Braces for All Ages in Whitby, ON

Orthodontics is about more than just straight teeth; it’s about increasing self-esteem, improving bite and function, and changing lives by creating beautiful smiles. Here at DentalZen, we provide all the orthodontic procedures as a specialty office, including functional growth appliances, traditional braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign® aligners, and temporary anchorage devices, from our convenient Whitby, ON orthodontic and dental office.

During your complimentary consultation, you’ll meet with our certified orthodontic specialist, Dr. Hani Sadek, who will provide detailed clinical exam to determine whether you would benefit from braces. Dr. Sadek will discuss with you which appliance is best, what your ideal treatment time length will be, what the treatment entails, and the cost of treatment.

With more than 15 years of experience in orthodontics, Dr. Sadek provides excellent patient-first care, using the latest, proven techniques, methods, and appliances to ensure that patients achieve the very best possible smile.

“My experience with Dr. Sadek was a great one. I went in to have a consultation for braces. I was very apprehensive due to the fact that I am an adult. During the consultation Dr. Sadek and his assistant answered all of my questions and made me realize that it is never too late to get braces as 50% of his patients are adults. I have braces now and love them, cannot wait to see my smile at the end.” – a satisfied patient

Here are a few things to look for that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• A hard time chewing or biting food
• Mouth breathing
• Finger or thumb sucking
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
• Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
• Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
• Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
• Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight

Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.

How long will I have to wear braces?

The amount of time it takes to treat your smile with braces depends on three key factors:

• Early treatment — Early treatment allows orthodontists to monitor the growth of the jaw and recommend further orthodontic treatment if it becomes necessary. Not everybody receives early orthodontic treatment; in some cases it may be recommended that a patient wait to receive treatment.
• What needs correction — The amount of treatment needed to correct a problem will determine how long the process takes. Different patients react to treatments differently. While it may take one patient only 12 months to complete treatment, it may take another patient 24 months. Treatment times can vary depending on how quickly your body responds and how much work is needed to give you the show-stopping smile you expect.
• YOU! — Your willingness to use the appliances your orthodontist gives you plays a major role in the length of time it takes to complete your treatment. Always remember to take care of your braces and appliances; this truly will help make your treatment shorter!

Orthodontics for Adults

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. In fact, the Canadian Association of Orthodontists states that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too.

Common reasons why adults consider orthodontic treatment:

• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
• Teeth are crowded or spaced apart, possibly causing tooth decay or gum disease
• Abnormal jaw pain, or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
• Desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile

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

The main difference to remember when treating adults or children and teens, is that in younger patients the jawbones are still developing. For adults, these bones have stopped growing, which may mean the possibility of orthognathic surgery 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.