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Mississauga, ON · Braces & Alignment

Orthodontics in Mississauga

Straighter teeth, a healthier bite, and a more confident smile, for children, teens, and adults. Our orthodontic services address alignment concerns of all complexities, from early intervention to comprehensive treatment.
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905-848-2250
Overview

What is orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Braces, clear aligners, expanders, and retainers all fall under this category, each applying controlled forces over time to move teeth into their proper positions and correct the bite.Orthodontic treatment improves more than appearance. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, distribute bite forces more evenly across the jaw, reduce the risk of premature wear, and can resolve issues like jaw pain or speech difficulties. At Tomken Dental, we provide both traditional braces and Invisalign, and monitor your progress at regular appointments throughout treatment.

Functional & Aesthetic

Orthodontic treatment addresses both how your teeth look and how they work. Correcting the bite reduces uneven wear, jaw strain, and the crowding that makes thorough cleaning difficult, benefits that extend well beyond a straighter smile.

All Ages Treated

Orthodontic treatment is not just for teenagers. Early intervention (around age seven to ten) can guide jaw development before adult teeth fully erupt. Adult treatment is equally effective, teeth can be moved at any age in a healthy mouth.

Monitored Throughout

Orthodontic treatment requires consistent oversight. Regular check-ins allow us to monitor progress, make adjustments, and catch any issues early. We stay in close communication with you at every stage of the process.
Who This Is For

Orthodontic treatment across every stage of life.

Orthodontic concerns vary by age and complexity. The right treatment approach depends on the type of misalignment, whether jaw growth is still occurring, and your preferences regarding treatment visibility and convenience.

Early Intervention (Ages 7-10)

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic assessment by age seven. At this stage, jaw development can be guided, creating space for incoming permanent teeth and potentially preventing more complex treatment later.

Teen Orthodontics

The teen years are the most common time for comprehensive orthodontic treatment, with most permanent teeth present. Both traditional braces and Invisalign Teen are options; we discuss the trade-offs of each and let the patient and family decide what works best.

Adult Orthodontics

Adults seek orthodontic treatment for cosmetic alignment, to prepare for restorative work like implants or veneers, or to address long-standing bite concerns. Invisalign is popular with adult patients for its discreet appearance and convenience.

Complex Bite Correction

Significant overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites may require traditional braces, or, in severe cases, a combination of orthodontics and oral surgery. We assess bite complexity carefully and refer when specialist input is warranted.
What To Expect

Your orthodontic journey, step by step.

1

Orthodontic Assessment

We examine your teeth, jaw, and bite using clinical examination and digital imaging. For children, we assess bone and tooth development. We discuss what concerns are present, what treatment options are appropriate, and what outcomes are realistically achievable.

2

Records & Treatment Planning

Orthodontic records include photographs, digital scans or impressions, and X-rays. These allow us to map the movements needed and plan the most efficient path to your treatment goal. You receive a detailed treatment plan with timeline and cost before beginning.

3

Appliance Placement

Brackets are bonded to teeth and connected by archwires for traditional braces. For Invisalign, your first set of aligners is dispensed with instructions. Appliance placement is generally comfortable; some initial soreness as teeth begin to move is normal.

4

Active Treatment & Adjustments

Regular appointments, typically every six to eight weeks, allow us to adjust wires, monitor progress, and address any discomfort. We check oral hygiene at every visit and provide guidance on keeping teeth clean around the appliance.

5

Retention

Once active treatment is complete, retainers are custom-fitted to maintain the result. Retention is ongoing, teeth have a natural tendency to shift back without consistent retainer wear. We provide clear instructions on how long and how often to wear your retainer.
Honest Expectations

Benefits and realistic considerations.

What You Gain

  • A properly aligned bite that distributes forces evenly and reduces long-term wear
  • Straighter teeth that are easier to clean and maintain
  • Improved confidence in your smile and overall facial aesthetics
  • A foundation that makes future cosmetic or restorative treatment more effective

Things to Know

  • Treatment takes time, most comprehensive cases require twelve to twenty-four months
  • Traditional braces require dietary adjustments to avoid damaging brackets and wires
  • Consistent retainer wear after treatment is essential, relapse is common without it
  • Very complex cases may require specialist referral, we'll advise honestly if that applies to you
Preparation & Aftercare

Before, during, and after orthodontic treatment.

