Author Archives: AOOS

With face masks being mandatory, right now is the perfect time to receive a discreet smile makeover without anyone knowing! Dr. David Shapiro are passionate about using innovative dental solutions to help improve the self-esteem and quality of life of our patients. Are you curious to know how we can help improve your overall oral health? Here’s an overview of some of our most popular orthodontic services:

Invisalign

If you suffer from gaps, overly crowded teeth, or oral misalignment, you may be a good candidate for Invisalign. This highly effective and nearly invisible treatment option involves a series of clear aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. All this without the use of metal wires or brackets! The best part is, this option requires fewer office visits, and you can easily remove the aligners whenever you need to eat or clean your teeth. No lifestyle changes necessary!

Braces

Our team is also very experienced in improving smiles with braces. We offer many options, including traditional metal, clear ceramic, self-ligating and lingual braces. We can assess your teeth, and recommend the appropriate dental solution for you.

Give Your Smile A Makeover in Alliston!

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! If you act now, you will be able to confidently show off your smile by the time face masks are a thing of the past. Please contact us today online or call (705) 435-1315 to schedule an appointment. One of our friendly team members would be happy to learn more about your specific smile needs and explain our treatment solutions to you in more detail. We can’t wait to help you achieve your smile goals!

When you think of orthodontics, you probably imagine that shy 12-year-old back in middle school primarily defined by bulky braces. To most, “orthodontics” is just another complicated way of saying braces. To break it down, yes, orthodontics is a field of dentistry, and it does largely involve the installation of braces and custom fittings for Invisalign. The primary focus of orthodontics is straightening out your misaligned teeth, however, there is much more to it than just that.

If you have decided that 2021 is the year to get your smile in check, here are some ways a trip to an orthodontist could help contribute to a healthier smile:

Proper Teeth Alignment

Crooked teeth can be disheartening, and if you are a victim, then you’ve probably had to endure some level of public discomfort. One of the major aims of orthodontics is to straighten out misaligned jaws and teeth.

Dr. Shapiro will typically begin by evaluating your smile through an x-ray and then fit you with braces or Invisalign that you’ll likely wear for some time, depending on the extent of the misalignment. It might be frustrating at first; you might even have to adapt smart eating habits with braces. Remember, treatment will lead to a straighter smile, which can translate to higher confidence levels and overall better mental health.

Improved Oral Hygiene

According to Colgate, straight teeth are easier to care for and clean. This will make it easier to get rid of any bad odours and particles of food lodged in your mouth. So, in addition to having a great smile, you get to save yourself from any oral related problems such as cavities, plaque, and tooth decay! Properly aligned teeth create a healthy environment, thus reducing any susceptibility to periodontal diseases as well.

Improved Oral Function

Another thing that orthodontics set to correct is misaligned jaws. As Dr. Shapiro continues to tighten the braces’ wires, your jaw gradually moves into place. What you get from this is a significantly more symmetrical face, and better chewing and motor functions.

Also, by treating the jaw, there is a reduction of stress on the bones and gums supporting your teeth. In turn, you get relief from any pain that may arise from underbites or overbites. This includes migraines, sleep apnea, chewing pain, or jaw popping. Since the jaw is restored to its healthy position, any pain or chewing problem ceases.

Schedule An Orthodontic Appointment in Alliston!

As you’ve read, orthodontic treatment significantly contributes to a healthy smile, beyond just straight teeth. A consultation with our orthodontic clinic can help you achieve your smile goals this year! What better way to usher in the New Year than with a bright, healthy smile. If you still have questions about how braces or Invisalign could improve oral health, please fill out our contact form and schedule a free consultation! For immediate inquiries, call or text us at (705) 435-1315.

