Braces are one of the most reliable ways to straighten teeth, improve bite alignment, and support better long-term oral health.

At York Orthodontics, we offer dental braces for children, teens, and adults in Thornhill and North York. Your treatment is planned based on your teeth, bite, jaw development, smile goals, and lifestyle.

Whether you need traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, custom braces, or want to compare braces with Invisalign, we’ll help you understand your options clearly before treatment begins.

Quick Answer

Dental braces are fixed orthodontic appliances that help move teeth into better positions over time.

They are commonly used to treat crowded teeth, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, rotated teeth, and other bite concerns. Braces can be effective for children, teens, and adults when the teeth, gums, and supporting bone are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment.

dental braces
Brace

What are Metal Braces?

Braces are orthodontic appliances made of brackets, wires, and sometimes small elastic bands.

The brackets are attached to the teeth, and the wire applies gentle, controlled pressure. Over time, this pressure guides the teeth into better alignment and helps improve the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces. They are strong, effective, and often recommended for mild to complex orthodontic cases and are especially useful when precise tooth movement is needed. Because they are fixed to the teeth, they work continuously and do not depend on remembering to wear trays.

Metal braces may be recommended for:

  • Crowded teeth
  • Crooked teeth
  • Spacing
  • Bite correction
  • Rotated teeth
  • Cases that need more controlled tooth movement

Today’s metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than many people expect. Kids and teens can also choose colourful elastics to make their braces feel more personal.

Who May Need Braces?

You may benefit from braces if your teeth or bite make it difficult to chew, clean your teeth, speak clearly, or feel confident about your smile.

Common reasons for braces include:

  • Crowded teeth
  • Crooked or rotated teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Open Bite
  • Teeth that do not meet properly when biting
  • Difficulty brushing or flossing because of tooth position
  • Bite problems that cause uneven tooth wear

The only way to know for sure is through an orthodontic exam. At your consultation, your orthodontist will check your teeth, bite, jaw relationship, and oral health before recommending treatment.

braces for teeth

Braces for Children and Kids

Braces are common for children and teens because their teeth and jaws are still developing.

For some children, early orthodontic guidance can help create space, improve bite development, or reduce the risk of more complex treatment later. For many others, full braces treatment begins in the teen years, once more permanent teeth have come in.

Braces for children and teens may help with:

  • Crowding
  • Spacing
  • Bite problems
  • Protruding teeth
  • Teeth that are difficult to clean
  • Jaw growth concerns
  • Smile confidence during important growing years

At York Orthodontics, we make the process clear for parents and comfortable for kids. We’ll explain whether your child needs treatment now, later, or simply needs monitoring.

Metal braces
Braces type

What's the Best
Time for Getting Braces?

The best time to get braces is different for every patient.

Many children should have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. This does not mean every child needs braces at age 7. It simply allows the orthodontist to check how the teeth and jaws are developing and catch concerns early.

For many patients, full braces treatment starts between the later childhood and teen years, when more permanent teeth are present.

Adults can get braces too. Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age, as long as the gums and supporting bone are healthy enough for treatment.

Braces for Adults

Braces are not only for kids and teenagers.

Many adults choose braces because their teeth have shifted, they never had orthodontic treatment when they were younger, or they want to improve their bite and smile.

Braces for adults can help with:

  • Crowded teeth
  • Gaps
  • Bite problems
  • Teeth that have shifted over time
  • Uneven tooth wear
  • Teeth that are difficult to clean
  • Smile concerns in professional or social settings

Adult treatment may take longer in some cases, depending on the complexity of the bite and the condition of the teeth and gums. During your consultation, we’ll explain your options, expected timeline, and whether metal braces, ceramic braces, custom braces, or Invisalign may be suitable.

How Do Braces Work?

Braces move teeth by applying gentle, consistent pressure over time.

The brackets hold the wire in place. As the wire is adjusted during treatment, it helps guide the teeth into better positions. In some cases, elastics or other orthodontic appliances may be used to help correct the bite.

As teeth move, the bone around them slowly adapts. This is why orthodontic treatment takes time and why regular check-ins are important.

