Types of Treatment at GD Orthodontics
At GD Orthodontics, we offer a large variety of orthodontic services in Mississauga, from traditional braces to Invisalign® to surgical orthodontics. We hope you will find a solution that will suit your lifestyle, health, self-esteem, and smile. Contact our clinic today to book an initial free consultation with Dr. Girish Deshpande, our board-certified orthodontist.
GD Orthodontics doesn’t just offer implements like braces at our Mississauga clinic. We can treat sleep apnea, jaw problems, and dento facial problems too.
Ever wondered whether your child is too young to start orthodontic treatment? You’re not alone. Read more on this page about adolescents and orthodontic care, and call us if you have any questions.
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Adolescent Treatment
In addition to improved self-confidence due to improved aesthetics, there are many short-term and long-term health benefits to receiving orthodontic treatment early. By arranging an early consultation with the specialists at GD Orthodontics, your child will be able to:
Correct harmful oral habits like thumb-sucking.
Prevent further wear or injury to teeth and jaw joints by moving the teeth and jaws to their optimum positions.
Possibly prevent the need for braces and even oral surgery through early intervention in detrimental bite or alignment patterns.
Increase the impact of final treatment results and their stability.
Improve the ease of breathing.
Discourage speech impediments.
Possibly prevent the need for jaw surgery later on in life, and minimize the likelihood of future extractions of permanent teeth.
Better manage their oral hygiene and decrease the opportunities for tooth decay, gum disease, and problems like heart disease to develop.
Widen narrow arches, creating space to alleviate crowding and to allow adult teeth to emerge in the correct position
Prevent wear on teeth and jaw joints through the correction of overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
Encourage proper chewing of food, resulting in better absorption of nutrients and helping relieve any digestive problems, through increased bite contact.
This doesn’t mean that as an adult, your opportunity is gone! Learn more about adults and orthodontic treatment.
Two Phase Treatment
Two-phase treatment is a process that both straightens your teeth and encourages facial changes. Our mission with two-phase treatments is to give you a smile you can be confident wearing and showing off.
Children may begin to exhibit early signs of jaw problems at an early age, and if they have discrepancies after age 7 or 8, they may be good candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Leaving jaw problems untreated until all permanent teeth have appeared may cause a problem too severe to treat with conventional braces.
Phase I
During Phase 1, our goal is to develop a jaw size that can accommodate all permanent teeth and properly relate the upper and lower jaws to each other.
Teeth won’t be in their final position at the end of Phase 1. There will be a resting and monitoring period after the first phase, and baby teeth may be removed at this time to make room for adult teeth to erupt.
Phase II
Phase 2 is when we try to put each tooth in the right location in relation to the lips, tongue, cheek, and other teeth. Doing so allows optimal function and stability.
This phase usually happens after all teeth have erupted. Braces are typically worn for 18-24 months.
Retention
Devices called retainers are fitted onto your teeth to prevent relapse. Retainers may be worn part-time indefinitely. Learn more about retainers here.
Dentofacial Orthopedics / Growth Modification
Dentofacial Orthopedics is a two-phased treatment where the goal is to normalize the growth of patient bone structure. This typically begins around the age of 7 or 8 when jaw abnormalities begin to show. Proper jaw alignment is tackled in the first phase, and the second phase may involve braces to straighten out teeth.
Dento Orthopedics for adults may involve surgery. Children, on the other hand, have more flexible jaw bones that are not fully mature yet, making it easier to control their growth.
Talk to us to see if this procedure is right for you. GD Orthodontics offers free initial consultations.
TMJ/TMD
“TMJ” stands for temporo-mandibular joint, which refers to the jaw joints in front of each of your ears. Your TMJ is the most complicated joint in your body. TMJ problems are responsible for chronic headaches, earaches, and other facial pain. Symptoms of having a TMJ problem include:
Clicking or popping sensations/noises when opening and closing your mouth
Jaw soreness or pain that seems more intense in the morning or late afternoon
Sensitive teeth not caused by other dental problems
Earache without the presence of infections
Chewing difficulties
Misaligned upper and lower teeth (malocclusion)
Stiff, “locked” feeling in the jaw when using it
Recent change in your bite
Waking up regularly with headaches
Frequent tension headaches
At GD Orthodontics, Dr. Girish Deshpande can work with you and your general physician to stabilize your jaw and muscles. Contact us if you are experiencing any of the symptoms described.
