Orthodontics & Invisalign in Unionville

Orthodontic Treatments To Align Your Smile

Most people think of braces and retainers as nothing more than a step towards a better smile, but that’s simply untrue. Depending on the type and severity, issues with the alignment of the teeth can cause serious health problems, including diseases affecting the digestive system and even the heart. Orthodontic treatment could mean avoiding significant health struggles in the future.

At Markham Dental Smiles, we offer orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages, including Invisalign clear aligners. Whether you’re an adult who never had braces, a teenager heading into high school, or a parent noticing early alignment issues in your child, our team will assess your situation and recommend the most effective treatment plan for your needs.

Request an appointment for an orthodontic consultation.

What Exactly Are Orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatments work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to your teeth over time, gradually shifting them into the correct position. This pressure can also retrain facial muscles and influence jaw growth, making orthodontics effective for a wide range of alignment issues — not just crooked teeth.

The type of appliance used depends on your specific needs. Common options include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate option based on the complexity of your case, your lifestyle, and your goals.

Who Could Benefit From Orthodontic Treatment?

Many patients don’t realize their bite or alignment is causing problems until a dentist points it out during a routine exam. Orthodontic treatment may be recommended for patients with any of the following:

• Overbite — upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much
• Underbite — lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth
• Crossbite — upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly on one or both sides
• Open bite — upper and lower teeth don’t meet at all when the mouth is closed
• Gaps and spaces
• Overcrowding — teeth are too close together to clean properly

If you’re unsure whether you or your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment, the best first step is a consultation with our team. We’ll take a look at your teeth and jaw and give you an honest assessment.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic options available today. Instead of metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear plastic trays — called aligners — that fit snugly over your teeth and gradually shift them into position.

Each set of aligners is worn for approximately one to two weeks before being swapped for the next set in the series. Check-in appointments at Markham Dental Smiles every six to eight weeks monitor your progress.

How long does Invisalign take?

Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of your case. Minor corrections can take as little as six months, while more involved cases typically range from 12 to 18 months. Your dentist will give you a precise estimate after your initial assessment.

What can Invisalign treat?

Invisalign is effective for mild to moderate crowding, spacing issues, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Severe or complex cases may still require traditional braces — your dentist will advise you honestly on which option will deliver the best result.

Advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces

• Nearly invisible — most people won’t notice you’re wearing them
• Removable — take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss
• No dietary restrictions
• Smoother and more comfortable than metal brackets and wires
• Easier to maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment
• Fewer emergency appointments for broken wires or brackets

What to expect during Invisalign treatment

Your first appointment involves a full assessment, photos, and digital impressions of your teeth. These are used to map out your entire treatment plan and fabricate your custom aligners. You’ll wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day for best results — the more consistently you wear them, the faster and more effective your treatment will be. At the end of treatment, most patients wear a retainer to maintain their results.

Orthodontics for Children and Teens

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this stage, the jaw is still developing, which means some issues can be addressed more easily than if left until adulthood. If your child isn’t ready for full treatment yet, we’ll monitor their development and advise you on the right time to begin.

Orthodontics for Adults

It’s never too late to straighten your teeth. Invisalign in particular has made adult orthodontics far more accessible — the aligners are discreet enough to wear comfortably in professional and social settings, and there are no dietary restrictions or brackets to irritate your mouth. Our team at Markham Dental Smiles will help you find an option that fits your life.