Some soreness or pressure is normal after braces are placed or adjusted. Your orthodontist will monitor your progress, tooth movement, bite changes, and oral health throughout treatment.

Braces for adults

What to Expect During Braces Treatment

Your braces journey usually includes a few clear steps:

  • Consultation: Your orthodontist examines your teeth, bite, jaw relationship, and smile goals.
  • Records and Treatment Plan: Digital scans, photos, and X-rays may be used to create a personalized treatment plan.
  • Braces Places: The brackets are attached to your teeth, and the wire is placed. This appointment does not usually hurt, but your teeth may feel sore afterward.
  • Regular Adjustment: You’ll visit the orthodontic office regularly so your braces can be adjusted and your progress can be checked.
  • Braces Removal: Once your teeth and bite have reached the planned position, your braces are removed.
  • Retainers: After braces, retainers help keep your teeth from shifting back. Wearing retainers as instructed is an important part of protecting your results.

How to Know If You Need Braces?

A dental exam determines whether a patient is a good candidate for receiving orthodontic treatment.

Reasons for Getting Braces:

  • Having an overbite
  • Having an underbite
  • Having an Open bite
  • Having a crossbite (not "crossbow", which is not a dental term)
  • Having a speech impediment
  • Overcrowding
  • Excessive space between teeth

Note:

If you have gum disease, tooth decay, or multiple cavities, orthodontists do not recommend metal braces.

Braces vs Invisalign

Braces vs. Invisalign

Both braces and Invisalign can help straighten teeth, but they work differently.

Braces are fixed to the teeth, so they work all day and do not need to be removed or worn for a certain number of hours. This can make them a strong option for patients who need more controlled tooth movement or have more complex bite concerns.

Invisalign uses removable clear aligners. Aligners may be a good choice for patients who want a less noticeable option and can wear them as instructed.

The right choice depends on your teeth, bite, lifestyle, and treatment goals. At York Orthodontics, we’ll help you compare your options honestly before you decide.

When Braces May Be Combined with Other Appliances

Some patients need more than braces alone.

Depending on your bite, jaw development, and treatment goals, your orthodontist may recommend an additional appliance before or during braces treatment.

This may include elastics, expanders, retainers, or more advanced appliances such as MARPE.

MARPE and Braces

MARPE stands for Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion. It is not a type of braces. MARPE is an orthodontic expander that may be used in selected older teens or adults with a narrow upper jaw, crossbite, or certain crowding concerns. It helps widen the upper jaw when regular expansion may not be enough. In some cases, MARPE may be used before braces or as part of a full orthodontic treatment plan. If MARPE is needed, your orthodontist will explain why it is recommended, how it works, and whether braces or Invisalign will follow.

MARPE and Braces
foods to avoid with braces

Eating and Oral Care with Braces

Braces work best when they are kept clean and protected.

While wearing braces, you should avoid foods that can bend wires, break brackets, or get stuck around your braces.

Try to avoid:

  • Sticky Candy
  • Gum
  • Ice
  • Popcorn kernels
  • Hard nuts
  • Hard bread crusts
  • Very chewy foods
  • Biting directly into hard fruits or vegetables

MARPE and Braces

MARPE stands for Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion. It is not a type of braces. MARPE is an orthodontic expander that may be used in selected older teens or adults with a narrow upper jaw, crossbite, or certain crowding concerns. It helps widen the upper jaw when regular expansion may not be enough. In some cases, MARPE may be used before braces or as part of a full orthodontic treatment plan. If MARPE is needed, your orthodontist will explain why it is recommended, how it works, and whether braces or Invisalign will follow.

Braces Cost and Insurance in Canada

The cost of braces in Canada depends on the type of braces, the complexity of the case, treatment length, and whether additional appliances are needed.

Metal braces cost is usually different from ceramic braces, custom braces, lingual braces, or Invisalign. The most accurate way to know your cost is to have an orthodontic consultation and receive a personalized estimate.

At York Orthodontics, we offer flexible payment options to help make braces treatment more manageable. Some private dental insurance plans may also include orthodontic coverage, but every plan is different. We recommend checking your plan details or asking us about a pre-treatment estimate.