Anyone with braces has probably heard these words before: “I am so sorry you have to wear braces…aren’t they expensive? Don’t they hurt? Were your teeth really that bad?” There are a lot of common myths when it comes to braces, from cost, to comfort, to aesthetic purposes, and more. Our team of orthodontic professionals want to help you better understand the five most common myths behind braces and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: Braces Are Expensive

Despite the misconception that all orthodontic treatment plans are relatively the same, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Each individual patient’s treatment plan is different and complex. While some plans take years, others can take a few months. This will truly depend on each individual patient case. In addition, most orthodontists provide flexible payment plans. Insurance coverage can also help with the overall expense too. Bottom line: treatment can be well worth your time and money. We’d be happy to speak with you about your budget and what our team can do to help!

Myth 2: Braces Hurt

This statement can be true at times. However, braces aren’t uncomfortable all the time. Yes, sometimes braces can cause discomfort to your gums and teeth. The pain you may feel usually is your mouth adjusting to the new appliance. Oftentimes, this only occurs when you initially get your braces on or have them adjusted. If you have any pain or sores in your mouth from braces, the first thing you should do is contact your orthodontist so they can adjust or offer tips to better fit your comfort level.

Myth #3: Braces Are Only For Aesthetic Purposes

A vast majority of people decide to get braces to improve their smile and/or appearance, but there is a lot more to undergoing orthodontic treatment than just aesthetics! Not only do braces improve your appearance, but they can also improve your teeth and jaw alignment, as well as daily functions including biting, chewing, and speaking.

Myth #4: Anyone Who Provides Braces Is An Orthodontist

While this should be true, unfortunately, it’s not. Some dentists and online companies provide braces and aligners, but only trained orthodontists with proper schooling should be applying braces on patients. Make sure to choose your practitioner carefully, and select an accredited orthodontist. Read hereto understand more about the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist.

Myth #5: Braces Are for Kids

Even though you normally see children or teenagers with braces, it’s completely normal for adults to receive orthodontic treatment as well. In fact, “in 2014, close to 1.5 million adults were treated by AAO orthodontists.” Regardless of age, almost anyone is eligible to get braces. According to the Canadian Association of Orthodontics blog, it’s never too late to get braces.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’re wondering how braces or Invisalign could benefit your oral health, please fill out our contact formto schedule a free consultation! If you have immediate questions or inquiries, call or text us at (705) 435-1315. New patients are always welcome! We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!

Dentists and orthodontists are both doctors who specialize in oral healthcare, however, there is a big difference between the two in terms and what kind of care they can provide.

For some context, it helps to understand that while all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists all orthodontists. Both have to attend medical school and postgraduate dental training, however, orthodontists receive an extra two or three years of education through a residency program. In other words, orthodontists are highly specialized dentists who focus on a specific area of expertise.

What Defines A Dentist?

Just like any doctor, dentists are highly skilled individuals who’ve trained extensively to provide people with the care they need. They’re essentially doctors who specialize in oral health, being qualified to diagnose and treat problems with a person’s teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth. Most dentists (about 80%) practice what’s known as general dentistry, meaning they take on the most common dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, tooth extractions, and others. In some cases, there are structural issues within a person’s mouth that general dentists aren’t qualified to manage on their own, which is when they will most likely refer someone to an orthodontist.

What Defines An Orthodontist?

A small percentage of dentists are orthodontists. What sets them apart is that they specialize in the alignment of the teeth and jawbone. One of the things they’re known best for is installing corrective orthodontic appliances such as braces or retainers. While these are some of the most common reasons for people to see an orthodontist, it’s only part of what they do. Orthodontists also monitor facial growth, diagnose misalignments in the teeth and jaws, perform corrective surgery, and more. In other words, when there’s an issue related to the alignment of a person’s teeth and jaw, orthodontists are the specialists who can be relied on.

Orthodontic Services in Alliston

At Alliston Orthodontics & Oral Surgery, we offer a multidisciplinary approach that’s comprehensive and affordable. Dr. Shapiro has been a certified orthodontist since 2002, meaning he has nearly two decades of experience practicing his specialty. If you’re wondering how braces or Invisalign could benefit your oral health, please fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation! If you have immediate questions or inquiries, call or text us at (705) 435-1315.