AcceleDent®
AcceleDent® is an innovative treatment perfect for those who want to avoid the hassle and time associated with traditional braces. The AcceleDent® System can reduce your treatment time by as much as 38-50%. Additionally, this appliance is:
Light and comfortable
Hands-free and easy to use
Can be used for as little as 20 minutes per day to complement braces
AcceleDent® uses vibrations to help bone and teeth move more freely. While you may initially feel a tingling sensation similar to that of an electric toothbrush, this will go away after you’ve grown accustomed to the device.
If you’re interested in this technology, schedule a free consultation with GD Orthodontics.
WildSmiles® Braces
Suitable for young people, WildSmiles® Braces were designed to make wearing orthodontic appliances appear and feel more fun for kids. Brackets are available in six fun shapes:
Stars
Hearts
Flowers
Sports Balls
Footballs
Super-Diamonds
Designed by orthodontic professionals and used for over a decade, WildSmiles® also play an effective role in correcting teeth and jaw problems. Contact us for a free consultation if you are interested in WildSmiles®.
Temporary Anchorage Device
A Temporary Anchorage Device, or TAD, is a miniature screw placed within the bone between teeth roots. It is used as an anchor for moving teeth in a controlled manner. Before the advent of TADs, certain cases were almost impossible to treat without this technique, and TADs allow orthodontists to provide better and more efficient treatment. Only patients with permanent adult teeth can be TAD candidates, and they must not have active gum disease.
While it may sound invasive, TAD placement is only minimally invasive and many people receive it with only topical anaesthetic as there are no nerve endings in bone tissue.
Surgical Orthodontics
If a problem cannot be treated with orthodontic appliances alone, surgical orthodontics, called orthognathic surgery, may be suggested.
Today, digital imaging technology along with computerized treatment planning, titanium plates, and miniature screws has drastically improve our success rate with these types of surgery. Compared to past generations, you can expect shorter treatment and recovery times in today’s dental world along with more effective treatment.
Orthognathic surgery is often unnecessary because advances in orthodontic technology have made it possible for most problems to be fixed. However, we are happy to discuss surgery with you if we deem it necessary.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Whether it’s a more complex procedure or conventional braces, our Mississauga-based team at GD Orthodontics can walk you through the process and provide you with options for your orthodontic care. Contact us today to schedule a free, initial consultation with board-certified orthodontist Dr. Girish Deshpande, and get started on attaining a more confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Age Is the Best Age to Start?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should receive their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7, or at the first sign that there may be an orthodontic problem. During this time, while actual treatment may not be necessary yet, the evaluation will help your orthodontist anticipate future growth and start strategizing when the best time to start treatment is.
Why Age 7?
Age 7 is considered the best time for an initial screening. At this age, a child’s first adult molars erupt and establish a back bite. Thus, orthodontists can investigate how teeth are positioned front-to-back and side-to-side. For example, newly erupted incisors can indicate possible overbite, openbite, crowding, or gummy smile problems.
What Are Some Benefits of Interceptive Treatment?
Interceptive treatment can treat a wide range of problems. For example, it can:
Allow growth of new teeth by making room
Influence jaw growth, which can help create facial symmetry
Help protect front teeth from injury if they were originally protruding
Minimize the chance of needing to remove teeth
Reducing time spent wearing braces
Are Braces Right for You?
Braces are suitable for many people, so consult with your orthodontist. Orthodontic treatment isn’t just to improve the look of your smile; treatment can tackle malocclusions (bad bites) due to jaw misalignment. This has far-reaching consequences, affecting the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth, and even feel.
What Problems Can Thumbsucking Cause?
Thumbsucking is a very common habit for children. However, it can cause misaligned teeth and jaw problems if done excessively and too long. Here are a few possible complications:
Protruding upper front teeth and/or protruding upper jaw
Tipped-back lower front teeth
Openbite – it’s possible for the gap between top and bottom teeth to match the child’s thumb
Upper jaw grows too narrow for lower jaw, causing crossbite
Why Are Braces or Orthodontic Treatment Important?
There are many ways in which braces have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being. First, braces can make a huge difference to your self-confidence as they can alleviate any concerns that you have about your teeth and smile. Second, braces can reduce the likelihood of a number of diseases, such as tooth decay or gum disease and can even prevent heart disease from developing. Finally, treating any issues you have with your bite or the alignment of your teeth can greatly reduce the chance you’ll need to have more expensive or complex treatments like jaw surgery or a tooth extraction.
