Orthodontics and Invisalign in Downtown Vancouver

Straight teeth are only half the story. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment also corrects how your upper and lower teeth meet, known as your bite. An overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite can cause uneven wear, chipped teeth, jaw strain and even difficulty chewing, problems that cosmetic straightening alone won't fix. Treatment begins with a full set of records: photos, X-rays and impressions. Based on your assessment, your dentist will discuss suitable orthodontic treatment options, including clear aligners or other appliances when appropriate. Referrals may be arranged for treatment requiring specialized orthodontic care. Progress is reviewed at regular visits until both the alignment and the bite are right. For downtown Vancouver patients who want results that look good and work well for decades, this is the complete approach.

Parents: here are a few signs your child may benefit from an early orthodontic check:

• Baby teeth lost very early or very late
• Crowded, blocked or protruding front teeth
• Upper and lower teeth that don't meet properly, or a jaw that shifts when biting
• Thumb-sucking beyond age five, or regular mouth breathing

Early, or interceptive, treatment usually happens between ages 7 and 10, while the jaw is still growing. Tools such as palate expanders or partial braces can make room for adult teeth and guide development, often making later treatment shorter and simpler. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends a first check by age 7. Book an assessment at our downtown Vancouver clinic.

Your braces are off or your last aligner is done. Now what? Teeth have a natural memory and will try to drift back toward their old positions, especially in the first year while the surrounding bone and gums settle. A retainer helps maintain your tooth alignment after orthodontic treatment and reduces the likelihood of unwanted tooth movement. We offer two main types. Removable clear retainers look like thin aligners and are usually worn at night. Fixed retainers are a fine wire bonded discreetly behind the front teeth, so there is nothing to remember. Many patients use one or both long term, as directed by their dentist. Lost or cracked your retainer? We can make a replacement at our downtown Vancouver clinic before your teeth have a chance to move.

Does your child snore, sleep with their mouth open or wake up tired? Do they have a narrow upper jaw or crowded teeth? These signs can be connected. The shape of the jaws influences how much room there is for the tongue and the airway, and that can affect breathing, especially during sleep. Airway-focused orthodontics looks at the whole picture rather than just straightening teeth. During orthodontic assessments, our dentists may identify dental or jaw-development concerns that warrant further evaluation. When breathing or sleep-related symptoms are present, we may recommend consultation with your family physician or an appropriate specialist. Orthodontic treatment is planned according to each patient's dental needs and should not be considered a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders.