

The difference between adult orthodontics and orthodontics for children and teens:

The main difference between treating adults and children or teens is that the jawbones of younger patients are still developing. For adults, these bones have stopped growing, which may make orthognathic surgery possible to align the jawbones. Other differences include:

• Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) — Adults are more likely than children to experience gum recession or even bone loss due to gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. Patients with straighter teeth are less likely to get gum disease.
• Worn or missing teeth — Over time teeth can become worn down and shift into different positions that can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift and tilt, creating a bad bite and increasing the possibility of gum disease.
• Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen — Many adults received some orthodontic treatment as a child or teen, but never completed their treatment. As an adult, they choose to complete their orthodontic treatment to achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they always wanted.

Our practice also recognizes that adults and children have different needs, and require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatments, and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.

Why should you consider orthodontic treatment?

• Straight teeth are healthy teeth — Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to keep clean with flossing and brushing, and may help prevent other health problems.
• A beautiful, straight smile builds confidence — Orthodontic treatment can help boost your self-confidence, giving you a better quality of life and the freedom to smile without holding back!
• Mouths left untreated can get worse — Not receiving orthodontic treatment when it’s needed can create long-term health issues costing you more in the end.

To learn more about the benefits of adult orthodontics, please contact our practice to schedule an appointment. We understand that you have a busy schedule, and we will work with you to make sure each office visit is as convenient as possible.