Do Braces Hurt?
Although you might be familiar with the metal braces many people associate with orthodontic treatment, you’ll be pleased to know that the technology behind braces has come a very long way. Newer braces are much more flexible and comfortable, with most patients describing their discomfort as mild to moderate. Over the counter options like Tylenol or Advil are effective medications for reducing any discomfort you might feel during your treatment.
How Long Will the Braces Be on For?
Your treatment is as unique as you are, so there’s no one-size-fits-all length of time that you’ll wear your braces or undergo other forms of treatment. However, average treatment times typically range between 6 to 24 months. Each case varies in complexity, but GD Orthodontics uses the very latest in orthodontic technology to ensure that your treatment is as precise and quick as possible. Patients who practice good oral hygiene can also expect to have a positive impact on their treatment. Keeping up good habits like regularly flossing and brushing your teeth can also help your treatment go faster, as can complying with recommendations like wearing your elastics.
Can I Still Eat My Favourite Foods?
Yes! There are very few foods that we recommend you avoid during your treatment due to the chance they can damage the wires or brackets. Any damage can extend your treatment times, so we’d encourage you to stay away from food like rock candy, caramel and nuts. You can still enjoy many of your favourite foods, but your preparation for them might change. For example, you should cut hard vegetables into smaller pieces. And, always ensure that you’re brushing and flossing afterwards!
How Does Invisalign® Work?
Invisalign® is a clear aligner orthodontic system that straightens your teeth with clear plastic trays instead of wires and brackets. You wear a series of aligners for 1 week each. Each successive aligner has a minor correction built in it, and that’s how it progressively corrects your crooked teeth or your bite problems.
Does GD Orthodontics Offer Payment Plans?
Definitely! We want to ensure that anyone who needs orthodontic treatment can access it; our office staff will work with you to find a payment plan that is the most convenient for you. We’re confident that there is a flexible, interest-free financing option that will ensure that you or your family members receive the orthodontic treatment that they require, without you having to worry about credit checks.
Does GD Ortho Accept Insurance Plans?
Yes, we do! We will send the predetermination on your behalf and work with your insurance company to get you the maximum benefit.
Adult Treatment
Braces aren’t just for kids! In fact, the way your teeth, gums, and bones are structured can be changed at any age if you are healthy. Getting orthodontic treatment as an adult can vastly improve your self-esteem, allowing you to smile proudly during those job interviews and professional presentations. It can also boost your overall dental health: crooked teeth can lead to a bad bite, bone loss, tooth decay, unhealthy gums, and even headaches and jaw joint pain.
We now have new techniques and technology to treat teeth with minimal time and discomfort. You have plenty of options, from traditional metal braces to transparent aligners worn at night. It all depends on your personal circumstances, and during your initial consultation, we will assess your needs and find the best possible treatment route for you.
Adults actually make up a large percentage of our patients at GD Orthodontics. They will all agree that it’s never too late to drastically improve the look of your smile.
Types of Braces
Nowadays, you are not restricted to the “traditional” braces that often come to mind when you think of orthodontics. You have options such as:
1. Ceramic (clear) braces – these are more discreet than their metal counterparts. However, ceramic braces do require more attention when it comes to oral hygiene. Ceramic braces are often used on the upper teeth rather than the lower teeth.
2. Invisalign® – the Invisalign® System enjoys great popularity because of its ability to fix crooked teeth without being noticeable. These removable, clear aligners are created by computer simulation and gradually move your teeth into alignment. If you are interested in Invisalign®, ask your orthodontist if you are a suitable candidate!
3. Invisalign® Teen – this system is designed specifically to accommodate growing mouths and a busy teen lifestyle. They align teeth gradually just like the adult version, but come with extra features like the Blue Dot Wear Indicator to show how long the aligners have been worn, and six free replacement aligners.
4. Metal braces – these are what most people think of when they imagine “braces.” They are very strong and come in silver or gold. Most traditional, metal braces will require a ligature, or rubber band, to hold the arch wire and bracket together. While metal braces can be less expensive than other types, they may irritate gum and cheek tissue with their pointier bits. However, there are numerous first aid tricks to deal with this, such as saltwater rinses and using wax to cushion the metal brackets. Metal braces also come in a rainbow of colours, giving you room for personalization.
To learn more about your treatment options, book a consultation with us today!
