What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the part of dentistry that specializes in the prevention and treatment of tooth and facial irregularities. This requires specialized, professional skills for the application and control of corrective appliances (braces) to bring the teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and facial balance. Orthodontists are dental specialists who are required to have an additional 2 to 4 years of full-time education beyond dental school for an orthodontic specialty degree.

Who needs braces in Hamilton?

Everyone can benefit from having healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment. Only your dentist or orthodontist can decide if you would be a good candidate and benefit from braces.

For most people, all that they are concerned about when thinking of orthodontic treatment and braces is a nice smile. However, braces also correct dental problems (or malocclusions) such as:

Crowding - Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean which can lead to cavities, abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, gum disease, bone loss and eventual tooth loss. In severe cases, teeth may be completely blocked out and unable to erupt.

Spacing - Spaces between teeth because of missing teeth or small teeth can detract from a pleasing smile.

Overbite - is when the upper front teeth are too far forward. It can lead to difficulties in chewing and biting into the roof of the mouth. An overbite can detract from a pleasing smile and facial balance.

Underbite - is when the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth are too far back. An underbite can also lead to difficulties in chewing and detract from a pleasing smile and facial balance.

Crossbite - is when the upper teeth are inside the lower teeth. A crossbite can lead to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, misalignment of the jaw joints, jaws that shift on chewing, biting the cheek or improper facial balance.

Open bite - is when there is space between the upper and lower teeth. This can be at the front or at the back and can lead to difficulties in chewing, abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, excessive stress on certain teeth or the jaw joints. An open bite can detract from a pleasing smile and can interfere with speech. It is often associated with habits such as mouthbreathing.

Thumb or finger sucking - Your orthodontist can help eliminate habits which can cause serious dental malocclusions.

Early or late loss of baby teeth - can cause improper development of the bite and lead to the need for braces.

Jaws that are out of proportion to the rest of the face - can lead to abnormal tooth wear, difficulties in chewing, excessive stress on teeth or the jaw joints and can detract from a pleasing smile. Jaw surgery may be required to balance facial proportions in some cases.

Orthodontics for Children & Teenagers


The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that it is best for children to see an Orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a specific problem is detected. This is generally when the front teeth and the first permanent molars have erupted. Early treatment can improve the space for the permanent teeth to erupt,which can in turn, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions and reduce the chance of impacted permanent teeth. Habits such as thumb or finger sucking can be eliminated and appliances can be fabricated to help with abnormal swallowing patterns and speech problems. Early intervention may often make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.

Orthodontics for Adults

Most people used to believe that braces were "just for kids". Because the basic process of remodelling bone involved in moving teeth is the same in adults as it is in children, orthodontic treatment can be done successfully at any age. However, the health of the teeth, gums and supporting bone are factors which may limit the amount and type of tooth movement achieved. Tooth movement may be slower in adult patients and jaw surgery is more common to correct jaw imbalances as growth of the face and jaws has stopped. Regardless of age, a nicer smile is always a change for the better and a good investment.