Straighter teeth and a properly aligned bite affect more than appearance, they influence how evenly you chew, how easily you clean between your teeth, and how much wear certain teeth take over a lifetime. At Sky Dental Centre, Dr. Ahmed Al-Obaidi (BDS, DDS) provides orthodontic assessment and treatment as part of his general dental practice, with an honest comparison of the options available for your specific situation.
Orthodontic treatment moves teeth into a more functional and aesthetic position using controlled, sustained force applied over time. The two most common approaches are fixed appliances, traditional braces, consisting of brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by an archwire, and clear aligners, a series of custom removable trays that gradually shift teeth.
Both approaches work by applying gentle, continuous pressure that causes the bone around a tooth root to remodel, allowing the tooth to move into a new position over weeks and months. The mechanism is the same, the way force is delivered and the patient experience differ considerably between the two, and orthodontic treatment is common in adults too, not just teenagers.
Metal or ceramic brackets bonded to each tooth with an archwire applying progressive forces. Fixed in place throughout treatment making compliance less variable than removable aligners. Suitable for a wide range of complexity including significant rotation, extrusion, or bite correction. Ceramic brackets are tooth-colored and less visible, though slightly more fragile and typically higher in cost.
Custom-fabricated thermoplastic trays worn sequentially to move teeth toward the planned final position. Removed for eating and oral hygiene. Appropriate for many mild to moderate cases. Cases involving significant rotation, extrusion, or skeletal discrepancy may be better managed with fixed appliances or a combined approach. Compliance-dependent, aligners must be worn 20–22 hours daily.
Fixed and removable retainers worn after any orthodontic treatment. Teeth moved orthodontically will return toward original positions without retention, this is a biological reality, not a treatment quality issue. Retainer wear is planned and discussed from day one at Sky Dental Centre, not introduced as a surprise at the end of active treatment.
Orthodontic treatment addresses a range of alignment and bite conditions, from mild cosmetic concerns to more significant functional issues.
Crowding occurs when insufficient arch space causes teeth to overlap, rotate, or displace. Severity ranges from mild to severe. Spacing involves gaps from small teeth relative to jaw size, missing teeth, or habits. Treatment approach depends on available space and whether extractions are clinically needed.
Overbite is excessive vertical overlap of upper front teeth over lower; severe deep bites can cause wear and gum trauma. Underbite places lower front teeth ahead of uppers. Dental cases may be manageable with orthodontics alone; skeletal cases may require specialist assessment and possibly surgical-orthodontic management.
Open bite is a gap between upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed, typically in the front. Crossbite occurs when upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. Mild dental presentations of each may respond to braces or aligners. Those with significant skeletal components require careful evaluation before treatment is planned.
Orthodontic treatment is available at any age. Adolescent treatment may allow jaw growth guidance; not all children need early treatment. Adult bone is denser, which can mean slightly slower tooth movement, but this is factored into the plan. Adults may also have restorative needs integrated into orthodontic planning, implant space management, alignment before bridgework.
Orthodontic treatment addresses a range of alignment and bite conditions, from mild cosmetic concerns to more significant functional issues.
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The consultation includes dental X-rays, photographs, and impressions or digital scan. Dr. Al-Obaidi reviews bite relationship, tooth positions, bone and root structure, and overall dental health. Active gum disease or decay is treated before orthodontics begins. Treatment planning, including movement sequence, extraction sequencing for Invisalign (ClinCheck), and timeline, is developed from diagnostic records and presented with a cost breakdown before treatment begins.
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For fixed braces, brackets are bonded to each tooth and an archwire threaded through them, taking approximately 60–90 minutes. For Invisalign, first aligners are fitted after attachment bonding. Both systems have an initial adaptation period. Some pressure and mild soreness over the first few days is expected as teeth begin responding to applied forces.
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Fixed braces require adjustment appointments every 4–8 weeks where the archwire is changed or activated. Invisalign appointments are typically every 6–12 weeks, with patients progressing through aligner trays between visits. Progress is monitored at each appointment, refinement aligners or extended schedules are used where needed.
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When planned tooth positions are achieved, braces are debonded and teeth polished. For Invisalign, active treatment ends with the final tray. Retainers, fixed (bonded to back of teeth), removable, or both are provided immediately. Most orthodontists recommend indefinite retainer wear. This long-term commitment is discussed and planned from the start, not as a surprise at the end.
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Fixed braces create more surfaces for plaque to accumulate around brackets. Brushing around each bracket, using interdental brushes and floss threaders, and daily fluoride mouthwash are essential to prevent decalcification (white spot lesions). Invisalign removes for eating and hygiene, avoiding food restrictions, but consistent daily wear commitment is required. Professional cleaning appointments during active treatment are recommended.
Orthodontic treatment addresses a range of alignment and bite conditions, from mild cosmetic concerns to more significant functional issues.
Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, crowded or overlapping teeth create areas where toothbrush and floss cannot reach, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease in those areas
Bite correction distributes chewing forces more evenly across the teeth, reducing load concentration that can contribute to wear, fracture, or TMJ strain
For patients with planned restorative treatment (implants, bridges, veneers), orthodontics creates the ideal spatial arrangement before restorative work begins, producing more predictable outcomes
Treatment outcome is clearly planned before it begins, diagnostic records and treatment plan give both clinician and patient a realistic picture of what will be achieved
Well-aligned teeth typically require less complex restorative care over the long term compared to severely misaligned teeth subject to abnormal wear patterns or difficult-to-clean areas
Treatment takes time. Orthodontic treatment cannot be meaningfully rushed, bone biology governs the pace of tooth movement. Timelines are estimates; complex cases take longer. Compliance (for Invisalign) and consistent attendance (for braces) affect actual duration.
Oral hygiene requires more effort with braces. Fixed braces create more surfaces for plaque to accumulate. Decalcification, white spot lesions from poor hygiene around brackets, is a preventable complication that requires diligent care throughout treatment.
Adjustment appointments are a recurring commitment. Fixed braces need rebonding or wire changes roughly every 4–8 weeks, and Invisalign check-ins run every 6–12 weeks. Missed or delayed appointments can extend the overall timeline, so consistent attendance matters as much as day-to-day compliance.
Retention is permanent. Relapse after orthodontics is well-documented. Retainers worn consistently prevent relapse; patients who stop wearing retainers will generally experience some degree of tooth movement over time. This is not reversible without retreatment.
General practice scope has limits. Some cases are better managed by a specialist orthodontist, particularly significant skeletal discrepancies or complex surgical-orthodontic planning. When this applies, it is communicated directly and referral options are discussed.
Oral health should be in good condition before orthodontic appliances are placed. Active gum disease and untreated cavities are addressed first, moving teeth through unhealthy bone and tissue increases the risk of complications. Bring any previous dental records, X-rays, or orthodontic records from prior treatment. If prior treatment has relapsed, previous records are clinically useful for understanding what happened.
With fixed braces, avoid hard and crunchy foods (raw carrots, nuts, hard crusts) and sticky foods (toffee, chewing gum) that can dislodge brackets. Oral hygiene takes longer but is critically important. With Invisalign, aligners are removed for eating and oral hygiene, but the discipline of removing and replacing aligners consistently is a daily commitment for 20–22 hours per day.
After braces are removed or Invisalign is complete, retainers are fitted immediately. Removable retainers are typically worn full-time initially, transitioning to night-time wear. Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded to the back of the front teeth, invisible and requiring no active compliance but needing regular checking. Many patients use a combination of both types. In both cases, retainers are required after active treatment ends, and consistent wear as directed is the single biggest factor in whether your result holds over time.
Orthodontic treatment costs vary considerably depending on case complexity, treatment type, and duration. An accurate estimate requires diagnostic records and a treatment plan. A full written cost breakdown is provided before any treatment begins.
A mild crowding case requiring limited movement is less involved and less expensive than a comprehensive treatment addressing significant crowding, bite correction, and multiple extraction spaces. Metal braces, ceramic (tooth-colored) braces, and Invisalign differ in base costs, ceramic and Invisalign typically carry higher fees than standard metal braces for comparable treatment scope.
Longer treatment plans involve more adjustment appointments for braces, or more Invisalign aligners, both increasing clinical time and cost. For Invisalign, additional aligner sets (refinements) may be needed if specific teeth haven’t tracked as planned; whether refinements are included in the initial fee is clarified before treatment begins.
Where tooth extractions are part of the orthodontic plan for arch space, these are separate procedures with their own fees. Any restorative work required before treatment begins (decay, gum treatment) also carries its own cost. Retainers are a necessary part of the full orthodontic treatment cost, whether included in the overall fee or quoted separately is made clear in the written estimate.
Some Ontario dental benefit plans include partial coverage for orthodontic treatment, typically with a separate lifetime orthodontic maximum distinct from the annual dental maximum. Coverage is more commonly available for patients under a certain age, though adult coverage exists in some plans. Bring your benefits documentation to the consultation and the team can help determine expected coverage before any financial commitment is made.
Invisalign is one of two orthodontic appliance options at Sky Dental Centre. For many adult patients with mild to moderate alignment concerns, it is the preferred approach. The ClinCheck planning process, attachments, wearing hours, and retention requirements are specific to the Invisalign system. If you’re specifically considering clear aligners, the Invisalign consultation provides depth of information for that treatment discussion.
Invisalign is one of two orthodontic appliance options at Sky Dental Centre. For many adult patients with mild to moderate alignment concerns, it is the preferred approach. The ClinCheck planning process, attachments, wearing hours, and retention requirements are specific to the Invisalign system. If you’re specifically considering clear aligners, the Invisalign consultation provides depth of information for that treatment discussion.
For patients with missing teeth, orthodontic treatment can create or redistribute space before implant placement, ensuring the implant is in the optimal position and adjacent teeth are properly aligned. The sequencing of orthodontic and implant treatment is a planning consideration that benefits from both services being managed at one clinic. Both are available in-house at Sky Dental Centre.