Before Treatment Begins

Any existing cavities or gum disease must be treated before orthodontic treatment starts. Schedule a professional cleaning before your appliance is placed, good gum health at the start gives you the best foundation. If you have a habit like thumb-sucking that could interfere with treatment, we’ll discuss addressing it first.

During Treatment

For braces patients: avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods that can break brackets or bend wires. Brush carefully around every bracket after every meal using a soft brush and interdental brush. For Invisalign patients: wear aligners 20 to 22 hours per day, remove before eating or drinking anything other than water, and clean aligners thoroughly before reinserting.

After Treatment

Wear your retainer exactly as directed, nightly for life is the standard recommendation for maintaining your result. Schedule follow-up retainer checks every six to twelve months. Contact us immediately if your retainer feels loose, breaks, or if you notice teeth shifting. Minor relapse caught early is far easier to correct than extensive shifting.
At-Home Care

Caring for your teeth during orthodontic treatment.

Oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment requires extra diligence, food traps around appliances increase decay and gum disease risk.
Brush after every meal with a soft-bristled brush, food lodges around brackets and under wires
Use an interdental brush to clean between brackets and around the archwire
Floss daily using a floss threader or water flosser, this step is especially important with braces
Use a fluoride rinse to protect enamel during treatment, brackets create areas that are hard to clean
Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods, they break appliances and extend treatment time
Attend all scheduled adjustments, skipping appointments delays treatment and reduces efficiency
Related Services

Services that complement orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign

Clear aligners are an excellent orthodontic option for teens and adults who want discreet treatment without metal brackets. For mild to moderate alignment concerns, Invisalign produces results comparable to traditional braces.

Dental Cleaning

Patients in orthodontic treatment need more frequent professional cleanings. Appliances create additional plaque traps, and maintaining healthy gums throughout treatment is critical to achieving a stable long-term result.

Cosmetic Dental Care

Orthodontic treatment is often the first step in a broader smile transformation. After alignment is complete, whitening, bonding, or veneers can refine the final result, building on the foundation that orthodontics created.
Why Tomken Dental

Why Mississauga families choose us for orthodontics.

Early Assessment, Better Outcomes

We monitor tooth and jaw development in our younger patients from an early age. When we identify concerns that benefit from early intervention, we act at the right time, reducing overall treatment complexity and often improving the final outcome.

Traditional Braces & Invisalign Under One Roof

Whether traditional braces are the right approach or Invisalign suits your lifestyle better, we offer both. We present the options honestly and let you choose, no up-selling toward one path over another.

Integrated With Your Overall Dental Care

Orthodontic treatment at Tomken Dental is coordinated with your full dental care, cleanings, restorative work, and cosmetic planning all happen within the same team. Nothing falls through the cracks.
Common Questions

Orthodontics FAQ.

At what age should my child have an orthodontic assessment?
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial assessment by age seven. By this age, enough permanent teeth are present to identify bite and spacing concerns. Early assessment doesn’t always mean early treatment, but it allows us to monitor development and act at the optimal time.
Treatment length depends on the complexity of tooth and bite correction needed. Minor corrections may be complete in six to twelve months; comprehensive treatment typically takes eighteen to twenty-four months. We provide a realistic timeline at your assessment appointment.
Soreness after appliance placement or wire adjustments is normal and typically lasts two to three days. Over-the-counter pain relievers manage this effectively. Soft foods during those days help. Discomfort decreases significantly as treatment progresses and your mouth adapts.
Absolutely. Adult orthodontics is increasingly common, and teeth can be moved effectively at any age in a healthy mouth. Many adults choose Invisalign for its discretion, while others prefer traditional braces for complex movements. We assess what’s right for your specific situation.
Brush after every meal with a soft brush and interdental brush to clean around brackets. Floss daily using a threader or water flosser. Use a fluoride rinse to protect enamel. We provide a detailed hygiene kit and instructions at your banding appointment, and review technique at every check-in. Call (647) 692-6053 with any questions.

A straight smile that lasts a lifetime.

Book an orthodontic assessment at Tomken Dental. All ages welcome. Call (647) 692-6053 or request your appointment online.
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