Align Your Smile With Traditional Braces or Invisalign in Stittsville
How Do Braces Work?
Well, it's a pretty simple process, really. Using one of the mentioned options, braces will realign your teeth over a period of months or years using just a slight amount of pressure over the timeframe deemed necessary by your dentist.
Types of Braces
Due to the way orthodontic technology has advanced, Stittsville Braces is happy to offer patients more options regarding braces. Even though many people still choose traditional metal braces for their treatment, there are other options on the table now. Clear braces or Invisible braces are very popular these days. Invisalign removable braces are also an option for people who have slightly misaligned teeth.
Metal Braces (Types of Braces)
These are the most common braces you will see on a patient, but they are not the only option. Metal braces are small, comfortable and fairly easy to manage these days. They are very different from the metal braces you saw on people 15 or 20 years ago. They are made from stainless steel and they straighten your teeth using wires attached to the metal brackets. You can also add coloured elastics to the front for a more colourful look!
More Info On Metal Braces
Metal braces are considered the traditional method of straightening your teeth. But with Stittsville Braces, there is nothing traditional about our metal braces! They are made by 3M (the same company behind sticky notes!) and are designed specifically with efficiency and comfort in mind. Also, you can select from a huge array of coloured ties to spice up your braces at every visit!
What To Expect With Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most commonly used type of braces and are the longest method around. Because of advances in orthodontic technology, this type of braces is more comfortable than ever before! While you might still experience some irritation on your gums, a typical side-effect of this treatment, we will offer you plenty of tips and tricks to minimize your discomfort so that you can go about your day normally and pain-free.
Not only will we give you tips and wax for your braces to ease any discomfort, but we will also always be available via telephone call for any questions you might have during your treatment.
Because they are made of metal, these braces are strong! But you still have to take care of them, by avoiding hard or crunchy food, as well as sticky or chewy foods. These are a big investment, just like any other form of braces, and require the best care possible to avoid complications or pain.
While you're undergoing this treatment, brushing and flossing might become more difficult. Nevertheless, it is still important to maintain proper oral hygiene. Food can get stuck between your braces and your teeth rather easily, so be sure to brush and floss-especially after meals.
Conveniently located on 6255 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X4, in Stittsville, we provide dental services to patients from Stittsville, Kanata, Carp, Richmond, Munster, Carleton Place, Ottawa and Arnprior. Call us at 613-831-7750 or email at info@stittsvillebraces.com to book an appointment with one of our dentists and hygienists today.
Welcome to Stittsville Braces
Ceramic Braces (Types of Braces)
These braces are made from clear materials, which means they are far less visible when you are walking around or going to work/school than regular braces. They are also very popular with older teenagers or adults who may have some concerns about the impact of having metal braces on their teeth. They are slightly bigger in size since ceramic brackets are more fragile (for added strength).
Clear Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made of clear, ceramic brackets that adhere to the front of your teeth. They look just like regular metal braces, except they’re clear and the brackets are slightly smaller than metal brackets. The archwire that connects each bracket and actually does the work to shape the teeth can be either silver or white. This makes the braces nearly invisible, especially in photos. They work just like metal braces, except they’re clear! Most people choose to use clear bands with their ceramic braces, but you can still use coloured bands if you want.
Ceramic or Metal Braces
There is a lot to be said for the advantages of ceramic braces in addition to their cosmetic appeal.
Because ceramic orthodontic systems are made similarly to traditional braces, they have many of the same advantages during treatment. Both options are effective in managing everything from mild tooth misalignment to severe crowding and space issues.
But ceramic braces have other benefits. Since there are no wire ligatures or rubber bands to hold them in place, the archwires in cosmetic braces are allowed to glide just under a trap-door design built into the ceramic bracket. This reduces tension and pressure on the patient’s teeth, making the overall process more comfortable.
For Teens and Adults
Ceramic braces are best for older teens and adults who can watch what they eat and drink. Most adults who come in to straighten their teeth opt for clear ceramic braces. Children generally have a hard time keeping the braces clean, so metal brackets are best for them. Your orthodontist will let you know what they recommend and if clear braces are an option for you.
