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Traditional Braces

June 30, 2022/in blog-main, service-blog /by admin

Orthodontic treatment straightens your teeth so they look and work better. Braces work by putting gentle pressure on your teeth and over a number of months or years this pressure can move your teeth into the right position.

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for teens, as teeth can be moved at any age. In fact, more and more adults are having orthodontic treatment to improve the look and health of their smile. 

In some cases, it is helpful to start orthodontic treatment before all the permanent (adult) teeth come in. This is called interceptive orthodontics. We can do an orthodontic screening to find out if your child will need orthodontic treatment to correct a bad bite. Interceptive orthodontics allows us to treat or stop a problem as it is developing.

To apply braces, we attach brackets to each tooth. Arch wires are fitted into all the brackets and are usually held in place with rubber or wire ties.

The position of your teeth and jaws has an effect on your bite. Your bite is how your top and bottom teeth come together. When your top and bottom teeth do not fit together properly, this is called a malocclusion or a bad bite. Problems like missing, crooked, crowded or protruding teeth can contribute to a bad bite. Thumb or finger sucking may also affect your bite.

A bad bite can make it hard to chew some foods and may cause some teeth to wear down. It can also cause muscle tension and pain. Teeth that stick out are more easily chipped or broken. Crowded and crooked teeth are harder to clean and may be more likely to get cavities and gum disease. Fixing a bad bite improves your smile and your health. Different types of bad bites include an overbite, a crossbite, an overjet and an open bite.

An overjet occurs when the upper front teeth protrude.

 

A deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much.

 

An underbite occurs when the upper teeth fit inside the arch of the lower teeth.

 

An open bite occurs when the back teeth are together and there is an opening between the lower and upper front teeth.

 

Gaps between teeth

 

A crossbite occurs when one or more of your upper teeth don’t
line up with the appropriate lower tooth or teeth.

 

Crowded or overlapped teeth

Taking Care of Your Teeth With Braces

  • Brush and floss Consistently. Taking care of your teeth is always important, but even more critical when you have braces since plaque can easily build up around the edges of the brackets. If plaque isn’t properly removed, it can affect the enamel and cause white or brown stains that can be permanent. We recommend more frequent visits to help you get under the brackets and to make sure your gums and teeth stay healthy. We will also give you tips and tools and show you how to brush and floss effectively for a beautiful smile.
  • Avoid foods that are not braces-friendly. Sticky, chewy foods like gum, caramels and gummies should be avoided during your orthodontic treatment. Also really hard things like ice cubes and nuts. This not only will help prevent cavities, but also damage to brackets and distort the wire of the braces.
  • Avoid missing your appointments. Making sure you are seen regularly allows for any adjustments to be made and gives you the opportunity to ask all your questions.

Retainers

Once your braces have been removed, a retainer can be used to keep your teeth in the right place. Retainers are fixed (attached to the teeth) or removable. They may need to be worn all the time or part of the time depending on each individual person’s case.
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Learn More About Our Services

  • Wisdom Teeth RemovalJuly 28, 2022
  • Composite “White” FillingsJuly 28, 2022
  • DenturesJuly 25, 2022
  • Children’s DentistryJuly 25, 2022
  • Traditional BracesJune 30, 2022
  • Tips for Weaning Kids off the Pacifier or Thumb SuckingJune 23, 2022
  • Straight Teeth the Natural Way: MyobraceJune 23, 2022
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  • Is Invisalign Right For You?June 23, 2022
  • TMJ Disorders: Symptoms, Causes & What You Can Do About ItJune 23, 2022
  • Top Tips for Preventing Crowding and Keeping your Teeth HealthyJune 23, 2022

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Holly
Medical Device Reprocessing Technician


Holly is the quiet presence at the back of our office that ensures everything is running smoothly and efficiently. You might see her as you walk by the sterilization area busy at work. Outside of the office she is a mom of two beautiful young children and enjoys spending lots of outdoor time with them.

Nanita
Registered Dental Hygienist


With each patient interaction Nanita’s goal is to create a stress free environment for their dental visit. She loves seeing her patients leave smiling with confidence and educating them with the tools so they can reach their optimal dental health.

Outside of the office, Nanita is a busy Mom of 2 amazing kids and a Star Stylist with Stella & Dot. She also loves to travel and cook.

Anissa
Registered Dental Hygienist


Anissa has the magical ability to put everyone at ease. She provides excellent care with warmth and kindness and always shows a genuine interest to get to know her patients. Her expertise and knowledge extends not only periodontal procedures but orthodontics as well.

Guelph is home to Anissa’s entire family. She built many relationships throughout the community.

Stephanie
Registered Dental Hygienist and Oromyofunctional Therapist


Stephanie has a witty sense of humour that puts everyone at ease. You can often hear the laughter coming from her operatory during appointments. She is committed to educating patients about their oral health and motivating them to reach their optimal oral and overall wellness.

Stephanie is also a Myofunctional Provider. She teaches breathing retraining and assesses for any oral muscular dysfunction of lip posture, tongue posture and swallowing. Once correct habits and function have been instilled, then development can reach its full potential.

Stephanie stays very busy with her three boys and enjoys traveling the world.

Teresa
Certified Dental Assistant


Teresa has many years of working in the Guelph dental community. She is all heart and always goes the extra mile to make patients feel comfortable. Her skill and Italian flare make her so enjoyable to be around and integral part of our dental team.

Elaine
Certified Dental Assistant


Elaine has over 30 years experience as a dental assistant (or 99 years as you will often hear her say). She has been working at Harvard Rd Dental Care right from the beginning! Her positive attitude and contagious smile always puts patients at ease. She prides herself on helping educate patients about their oral and dental health and how it relates to their overall wellness. Her greatest joy is being an Omi to her granddaughter, Addison.

Kailynne
Dental Receptionist


Kailynne is probably the kindest person you will ever meet. Always eager to help patients and everyone in the office. She will always greet with a sweet smile while making every effort to make your visit positive.

Kailynne enjoys spending time with her family and loves being with her dog Oliver.

Laurie
Dental Receptionist/Office Manager


Your first interaction at our office will likely be with Laurie. Laurie’s warmth and love of dentistry is apparent in every interaction. All questions are always happily taken care of with Laurie at the helm of our administrative team.

Laurie grew up in Puslinch and is married with 3 children. She truly enjoys yoga, weight lifting and target shooting. Laurie is also very interested in a holistic approach to nourishing and taking care of the body.