Your smile is unique, so your orthodontic treatment time should also be unique and customized for your special needs. In the past the average orthodontic treatment took approximately two years, but with today’s new technology and our commitment to providing the best orthodontic care in the least amount of time, we have experienced a reduction in our patients’ treatment time. With the use of lighter forces, customized braces, and clear aligners, our patients experience less discomfort and shorter treatment time while achieving a great smile.

Of course, treatment time will vary depending on your specific situation. Very minor tooth movement may only take a few months to correct, while serious malocclusion (poor bite) may need more than two years to correct. Only Drs. Eckler & Black will be able to accurately estimate the time your treatment will take. But trust us—it’ll all be worth it in the end!

Has your child or teen visited Smile Solutions for an orthodontic consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help him or her begin the journey to a gorgeous smile! Please feel free to contact our Mississauga or Brampton orthodontic office, and let us know how we can help you. We look forward to working with you and your family, and giving you the right orthodontic care that makes you smile.

Some of our patients at ‘Smile Solutions’ will need to wear elastic bands at some point during their orthodontic treatment. The main reason our patients are instructed to wear elastic bands is to correct their bite. If your teeth do not fit together properly, Drs. Eckler & Black will recommend that elastic bands be used. Elastic bands may also be recommended to close or open spaces.

Elastic bands are a critical part of your treatment, and wearing them as Drs. Eckler & Black and our ‘Smile Solutions’ team recommend will help move your teeth into the desired position. You may be asked to wear your elastic bands full time, meaning that they should only be taken out when you brush and floss your teeth three times a day. Other times, you may be asked to only wear them part-time, like only during the day or only during sleep.

If you still have any questions about orthodontic elastic bands, we invite you to give us a call or ask us during your next adjustment appointment. Remember, wearing elastic bands as prescribed by Drs. Eckler & Black is an important step during your treatment, and can reduce the time you have your braces on. If you lose your elastic bands or run out, please stop by our Mississauga or Brampton office and pick up more or give us a call and we’ll send them to you!

The fact is, most of us aren’t born with a red carpet smile!  That’s where Drs. Eckler & Black and our team at ‘Smile Solutions’ can help. Of course, orthodontic treatment helps make your teeth stay strong, healthy and become aligned. Did you know you can get the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted without braces?

We are proud to offer a clear alternative option for straightening teeth called Invisalign, which uses a series of invisible, removable and comfortable aligners. Today, we thought we would answer some of the most common questions we hear about Invisalign!

Q: How is Invisalign treatment different than traditional braces?

A: Not only does Invisalign effectively straighten teeth, Invisalign aligners are comfortable and durable, and provide patients the opportunity to easily enjoy their favorite activities such as sports and playing instruments, activities that can be challenging while wearing braces. Also, Invisalign’s near-invisibility is a popular feature; treatment is very inconspicuous.  And because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients can take remove them at meal times, as well as to brush and floss to maintain healthy hygiene during treatment. Finally, Invisalign treatment usually requires fewer ‘special visits’  because there are no wires or brackets to fix.

Q: How does Invisalign work?

A: Using a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, a proprietary 3D computer imaging technology is used to map the complete treatment from start to finish. When the aligners are placed on the teeth, they cause your teeth to gradually shift from their current position. After approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process, ultimately giving you the smile you’ve always wanted.

Q: Is Invisalign as effective as regular braces?

A: Depending on the case Invisalign maybe as effective as braces but in certain cases braces may be the optimal appliance. We recommend that you get a FREE consultation with ‘Smile Solutions’ to see if you are a candidate case to be treated with Invisalign.

Q: How long does treatment take?

A: The length of treatment depends on the severity of each case and can only be determined by a visit to ‘Smile Solutions’ during a FREE consultation.

We hope this helps! If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign, please give us a call at our Mississauga or Brampton office to schedule your initial FREE consultation.  NO REFERRAL FROM A FAMILY DENTIST IS REQUIRED.

Proper mouth protection is recommended by Smile Solutions when you participate in any sports activities. If you wear braces, this protection becomes essential.

Full Facial Guards

Full facial guards are often used in football and offer protection to your mouth from most injuries. Even with full facial protection, you may benefit from additional mouth protection. While your face is protected from outside impact, you may also want to protect your braces from internal impact.

Mouthguards

Mouthguards referred to as boil-and-bites can be purchased at many retail stores. As the name implies, these guards are boiled in water to heat and soften the material. While the guard is still warm, you place it in your mouth and bite down gently. This causes the guard to form to the shape of your mouth.

Dr. Gordon Eckler, Dr. Mark Eckler and Dr. Shane Black can make custom mouthguards specifically for you. The custom fitting ensures protection and a comfortable fit. Custom guards are also built in layers for durability. Your mouthguard will provide proper protection for both your teeth and your braces.

No matter what type of sport you participate in, a mouthguard can protect your braces. Even an activity as seemingly harmless as table tennis can result in a contact injury. The Academy for Sports Dentistry states that a properly fitted mouthguard should not interfere with any athletic activity.

Smile Solutions will be glad to answer any questions you have so you can continue the activities you enjoy with little concern. If you do suffer any injuries to your mouth or braces during sporting activities, please contact us immediately. The sooner we can care for your mouth, the better the results will be.