Treatment Options
Thanks to ongoing research, there are more ways than ever to straighten teeth and correct a bite. Orthodontists are trained in all of them, and will recommend the option that best fits your bite, your goals and your lifestyle.
Braces
Metal braces
Brackets attached to the front of the teeth and connected by a wire. Today’s braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever, and work well for almost every type of problem.
Ceramic braces
Tooth-coloured or clear brackets that are less noticeable than metal, and work the same way.
Lingual braces
Braces attached to the back of the teeth, so they’re hidden from view.
Clear aligners
A series of custom, removable clear trays that move teeth a little at a time. Aligners are nearly invisible and come out for eating and brushing, but they only work if they’re worn as directed, usually about 22 hours a day. Your orthodontist will tell you whether aligners suit your bite, and may use small tooth-coloured attachments to help them work.
A word about do-it-yourself and mail-order aligners. Moving teeth changes the bone and gums around them. Treatment without an in-person examination, x-rays and regular check-ups by a qualified professional can miss underlying problems and cause lasting harm. Before starting any treatment, have your teeth and bite examined in person by an orthodontist.
Early treatment for children
For some children, treatment while they’re still growing can make later treatment simpler or unnecessary. It may use:
- Expanders to widen a narrow upper jaw
- Functional appliances, removable or fixed, that help balance the growth of the upper and lower jaws
- Space maintainers to hold room for adult teeth
- Carefully timed removal of baby or adult teeth to relieve severe crowding
Orthodontics with surgery
When the upper and lower jaws are very different in size or position, and growth has finished, braces alone may not be enough. Your orthodontist may then work with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon: braces align the teeth, and surgery repositions the jaws.
Retainers: keeping your result
Teeth can shift throughout life. After braces or aligners, a retainer holds your teeth in their new positions. Retainers can be removable or a thin wire bonded behind the teeth. Wear yours exactly as your orthodontist recommends, and keep your follow-up appointments.
This page is general information only. Your orthodontist will advise you on your own situation.
Which option is right for you?
An orthodontist will examine your bite and explain your options.
