Orthodontics and Braces in Aurora

What it is

Orthodontics is the part of dentistry that moves teeth and guides jaws into healthier positions. Braces do this with small brackets bonded to the front of the teeth and a thin wire that runs between them. The wire puts gentle, steady pressure on each tooth, and the bone around it slowly reshapes as the tooth moves.

Straighter teeth are about more than looks. Crowded teeth are harder to clean, so plaque builds up more easily. A poor bite can wear teeth down, strain jaw muscles and make chewing awkward. Treatment can help children, teens and adults, although adult treatment often takes a little longer because the bone is no longer growing.

Dr. Farhad Sobouti, DDS, MSc (Orthodontics), FRCDC, provides our orthodontic treatment. We offer traditional (metal) braces, ceramic braces and clear aligners, with retainers after treatment. This page covers braces and the retainers that follow them. If you would rather have removable trays, clear aligners may be an option for you; see our Invisalign page.

Is it right for me?

• Your teeth are crowded, overlapping or spaced apart.
• Your teeth do not meet well, such as an overbite, underbite, open bite or crossbite.
• Your child's adult teeth are coming in crowded or out of line.
• Your teeth have moved since earlier orthodontic treatment.
• Your case needs more control than clear aligners can offer.
• You prefer an appliance that stays on, with no trays to remember.

Step by step

1. Assessment and recordsDr. Sobouti examines your teeth, jaws and bite and takes photos, X-rays and models. For children, he also looks at how the jaws are growing.
2. Plan and timelineYou learn which appliance is suggested, about how long treatment may take and how often you will visit. Questions are welcome at every step.
3. Placing the bracesBrackets are bonded to clean, dry teeth and the wire is fitted. This is usually the longest visit, and no freezing is needed.
4. Adjustment visitsEvery 4 to 12 weeks, the wire is adjusted or changed to keep teeth moving. These visits are usually short.
5. Removing the bracesWhen teeth reach their planned position, the brackets are taken off and the leftover adhesive is polished away.
6. RetainersYou receive retainers, and Dr. Sobouti explains which type suits you. Retainers keep your teeth where they now belong.

How it compares

General information. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.

Benefits and risks

Cost and coverage

Braces are usually priced as a full course of treatment rather than visit by visit, and that fee is set after the assessment and records. We use the Ontario Dental Association fee guide as our reference. If your plan includes orthodontics, there is often a lifetime maximum and sometimes an age limit, and many plans pay the amount out over the length of treatment. We bill your insurer directly and can send a predetermination first. When we last checked, Canada.ca listed orthodontic services as not available under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, so please check there for updates; IFHP has its own rules. Ask about our in-house dental plan and student program as well. You receive a written estimate, including retainers, before the braces go on.

What shapes your estimate

• Your age and how much jaw growth is left
• How severe the crowding or bite problem is
• Whether you choose metal or ceramic braces
• Expected length of treatment and number of visits
• Any extractions, fillings or gum care needed first
• The retainers needed afterwards

Read more about insurance and payment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP coverage.

After your visit

• Skip hard, sticky and chewy foods such as ice, hard candy, caramel and popcorn.
• Brush after meals and use floss threaders or small between-teeth brushes around the wire.
• Wear a mouthguard for contact sports.
• If a bracket loosens or a wire pokes, cover it with orthodontic wax and call us.
• Wear your retainers as directed and bring them to every checkup.

Questions