What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that straightens teeth and corrects bite problems, what dentists call malocclusion, using appliances like braces or clear aligners. It’s one of the specialties formally recognized by the American Dental Association, which means orthodontists complete additional training beyond dental school specifically in tooth movement and jaw alignment.

What does orthodontics treat?

Orthodontic treatment addresses problems with how your teeth fit together and how they’re positioned in your mouth, including:

• Crowded, overlapping, or gapped teeth
• Overbite (upper teeth sit too far forward) and underbite (lower teeth sit too far forward)
• Crossbite and open bite
• Teeth that are rotated or sitting at the wrong angle

Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which lowers your risk of cavities and gum disease, on top of the cosmetic benefit.

Braces vs. Invisalign: what’s the actual difference?

Both move teeth by applying steady pressure over time. The difference is in the appliance itself.

Traditional braces use brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by a wire that’s tightened at periodic visits. They’re fixed in place for the full treatment. They handle complex cases well, including significant bite corrections, and treatment typically runs anywhere from about 18 months to three years depending on severity.

Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-fitted aligner trays that you swap out roughly every one to two weeks. They’re removable, so you take them out to eat and brush, and they’re far less noticeable than metal brackets. Not everyone is a candidate: severe misalignment or complex bite issues sometimes still call for braces.

Is Invisalign better than braces for adults?

For a lot of adults, yes, mainly because it’s removable and close to invisible in day-to-day wear, which matters if you’re straightening your teeth while working a job that involves regular face-to-face contact. But “better” depends on your case. If your bite issue is complex, an orthodontist may still recommend braces because they give more mechanical control over tooth movement. The only way to know which applies to you is a consultation and a set of x-rays.

Can I get braces or Invisalign at a general dentist, or do I need an orthodontist?

Both, depending on the case. Many general dentists, including our office, offer Invisalign for cases that fall within moderate complexity. More involved cases, especially ones involving jaw alignment or significant skeletal discrepancies, are usually better handled by an orthodontist, who has completed additional specialty training beyond dental school. We’ll tell you plainly at your consultation if your case is one we’d refer out.

When should someone first get evaluated?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. That doesn’t mean treatment starts that early. It means a dentist can catch developing issues, like a crowded jaw or a bite problem, while there’s still room to guide growth and avoid more extensive work later.
Adults are not too old for orthodontics. There’s no upper age limit on tooth movement as long as the gums and supporting bone are healthy, which is why adult Invisalign cases make up a meaningful share of what general dentists see now.

What does a first orthodontic visit involve?

A typical evaluation includes a visual exam, x-rays to check root and jaw positioning, and impressions or a digital scan of your bite. From there, we’ll walk you through what’s actually going on with your teeth and jaw, and lay out the realistic options, whether that’s Invisalign, braces, monitoring, or a referral to a specialist.

Book a consultation in East Vancouver

If you’ve been putting off doing something about crowded, gapped, or misaligned teeth, a consultation gives you a clear answer on what’s involved and how long it takes, no guessing required.

Hastings Dental Studio 2652 East Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 1Z1 Call or text: (604) 265-9446 Email: hastingsdentalstudio@gmail.com
Book your appointment or call the office directly to get on the schedule.

Quick answers

What are clear aligners and how do they work? Clear aligners are removable, custom-fitted plastic trays that gradually shift teeth into position. You wear each set for one to two weeks before moving to the next in the series.

How long does Invisalign treatment usually take? It varies by case, but most patients finish in several months to about a year and a half. Complex cases can run longer.

What’s the best option for straightening teeth as an adult? There isn’t one universal answer. Adults with mild to moderate crowding or spacing often do well with Invisalign because it’s removable and discreet. More complex bite issues may still need braces. A consultation with x-rays will tell you which fits your case.

Does dental insurance cover Invisalign in BC? Coverage varies by plan. Some extended health plans include an orthodontic benefit that applies to Invisalign the same way it would to braces, others don’t cover clear aligners at all. Check your plan directly, or bring your insurance details to your consultation and we’ll help you figure out what applies.