Life with Braces
Getting braces will not turn your life upside down. The below mentioned points will give you basic information on how to adjust to your new orthodontic appliances and properly care for them. Always feel free to call our office at any time if you need more information.
Taking Good Care of Your Braces
If you want to wear your braces for the shortest treatment time possible, you should take care of them. Taking care of your braces doesn’t just benefit your teeth; it will cut the cost down.
Here are some instructions to take care of your braces:
Use small, soft-bristled toothbrushes to clean your children’s newly erupted teeth with a small amount of toothpaste
Teach kids how to brush as early as age 2 or 3 and supervise them until they can do it on their own
Visit the dentist regularly to check up on development and to screen for cavities
Try not to mention words like “pain” or “hurt” in the context of discussing visiting the dentist with your child
Encourage your child to discuss any fear they might have of going to the dentist
Determine whether your water supply is fluoridated or not; if not, ask your dentist about supplements
Talk to your dentist about using sealant to protect your child’s teeth’s chewing surfaces; this protects children against tooth decay
Common Problems
In general, orthodontic problems can be categorized as such:
Class II
Class II problems, sometimes called “overjet,” is when the upper jaw and teeth project past the lower jaw. Class II problems are often genetically inherited; however, they can result from excessive thumbsucking. To correct this problem, orthodontists will typically try to influence facial growth and bring the upper and lower jaws together to their correct position.
Class III
In Class III problems, the lower jaw may “stick out” and seem unusually large. However, it is often the upper jaw’s growth that is at fault. Class III problems are also often genetic.
Crossbite
Teeth are misaligned in crossbites. Posterior crossbites often consist of a narrow upper jaw and a wide lower jaw. When closed into a secure bite, the lower teeth are held outside the upper teeth. Crossbite may cause the appearance of facial asymmetry.
Crowding
Crowding is a common reason to seek orthodontic treatment. For some patients, there is a discrepancy between the size of their teeth and the space available in their jaw. Crowding may also be associated with gum problems. The added challenge of cleaning crowded teeth may also result in poorer oral hygiene and more risk of tooth decay.
Deepbite
Characteristics of deepbite include a large amount of exposed gum tissue, a protruded or entrapped lip, biting the roof of the mouth, and excessive wear on incisors. This is usually associated with length disparity between the upper and lower jaw.
Openbite
Openbites are often caused by jaw disparities, habits like thumbsucking, or too much vertical jaw growth. Early intervention is critical to treating an openbite.
Spacing
Spacing, like crowding, is a common reason for orthodontic treatment. Excessive spacing may be caused by gum tissue attachments called “frenae” or jaw and teeth size disparity.
Missing teeth
Other than aesthetic issues, missing teeth can cause other health and dental problems such as chewing, bite, pain, speech problems, and muscle sagging. Having missing teeth can also mean more space for decay and gum disease, and how teeth arrange themselves in relation to the spaces may cause misalignment.
Emergencies & Handling Minor Brace Repairs
If you’ve broken or loosened your appliances, please do not come directly to our office, but do call us immediately. This will allow us to make time to see you, and even if you have an appointment scheduled, please call us ahead of time if you require an appliance to be repaired.
Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but problems may occur occasionally. Usually, these can be fixed at home. Here are a few common problems and how to handle them on your own.
Loose brackets or bands
Loose brackets or bands can be left alone until your next visit, but do let us know so we can schedule extra time for repairs. If it’s irritating, you can cut the wire using sanitized nail clippers and slip off the bracket. Tuck the wire under and make sure to bring your bracket to your next appointment.
Wire irritations
Wires can cause discomfort to your cheek and gums because they’re so pointy. You can usually move them away from the irritated area with a cotton swab, round end of a spoon, or eraser. You can also cover the pointy end with cotton or wax. If the wire is painful, clip it with sterilized scissors or nail clippers. If it continues to be bothersome, let us know.
Lost separator
This is actually quite common. Do not be too worried about losing your separator, but do call our office to see if you need a replacement.
Pain and discomfort
It is common to feel pain, sore, and uncomfortable when you first begin your treatment. You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers, and a warm washcloth or heating pad may relieve jaw soreness.
When to Call the Office
If you have made any of the aforementioned adjustments, please do call our orthodontic office in Mississauga as soon as you can during regular office hours. We can then schedule a time for repairs.