Welcome to Stittsville Braces
Conveniently located on 6255 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X4, in Stittsville, we provide dental services to patients from Stittsville, Kanata, Carp, Richmond, Munster, Carleton Place, Ottawa and Arnprior. Call us at 613-831-7750 or email at info@stittsvillebraces.com to book an appointment with one of our dentists and hygienists today.
Lingual Braces (Types of Braces)
Invisible braces are an option for someone who does not want visible braces on their mouth, but cannot get Invisalign treatment because their teeth require a lot of realignment. The customized braces are created and bonded on the inside of your teeth, which ensures they are not visible at all. No one will have a clue that you wear these braces unless you show them the back of your teeth! They are customized to your teeth shapes, ensuring you get a comfortable and effective treatment experience.
More Info On Lingual Braces
Lingual braces, also known as hidden braces, are customized to fit on the inside of your teeth. They are designed specifically for your mouth, and therefore no two lingual braces patients will have the exact same braces. The wires are also highly customized, bent by robotic technology to fit your mouth with your specific, one-of-a-kind smile in mind. And since these are fitted on the backs of your teeth, nobody will know that you’re wearing them!
Lingual braces are recommended to those of age thirteen and up. They are especially recommended for:
Adult professionals, who might worry about the appearance of braces in their professional lives.
Anybody who is concerned about having a mouthful of braces on display.
Musicians who play wind instruments.
Any adult or teen who plays contact sports.
Anybody who is worried about causing damage to the front surfaces of their teeth.
Welcome to Stittsville Braces
Conveniently located on 6255 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X4, in Stittsville, we provide dental services to patients from Stittsville, Kanata, Carp, Richmond, Munster, Carleton Place, Ottawa and Arnprior. Call us at 613-831-7750 or email at info@stittsvillebraces.com to book an appointment with one of our dentists and hygienists today.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Lingual Braces
Of course, all orthodontic treatments have their pros and their cons.
Lingual braces are still made of metal and wires like conventional braces. The huge difference between traditional braces and lingual braces is that the lingual braces are hidden, applied to the backs of your teeth.
So Then Why Not Just Go With Invisalign?
For one, Invisalign is only designed to treat minor teeth misalignments. Anything major that will need to fix severe issues with your smile or bite will require something a bit more intense than aligners.
The second reason why Invisalign may not be a suitable alternative to conventional braces is that many people have a hard time wearing their aligners for the required 22 hours a day. If you feel like you might not be able to keep your fingers out of your mouth, or might forget to put it back in after eating or brushing, lingual braces might be the invisible option for you, instead.
Welcome to Stittsville Braces
Conveniently located on 6255 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X4, in Stittsville, we provide dental services to patients from Stittsville, Kanata, Carp, Richmond, Munster, Carleton Place, Ottawa and Arnprior. Call us at 613-831-7750 or email at info@stittsvillebraces.com to book an appointment with one of our dentists and hygienists today.
Welcome to Stittsville Braces
Conveniently located on 6255 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X4, in Stittsville, we provide dental services to patients from Stittsville, Kanata, Carp, Richmond, Munster, Carleton Place, Ottawa and Arnprior. Call us at 613-831-7750 or email at info@stittsvillebraces.com to book an appointment with one of our dentists and hygienists today.
Invisalign (Types of Braces)
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a type of braces where you see clear and removable aligners put on a person’s teeth to fix alignment issues. You can never tell if someone is wearing these aligners because the material is completely clear and invisible. The aligners are also removable, which means you can eat and drink as you please during your treatment. Brushing your teeth with them on is also easier.
Why Braces?
The most notable result of your braces will be a straight, even-looking smile that is sure to boost your confidence. However, braces will also alleviate any problems you might have with your bite, such as crowded teeth, and can in fact make daily tasks, such as eating, more comfortable for you. Your comfort is of top priority here at Stittsville Braces, during and after your orthodontic treatment.
How Braces Work To Correct Your Smile?
In this modern age, the world of dental appliances has grown to include a lot more than the metal braces you might remember from years past. In addition to metal braces, you can also select from ceramic or plastic appliances as well, depending on your preference and individual needs. Some braces are removable, while others are bonded onto your teeth and may only be removed by your orthodontist. No matter which method you end up with, they all work to straighten your smile with the use of gentle pressure over a prolonged period of time. With more options than ever to correct your teeth and move them into the desired position, you’re going to see results faster than the orthodontic patients of yesteryear. Intensive research has long been dedicated to making this experience as fast and as pain-free for you as possible.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
Depending on the unique features of your face, your age and the severity of the problem, braces might be used for anywhere between one year to three years. Of course, every person is different, so you might even get your ideal results sooner than the quoted timeframe that you receive from your dentist. This process becomes even less lengthy if patients take proper care of their appliances, and routinely see their orthodontist if they have any pain or other concerns regarding their braces.
However, not all treatments have to take so long. If you get in to see us early, thereís a good chance that we can offer preventative, early treatment procedures that will take as little as six months of your time. Due diligence is key to a healthy smile, after all!
Welcome to Stittsville Braces
Conveniently located on 6255 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X4, in Stittsville, we provide dental services to patients from Stittsville, Kanata, Carp, Richmond, Munster, Carleton Place, Ottawa and Arnprior. Call us at 613-831-7750 or email at info@stittsvillebraces.com to book an appointment with one of our dentists and hygienists today.
Living With Braces
What To Expect When Living With Braces?
Our professional and courteous team at Stittsville Braces is dedicated to keeping you informed during every step of your treatment. Here is some information to get you started, but you can always reach us with more specific questions that you might have! Braces cause a major change in your teeth, and we donít want you to be alarmed or concerned by any of the normal functions of braces.
Eating With Braces
You will be able to eat and drink as you did before braces, but there might be some exceptions you'll have to remove from your diet to get the best out of your dental appliances. Avoiding hard, crunchy foods, as well as sticky foods, is usually a good idea to help protect your braces from damage.
To Get the Most Out of Your Braces, It Is Best To Avoid or Be Extra Careful When Eating Foods Like:
Bagels, hard rolls, licorice (chewy foods)
It should also be advised that biting on pen caps or your fingernails can also cause damage to your braces.
Welcome to Stittsville Braces
Conveniently located on 6255 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X4, in Stittsville, we provide dental services to patients from Stittsville, Kanata, Carp, Richmond, Munster, Carleton Place, Ottawa and Arnprior. Call us at 613-831-7750 or email at info@stittsvillebraces.com to book an appointment with one of our dentists and hygienists today.
Treatments
Overview
Many people think braces and other orthodontic appliances are meant only for children and teenagers. The truth is more adults than ever are choosing to improve their smiles through realignment. And although orthodontics is similar for adults as for children, they’ve gotten better for everyone. There are numerous options for braces that are less noticeable and easier to maintain.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics for Children
Orthodontics for Teens
Orthodontics for Adults
Welcome to Stittsville Braces
Conveniently located on 6255 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X4, in Stittsville, we provide dental services to patients from Stittsville, Kanata, Carp, Richmond, Munster, Carleton Place, Ottawa and Arnprior. Call us at 613-831-7750 or email at info@stittsvillebraces.com to book an appointment with one of our dentists and hygienists today.
Orthodontics for Children
To ensure a child starts off their life with great oral health, early treatment and evaluation are of the utmost importance. We are prepared to see children of all ages, so schedule a consultation with Stittsville Braces if you feel your child might need an orthodontic evaluation or treatment of any kind.
In fact, the earlier your child sees us, the better! The sooner that issues are addressed, the quicker they can be fixed. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first visit to the dentist at age seven. Some children might not require treatment until they are eleven to thirteen years of age, but since the first permanent teeth are likely to have come in around the age of seven, numerous issues with bite and crowding can be addressed at this early age.
Even if your child still has his or her baby teeth, some issues might still be able to be corrected at this time. Some orthodontic issues are severe enough to warrant treatment earlier than usual, and we are here to provide the most comfortable experience possible for your little one. If a child needs treatment at this age, we refer to this as Phase 1 treatment. If they are not yet ready for treatment, we will help you to monitor your child’s growth so that we can take care of the issue as soon as they are ready and treatment can begin.
