Esthetic Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic treatment is no longer viewed as a treatment for children and teenagers. On average, one in five patients is an adult in an orthodontic practice. Reasons for adults to seek treatment are:
- Esthetics – they have never liked the way their teeth looked but never gotten the opportunity to have orthodontic treatment when they were young.
- Dental health – overlapped and crooked teeth have caused them much trouble in maintaining good oral hygiene over the years. They notice that their dental health has deteriorated over the years due to difficulty in brushing and flossing.
- Bad bite – the way of eating and speaking is altered because the bite is not proper.
- Dentist’s recommendation – the dentist has recommended they have a consultation with a certified orthodontist because dental restorations cannot be done properly due to misaligned teeth and/or poor bite. This is a common situation where bridges or implants cannot be made properly to replace missing teeth because neighboring teeth have shifted.
Although the idea of getting a beautiful smile with proper oral function is great, the thought of having metal braces on their teeth for an extended period is off-putting. Thanks to recent technological advances in orthodontics, metal braces in Surrey are only one of the many options that patients can have in terms of orthodontic appliances.
Ceramic bracket appliances, also known as “clear braces”, have become a very popular choice among adults and teenagers. Even though they are placed on the front surfaces of the teeth, the quality of the brackets is high so that they blend with many shades of teeth and do not stain. The comfort level and the adjustment period are very close to metal brackets.
For those patients who do not want braces in Vancouver to be attached to their teeth, clear aligner appliances, such as Invisalign, can be an option. These aligners are clear and easy to use. They give the patients some flexibility in their daily lives since they are removable.
The lingual appliance is a truly invisible system because the brackets are mounted on the back of the teeth (lingual = tongue side). The teeth will move as they do with traditional labial braces (labial = lip side) but no one will see the braces.
The adjustment period is longer because the brackets are closer to the tongue, which will affect speech and eating, but it is a great option for those individuals who would like highly esthetic orthodontic treatment.
Lastly, a combination of these appliances can be used to customize your needs. For more information or to see if you are a good candidate for treatment, please connect with us today.
Hello! I’m Dr. Kevin Lee, a certified orthodontic specialist at PacificWest Dental Group, proudly serving the vibrant communities of Vancouver and Surrey. My journey into orthodontics began back in high school. As a teenager wearing braces, I became fascinated by the intricate blend of art, engineering, and biology that defines this field. This early experience ignited a passion that has guided me throughout my career.
I pursued my academic journey at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in 2006, followed by a Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2011. After a year-long residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, I returned to UBC to complete a combined Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology and a Diploma in Orthodontics in 2015. That same year, I achieved certification from both the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and the American Board of Orthodontics.
With over a decade of clinical experience, I remain deeply committed to staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements. At PacificWest Dental Group, we prioritize personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring comfort and care every step of the way. Our goal is to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Outside the clinic, I enjoy engaging with our community and staying active. Whether it’s through local events or outdoor activities, I believe in building strong relationships both inside and outside the office. I look forward to meeting you and working together to create a beautiful, confident smile.
Services we provide:
-Invisalign
-Braces
-Lingual Braces
-Digital treatment planning
-TMJ and headpain treatment
-Laser Therapy
-Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance
-Dysport Cosmetic Injectables