For patients whose primary concern is aesthetic rather than functional, mild spacing, minor shape irregularities, or cosmetic discoloration, same-day veneers may address appearance goals without the time and commitment of orthodontic treatment. However, when underlying tooth positions are significantly misaligned, veneers on poorly positioned teeth produce limited aesthetic outcomes. The consultation helps clarify whether alignment correction, cosmetic veneers, or a combination is the appropriate path.
Dr. Ameen (BDS, DDS) provides orthodontic treatment within the scope of general dental practice. When a case involves clinical complexity better managed by a specialist, this is communicated directly and referral options are discussed. Treatment planning at Sky Dental Centre requires complete diagnostic records, the plan is developed from clinical evidence, not impressions formed during a brief examination without records. Many adult orthodontic cases intersect with restorative needs, implant space management, alignment before crown work, cosmetic finishing, and having both services available at one clinic means these intersections are managed in a coordinated way from the outset.
Orthodontic treatment that ends at debonding without a retention plan is incomplete. Sky Dental Centre discusses the retention phase, its importance, options available, and long-term commitment, at the treatment planning stage. Patients begin treatment understanding the full scope of what they’re committing to. Dental health doesn’t pause during treatment: decay, gum changes, and other issues can arise during active treatment and are managed appropriately alongside orthodontic appointments.
Orthodontic treatment involves regular appointments over an extended period. Sky Dental Centre’s location at 2817 Arthur St E in east Thunder Bay is accessible from across the city and from communities throughout Northwestern Ontario. Consistent appointment attendance is important for treatment to proceed on schedule, having an accessible clinic matters over a multi-month or multi-year treatment course. Currently accepting new patients for orthodontic consultations.
Questions patients commonly ask about orthodontic treatment before starting. If yours isn’t here, call the clinic or ask at your consultation.
There is no single age that applies to everyone, orthodontic treatment can begin at various stages depending on the specific concern being addressed. Some conditions are more effectively managed during active jaw growth in childhood or early adolescence, while many other cases, including most adult orthodontic treatment, are equally treatable at any age since tooth movement through bone remodelling works the same way regardless of age. What matters more than age alone is the specific clinical presentation, an assessment identifies whether your situation would benefit from earlier intervention or whether there is no clinical disadvantage to starting later. A consultation is the only reliable way to determine timing for your specific case.
For mild to moderate cases, clear aligners are generally as effective as traditional braces at achieving the intended result. For more complex bite corrections or significant tooth movements, traditional braces may be more predictable and are sometimes the only option capable of achieving the required movement. The right choice depends on your specific case, not a general preference for one system over the other, and our dentist will tell you directly if your case is better suited to one option than the other rather than letting you choose based on appearance alone. Compliance also matters more with aligners, since they only work while actually worn as directed.
Yes, there is no upper age limit for most orthodontic treatment, and a substantial proportion of orthodontic patients are adults. Bone remodelling in response to orthodontic force works the same way in adults as in younger patients, though adult treatment does need to account for a complete history of any previous dental work, existing restorations, and gum health, since gum disease is somewhat more common in adult patients and must be stabilised before treatment begins. Many adults choose Invisalign specifically for its discretion in professional settings, though traditional braces remain appropriate and sometimes necessary for more complex adult cases. A clinical assessment determines what is realistic for your specific situation.
Teeth have a lifelong natural tendency to shift, and without consistent retainer wear as directed, some degree of relapse toward the original position is expected over time, this applies regardless of whether you completed treatment with braces or Invisalign. The degree of relapse varies between patients and cases, some experience only minor changes while others see more significant shifting, particularly in the months immediately following the end of active treatment when teeth are least stable in their new position. This is why retention is considered a permanent part of orthodontic treatment, not an optional add-on, and our dentist explains the specific retention protocol recommended for your case before you finish active treatment.
Cost depends on the complexity of your case, the type of treatment chosen, and the expected duration of treatment, so there is no single number that applies to every patient. An accurate estimate requires a clinical assessment where your specific case is actually examined. Sky Dental Centre provides a written cost breakdown before any treatment begins, and our team can help you understand your dental benefit coverage, including whether your plan includes a lifetime orthodontic maximum, before you commit to a plan. Comparing the cost of braces against Invisalign for your specific case is worth discussing directly at your consultation rather than assuming one option is automatically less expensive.
SERVING THUNDER BAY
Sky Dental Centre is located at 2817 Arthur St E, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 5P5 — in the east end of the city, accessible from across Thunder Bay including Current River, Vickers Heights, Westfort, McIntyre, and communities throughout Northwestern Ontario.
Dental emergencies are unplanned by definition. When they happen — at night, on a weekend, or in the middle of a working day — knowing who to call and where to go matters. Sky Dental Centre provides same-day emergency appointments and can triage your situation by phone to advise on urgency and prepare appropriately for your arrival.
Sky Dental Centre is currently accepting new patients for both emergency and routine care. If you’re in dental pain or have experienced a dental injury, call the clinic directly rather than waiting to see if it resolves.
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