A straight smile is about more than looks. Good orthodontics improves how you bite, chew, and speak. It also makes teeth easier to clean, which reduces the risk of decay and gum disease over time. Whether you are a parent watching your child's teeth come in or an adult who has been putting treatment off for years, there is no wrong time to explore your options.
At Tooth Fairy Dental on Eglinton, we work with patients of all ages in Midtown Toronto and want every family to feel confident about the orthodontics journey ahead. Here are our top tips to help you get started and make the most of your treatment.
Start Orthodontics Assessments Early for Children
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontics assessment by age seven. At this point, a mix of baby and adult teeth are present, which gives a dental professional a clear picture of how the jaw and teeth are developing.
An early assessment does not always mean early treatment. In many cases, the dentist simply monitors growth and steps in at the right time. But catching potential problems early, such as crowding, crossbites, or jaw misalignment, can make future treatment shorter and simpler.
Tip: Do not wait for your child to lose all their baby teeth before booking an orthodontics consultation. Earlier information always leads to better planning.
Understand Your Treatment Options at Every Age
Orthodontics has come a long way. Patients today have more choices than ever, and the right option depends on age, lifestyle, and the complexity of the case.
For children and teens: Traditional metal braces remain a reliable and effective choice for growing patients. They handle complex tooth movements well and are often covered (at least partially) by family dental plans. Ceramic braces offer a less visible alternative for teens who are self-conscious about their appearance.
For adults: Clear aligner therapy (such as Invisalign) has become one of the most popular orthodontics options for adults. The trays are removable, nearly invisible, and fit around a busy lifestyle. They work well for mild to moderate cases. More complex bite issues may still require traditional braces.
For all ages: Retainers are a non-negotiable part of any orthodontics plan. Without consistent retainer wear after treatment, teeth will shift back toward their original positions. This applies whether you are 12 or 52.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene Throughout Treatment
This tip applies to every age group. Orthodontics treatment creates more surfaces where food and plaque can collect. Brackets, wires, and aligner trays all require extra attention to keep the mouth clean and healthy.
For patients with braces, brush after every meal using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Use an interdental brush or floss threader to clean between brackets and under wires. Flossing daily is essential and takes a bit more effort with hardware in place, but it is worth it.
For clear aligner patients, remove your trays before eating or drinking anything other than water. Rinse the trays and brush your teeth before reinserting them. Skipping this step leads to bacteria buildup and staining.
Tip: An electric toothbrush can make a noticeable difference in cleaning efficiency during orthodontics treatment for both kids and adults.
Follow Dietary Guidelines to Protect Your Treatment
Food choices matter a great deal during active orthodontics treatment, particularly for patients with fixed braces. Certain foods can bend wires, pop brackets off teeth, or get stuck in hard-to-reach places.
Foods to avoid with braces include:
- Hard foods such as raw carrots, apples (unless cut into small pieces), crusty bread, and nuts
- Sticky foods such as caramel, toffee, gummy candies, and chewing gum
- Crunchy snacks such as popcorn, chips, and hard pretzels
Clear aligner patients have more flexibility since the trays come out at mealtimes. However, be mindful of staining drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine when trays are in. Drinking anything other than water with aligners in place can cause discolouration and accelerate wear on the trays.
Keep Every Appointment and Communicate With Your Dental Team
Orthodontics treatment is an ongoing process. Missing adjustment appointments slows progress and can extend your overall treatment time. Each visit is an opportunity for the dental team to assess how teeth are moving and make necessary changes to the plan.
If something feels wrong between appointments, such as a loose bracket, a poking wire, or discomfort that is not settling, contact the office promptly. Small issues can become bigger problems if left unaddressed.
At Tooth Fairy Dental on Eglinton, our team encourages patients and parents to ask questions at every visit. Good communication between patient and provider is one of the most underrated factors in a smooth orthodontics experience.
Do Not Overlook Adult Orthodontics
One of the most common misconceptions is that orthodontics is only for children and teenagers. In reality, adults make up a significant and growing portion of orthodontic patients across Canada.
Teeth continue to shift throughout adulthood. Crowding can worsen over time, especially in the lower front teeth. Adults who had braces as teenagers and stopped wearing their retainers often notice movement years later.
The good news is that adult orthodontics is highly effective. Bone density and jaw development are stable in adulthood, which actually makes tooth movement predictable and precise. Treatment timelines for adults are often comparable to those for teens, depending on the complexity of the case.
If you have been thinking about addressing your smile for years, consider this your sign to book a consultation.
Wear Your Retainer. Every Single Night.
This deserves its own section because it is the step most patients skip, and the one that undoes years of progress.
Once active orthodontics treatment is complete, the teeth need time to stabilize in their new positions. The bone and tissue surrounding the roots take months to fully adapt. Without a retainer holding things in place, shifting begins quickly, sometimes within days.
Most patients are instructed to wear their retainer full-time for the first several months, then nightly for life. Yes, for life. This is not an exaggeration. Many adults who had orthodontic treatment as kids are now revisiting orthodontics in their thirties and forties because retainer wear was not maintained.
Tip: If you lose or break your retainer, contact your dental office right away. Do not wait. Even a few weeks without a retainer can result in noticeable movement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The recommended age for a first orthodontics assessment is seven. This does not always mean treatment begins right away, but it gives your dental team important information about your child's development.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of the case and the type of treatment chosen. Most cases range from 12 to 24 months. Your dental team will give you a more specific estimate after a full assessment.
Does orthodontic treatment hurt?
Some discomfort is normal, especially in the first few days after braces are placed or adjusted, or when a new set of aligners is started. Over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods help manage this. The discomfort typically settles within 48 to 72 hours.
Is orthodontic treatment covered by insurance?
Many Canadian dental plans include partial coverage for orthodontic treatment, particularly for children. Coverage for adults varies. Check with your insurance provider before starting treatment.
Whether you are exploring options for your child or finally ready to invest in your own smile, orthodontics offers real, lasting benefits at every stage of life. The team at Tooth Fairy Dental on Eglinton is here to guide you through the process from that first consultation to the day you hold your retainer in your hand.
We are located at 161 Eglinton Ave E, Unit 101 in Toronto, just east of Yonge Street and a short walk from Eglinton subway station. Convenient underground parking is available. Call us at 416-546-9870 or email smile@toothfairydentaleglinton.com to book your consultation. After-hours dental emergencies can reach us at 647-939-0244.
Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm.