Issues that can be helped by Phase 1 treatment include, but are not necessarily limited to:
Phase 1 treatment, also known as an early interceptive treatment, involves a few forms of orthodontic treatment, such as expanders and partial braces that take place before the child has all of their permanent adult teeth. These treatments usually begin between ages six and ten. Early treatments can be recommended in the case of correcting crossbites, over and under-bites, and harmful oral habits.
If your child has experienced Phase 1 treatment, it is possible that your child will need full braces in the future. Phase 1 treatment is generally done in preparation for Phase 2 treatment, which your child can undergo once their mouth has matured a bit more.
Early treatment can make Phase 2 treatments go by a lot more smoothly and efficiently by helping to regulate the width of the dental arches, create space for permanent teeth to come in correctly, prevent the need for permanent teeth extraction and reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth.
Not only can early treatment work toward easing Phase 2 treatments, but it can be used to help correct thumb-sucking and eliminate speech or swallowing problems as well.
Welcome to Stittsville Braces
Conveniently located on 6255 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X4, in Stittsville, we provide dental services to patients from Stittsville, Kanata, Carp, Richmond, Munster, Carleton Place, Ottawa and Arnprior. Call us at 613-831-7750 or email at info@stittsvillebraces.com to book an appointment with one of our dentists and hygienists today.
Orthodontics for Teens
Braces for Teenagers
If you're a teenager, you likely have a lot of questions about braces, especially how they might impact your day-to-day life. We’re here to help you through every step!
How Long Will I Have To Wear Braces?
One of the most commonly asked questions about braces pertains to the duration of the treatment. Depending on a number of factors, treatment can take anywhere from nine months to five years, from start to finish. Most of the time, braces will remain on your teeth for twelve to twenty-four months.
The factors that influence how long your orthodontic treatment may include:
What Can I Eat While I Have Braces?
Fortunately, you will still be able to eat all of your favourite foods, with only a few exceptions. For the most part, you will want to avoid hard, crunchy foods, sticky/chewy foods and foods that require you to bite into them, such as apples and carrots. If you do indulge in any of these foods, practice extra caution to minimize the risk of damage to your braces.
What Is Phase 2 Treatment?
Phase 2 treatment is also known as comprehensive treatment and involves full braces that are applied to the teeth only after all of your permanent teeth have come in. This usually happens between eleven and thirteen years of age.
Over the years, orthodontic treatment has undergone a lot of change for the better that will make this experience as discomfort-free for you as possible. In fact, there are quite a few options for you to choose from these days!
In Our Experience at Stittsville Braces, Many Teens Prefer the Following Treatment Options:
Welcome to Stittsville Braces
Conveniently located on 6255 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X4, in Stittsville, we provide dental services to patients from Stittsville, Kanata, Carp, Richmond, Munster, Carleton Place, Ottawa and Arnprior. Call us at 613-831-7750 or email at info@stittsvillebraces.com to book an appointment with one of our dentists and hygienists today.
Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic treatment is not just for teens and children. Many adults choose to undergo orthodontic treatment to improve the health and appearance of their smiles, as well as to help in preventing dental problems that might plague them later on in life. A healthy smile is good for your health and confidence no matter your age. Nobody is too old to take charge of their oral health and the look of their unique smile! As many as 25% of our patients at Stittsville Braces are adults. We even treat seniors, too!
Not only will orthodontic treatment benefit your self-esteem, but it can help prevent issues that may arise later on in life, such as chipping and damage. Properly aligned teeth are also easier to clean, helping to prevent issues like tooth decay, bad breath, gingivitis and gum disease. Having a well-aligned bite can also help you in chewing your food more efficiently, thereby aiding indigestion.
How Will Having Braces Affect My Day-to-Day Life as an Adult?
Honestly, there will be a minimal impact on your daily life as an adult with braces. Once your teeth and mouth adjust, after a period of tenderness and sensitivity, you might rarely even notice that they’re there! This is especially true if you choose one of our low-profile options that keep your treatment entirely out of view of others. Only you will know that you have braces with:
Welcome to Stittsville Braces
Conveniently located on 6255 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X4, in Stittsville, we provide dental services to patients from Stittsville, Kanata, Carp, Richmond, Munster, Carleton Place, Ottawa and Arnprior. Call us at 613-831-7750 or email at info@stittsvillebraces.com to book an appointment with one of our dentists and hygienists today.
Retainers
Removable Retainers
Once the active orthodontic appliances are removed, the patient will receive retainers to stabilize the dental correction. Because the bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth are stabilizing for several months after braces are removed, it is imperative that the retainers are worn as instructed. Failure to wear the retainers may result in undesirable movement of the teeth, which could necessitate re-treatment.
How Retainers Are Worn
Because teeth are prone to move throughout life, we feel that individuals who have undergone orthodontic treatment should wear their retainers indefinitely. Retainers are worn full time at first and then, after a certain amount of time, as instructed by Dr. Picard, depending on the case, only at night. It is important that retainers are worn at night for life because as we get older, the muscles that surround our teeth apply pressure, causing them to move or crowd.
How To Care for Retainers?
Retainers are made of a thermoplastic material that is sensitive to excessive heat, so they should be kept away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards or any place where the temperatures exceed 115 degrees (˚F).
Retainers should be kept in the proper retainer case when they are not in the patient’s mouth.
Keep away from any family pets, as they like to chew on them.
Clean before and after placement in the mouth. Because the material used for fabrication is slightly porous, plaque tends to cling to the surfaces. Gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush and a mild liquid soap will remove the plaque. A retainer cleaning solution, such as Polident for Retainers, will aid in the removal of plaque and tartar. Be sure to rinse the retainers thoroughly after cleaning to remove any cleanser residue.
Because retainers are worn for years, they will need periodic replacement. Your original treatment contract includes one set of retainers after the braces are removed. If the retainers are lost or damaged due to neglect, there will be a charge for replacement. If the retainers become loose or break, call to book an appointment to get your retainer replaced as soon as possible.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
This wire should stay on for life. The fixed lingual wire will protect your teeth from moving as you get older and your facial muscles get tighter. Please have this wire monitored by your family dentist at your six-month check-ups. The only exception to wearing this wire for life is if a patient’s family dentist says it needs to be removed because it is not being kept clean and is beginning to cause gum or bone problems. If this should occur, please have the wire removed and be sure to have it replaced with a removable retainer. The removable retainer should then be worn as instructed by Dr. Picard.
Habits or Conditions That Require Stronger Retention
Our goal is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. Your cooperation is essential in order to achieve this goal.
Dental Examinations and Cleanings
The patient should continue with proper oral hygiene procedures at home, including thorough brushing and flossing techniques. His or her family dentist should see the patient at least every six months for cleaning and dental examinations.
Welcome to Stittsville Braces
Conveniently located on 6255 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X4, in Stittsville, we provide dental services to patients from Stittsville, Kanata, Carp, Richmond, Munster, Carleton Place, Ottawa and Arnprior. Call us at 613-831-7750 or email at info@stittsvillebraces.com to book an appointment with one of our dentists and hygienists today.
Athletic Mouthguards
If you live an active lifestyle and play any kind of contact sport, we highly recommend using a mouthguard when playing, to protect both your braces and the overall health of your mouth. In fact, it is recommended to use a mouth guard even when participating in non-contact sports, because any sport increases the overall risk of injury. If you are hit in the mouth without a mouth guard in place, this can cause injury to your face and mouth, as well as to the braces themselves. This can be an expensive and painful fix.
We generally advise avoiding any sport where you know you will be struck in the face, such as during boxing. If an accident happens that causes damage to your teeth or your appliance, phone us immediately for an appointment.
Welcome to Stittsville Braces
Conveniently located on 6255 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X4, in Stittsville, we provide dental services to patients from Stittsville, Kanata, Carp, Richmond, Munster, Carleton Place, Ottawa and Arnprior. Call us at 613-831-7750 or email at info@stittsvillebraces.com to book an appointment with one of our dentists and hygienists today.
Braces FAQ
Welcome to Stittsville Braces
Conveniently located on 6255 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X4, in Stittsville, we provide dental services to patients from Stittsville, Kanata, Carp, Richmond, Munster, Carleton Place, Ottawa and Arnprior. Call us at 613-831-7750 or email at info@stittsvillebraces.com to book an appointment with one of our dentists and hygienists today.