Call even if you have an appointment scheduled in the near future, because repairs may take longer than your allotted time.
If you are unable to fix a problem on your own, please call. We are always happy to help!
If your mouth or teeth have suffered a direct injury, immediately place ice on the area and call your regular dentist. Afterwards, your orthodontist will replace broken or displaced appliances as soon as possible depending on your comfort.
Why Good Dental Health Is Important
Did you know that:
The most common chronic childhood disease in America is tooth decay?
It is estimated by the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research that children miss 52 million hours of school per year due to oral health problems?
In the US, 50% of first-graders and 80% of 17-year-olds suffer from tooth decay?
Children’s oral health is a top priority of the US Surgeon General?
Instilling excellent oral hygiene habits goes a long way. You can start showing your child what good habits look like as early as infancy by gently cleaning your infant’s gums after feeding them with a water-soaked cloth. Here are a few other recommendations from the American Dental Hygiene Association.
Foods to Avoid
Usually, common sense will tell you what foods to avoid. For example, hard foods can damage orthodontic devices. Sticky foods can be difficult to clean out of appliances, and sugary foods can cause tooth decay, not to mention they aren’t the healthiest choice for your body anyway!
You should also avoid habits like nail-biting and chewing on foreign objects.
Sticky foods to avoid include:
Caramel
Toffee
Licorice
Both sugar-free and regular gum
Hard foods that may damage orthodontic appliances include:
Ice
Corn on the cob
Apples, unless cut into small pieces
Hard crusts
Chips
Nuts
Uncooked carrots
Minimize your intake of sugary foods like cake, ice cream, and cookies, and try to consume sugary drinks only once a day. Not only will your teeth benefit from a reduced risk of decay; your entire body will thank you too!
Retainer Instructions
When Dr. Girish Deshpande decides to remove your braces will be the beginning of the retention stage of your treatment. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers. Make sure to keep the below mentioned points in mind:
Please call our office if you think your retainer needs to be adjusted. Never do it yourself.
Always bring your retainers with you to your follow-up appointments
Always remember to remove your retainers before swimming
Do not use hot water to clean your retainers; alternatively, clean your retainer twice a day with cold water
Be careful with your retainers as they can break easily. Call our office if you accidentally break them.
For most children, their adult teeth all erupt by age 12, so gaps, crookedness, and bad bites are now easily detectable
When many of their peers are also wearing braces, children at this age may be less self-conscious about the appearance of braces and may even be motivated to wear them in order to fit in
Rapid growth spurts happen at this age, allowing orthodontists to take advantage of the body’s constant changes to shape bite and teeth
Because youth of this age have fast metabolisms, they can experience shorter treatment times
Please note that:
Dr. Girish Deshpande will instruct you to wear your retainers at all times
While you are eating, take your retainers out
When not wearing your retainer, always put it in its case
Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth
If you are having trouble speaking while wearing your retainer, please allow yourself some time; it will get better with each passing day
Retention
After your teeth have been moved by your orthodontic appliance, they must be retained in their new location. We must allow time for bone to regenerate and firm up around the teeth’s new location. Typically, this retention phase takes about nine months. This means, your retainers must be worn 23 hours a day consistently (you can take them out during meals).
If your retainers aren’t worn correctly, your teeth may shift back to their original position (relapse). We think you will agree when we say you have invested too much time, effort, and money for this to happen, and encourage you to wear your retainer diligently.
After nine months, we can start cutting back on retainer time. For example, you may start wearing your retainer only at night. How much we cut back wearing time depends on how successful the first phase of retention was, the severity of the initial problem, the appearance of wisdom teeth, and other factors like tongue thrusting, teeth grinding and clenching.
At the end of this active retention phase, and after we have addressed any wisdom teeth issues, we still encourage patients to wear their retainers indefinitely, at least on a part-time basis. Our bodies change constantly throughout our lives, and teeth are no exception. While changes shouldn’t be too drastic, wearing your retainers every night is your best chance against relapse. If your retainer feels tight, it means your teeth have moved and you have gone too long without wearing your retainer. If your retainer continues fitting comfortably, this means your teeth are stable.
If, for any reason, wearing your retainer is impossible, call us for an appointment to discuss the matter immediately. Do not adjust or tamper with your retainer. Patient co-operation at this stage of treatment is very important.
Contact Us Today
If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment, contact Mississauga’s GD Orthodontics. You can also call us to book a free, initial consultation with us.
