Orthodontics
Straight teeth, better bite, healthier gums. Clear aligners and braces for teens and adults.
What we treat
- Clear aligners (Invisalign-style)
- Traditional metal braces
- Ceramic / tooth-colored braces
- Bite correction (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
- Crowding and spacing
- Retainers and post-treatment maintenance
- Phase 1 ortho for kids when needed
Common questions
How long does it take?
Most adult cases finish in 12-24 months. Minor corrections can be done in 6-9 months with aligners.
Aligners or braces — which is better?
Aligners win on comfort and appearance. Braces win on complex bite issues. We help you choose.
Am I too old?
No. Adults are now ~30% of orthodontic patients.
Related services
Book a visit.
Straight teeth, better bite, healthier gums. Clear aligners and braces for teens and adults.
How clear aligners and traditional braces compare for adult orthodontic care
Adults considering orthodontic care often weigh clear aligners against traditional braces, and the right choice depends on the complexity of the case, daily habits, and personal priorities. Both approaches move teeth through controlled, gradual force; they differ mainly in appearance, maintenance, and the level of discipline each one asks of the patient.
Clear aligners are removable, custom-fitted trays worn in a planned sequence. Many adults choose them because they are difficult to notice and can be taken out for meals and cleaning. That convenience comes with a responsibility: aligners typically need to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day, so consistent wear is what drives results. Patients who keep to the schedule tend to progress as planned, while frequent removal can slow treatment.
Traditional braces use brackets and wires fixed to the teeth for the full course of care. Because they are not removable, they do not depend on daily compliance, and they often handle complex rotations, crowding, and bite corrections that aligners manage less predictably. The trade-off is visibility, more attention to cleaning around the brackets, and periodic in-office adjustments.
When comparing clear aligners vs braces, the clinical team usually reviews a few practical factors with each patient:
- Case complexity: minor spacing and mild crowding may suit aligners, while significant bite issues may respond better to fixed braces.
- Lifestyle and visibility: patients in client-facing roles often prefer the discreet profile of aligners.
- Daily routine: aligners reward consistency, whereas braces remove the burden of remembering to wear them.
- Maintenance: braces call for careful brushing and flossing around hardware; aligners are cleaned separately and rinsed before reinsertion.
- Visit frequency: both require periodic checks so providers can confirm teeth are tracking as expected.
Comfort and adjustment vary from person to person. Some patients notice mild pressure or soreness in the first days after a new aligner tray or a wire adjustment; this usually eases as the mouth adapts. Speech may feel slightly different at first with either option, and most patients adjust within a short window.
There is no single best answer for every adult. A consultation that includes an exam, imaging, and a discussion of goals gives the clearest picture of which approach fits a particular bite and schedule. The clinical team can then outline an estimated timeline, expected number of visits, and what daily care will involve so the decision is grounded in the specifics of the case rather than general impressions.
This page is informational and is not medical advice. Treatment options should always be decided in consultation with a qualified orthodontist or dentist.
How patients keep clear aligners clean and on track during orthodontic care
Clear aligner care and hygiene during orthodontic treatment comes down to a few consistent daily habits. Aligners are only working when they are in the mouth, and they stay comfortable and clear only when they are kept clean. The clinical team walks every patient through these steps at the fitting appointment, and the same routine applies whether you are on your first tray or your fifteenth.
Most treatment plans ask that aligners stay in place for the majority of the day, removed mainly for meals and for cleaning. Keeping close to that daily target is what allows each tray to move teeth on the schedule your provider planned. When aligners come out for a meal, they belong in their case rather than a napkin or pocket, where they are easily lost or warped.
Cleaning is straightforward. Rinse the trays in lukewarm water each time you take them out, and brush them gently with a soft toothbrush. Hot water can distort the plastic, so it is worth checking the tap temperature first. Avoid coloured mouthwashes and abrasive toothpaste on the aligners themselves, since both can dull the surface and leave it looking cloudy. Teeth should be brushed before trays go back in, because trapped food and sugar sitting against enamel for hours is a common cause of irritation.
A few habits protect the trays between cleanings:
- Store aligners in their ventilated case whenever they are not in your mouth.
- Drink water freely, but remove trays for coffee, tea, and anything coloured or sugary.
- Keep the previous set until your provider confirms the current fit is stable.
- Bring your case and current trays to every review appointment.
Mild pressure or tenderness in the first day or two of a new tray is common and usually eases as teeth adjust. If a tray cracks, no longer seats fully, or a scheduled set is lost, contact the practice rather than skipping ahead to the next one, since the sequence matters. Patients who keep to their wear time and cleaning routine typically move through their trays with fewer interruptions.
Regular check-ups remain part of the plan. These visits let providers confirm teeth are tracking as expected, check the health of the gums, and hand over the next stage of trays. Good hygiene during aligner care is really the same hygiene that supports the teeth underneath: consistent brushing, cleaning between teeth, and steady professional review.
This page is informational and is not dental advice. Treatment options should always be decided in consultation with a qualified dentist or orthodontist.