Braces Cost and Insurance in Canada​

Custom Braces Options

Some patients may benefit from a more customized braces system.

Custom braces use digital technology to help plan treatment and improve bracket placement. This can help the orthodontist create a braces setup that is more personalized to the patient’s teeth.

At York Orthodontics, custom braces options may include:

KLOwen Custom Braces

KLOwen Custom Braces use digital planning and indirect bonding trays to help place brackets accurately on the teeth. Instead of placing each bracket directly by hand one at a time, the orthodontic team uses a custom tray to guide bracket placement. This can make the bonding appointment more efficient and support more precise treatment planning. KLOwen may be recommended for patients who can benefit from a digitally planned braces system.

LightForce Orthodontics

LightForce Orthodontics is a custom braces system that uses digital planning and 3D-printed brackets. Instead of using the same bracket shape for every patient, LightForce brackets are designed based on the patient’s teeth and treatment plan. This allows the braces system to be more personalized from the beginning. LightForce may be an option for patients who want a modern braces system with a high level of customization.

Are Custom Braces Better Than Regular Braces?

Not always. Traditional metal braces are still highly effective and may be the best choice for many patients. Custom braces can be helpful in selected cases, but the right option depends on your teeth, bite, treatment goals, and budget. During your consultation, your orthodontist will explain the difference clearly and recommend the option that makes the most sense for your case.

Braces Types

  • Traditional Metal Braces: Strong, reliable, and ideal for all ages, traditional metal braces provide maximum control for precise tooth movement and complex bite corrections.
  • Clear Ceramic Braces: Functioning just like metal braces but utilizing tooth-coloured or clear brackets, ceramic braces offer a highly discreet, low-profile alternative for teens and adults.
  • Clear Aligners and Invisalign: Invisalign provides a removable, clear alternative for mild to moderate adjustments, though traditional braces remain the most predictable choice for complex structural movements.
  • Lingual Braces: Attached to the back of the teeth, these are invisible from the front.
  • Custom Braces: York Orthodontics offers advanced digital systems like KLOwen and LightForce to fully personalize treatment precision, though our team will evaluate if standard, ceramic, or clear aligners best fit your needs.

Why Choose York Orthodontics for Braces?

Choosing braces is not only about straightening teeth. It is about choosing the right plan, the right timing, and the right team to guide your treatment.

At York Orthodontics, we provide braces treatment for children, teens, and adults in Thornhill and North York. Our team takes time to explain your diagnosis, treatment options, expected timeline, and cost before you begin.

We focus on:

  • Personalized orthodontic treatment plans
  • Braces for kids, teens, and adults
  • Traditional metal braces
  • Custom braces options
  • Invisalign and clear aligners
  • Advanced orthodontic appliances when needed
  • Flexible payment plans
  • Friendly support throughout treatment
  • Convenient locations in Thornhill and North York

Frequently asked questions

Braces treatment often takes about 12 to 24 months, but the exact timeline depends on your teeth, bite, age, case complexity, and how your teeth respond to treatment.

Some minor cases may be shorter. More complex bite corrections may take longer.

The cost of braces varies depending on factors such as the severity of the patient's dental issues, location, and the orthodontist's experience; however, the average cost of traditional braces ranges from $3,000 to $8,500.

Many dental insurances cover part of the cost of braces; however, you need to check with your insurance provider to determine what your coverage entails. Please note that at York Orthodontics, we offer flexible payment plans, such as weekly or monthly installments, to make the braces journey accessible to everyone.

Getting braces placed does not usually hurt. After braces are placed or adjusted, it is normal to feel pressure, soreness, or mild discomfort for a few days.

This usually improves as your teeth adjust.

Avoid eating chewy, textured foods, such as nuts, caramels, licorice, or gum, as they can get stuck in your braces and damage them. Additionally, it's best to avoid eating hard foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables, unless you cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.

Metal braces are often one of the more affordable braces options compared with ceramic braces, lingual braces, custom braces, or some clear aligner treatments. Your exact cost depends on your treatment plan.

Metal braces use standard brackets and wires to move teeth into better alignment.

Custom braces use digital planning to personalize parts of the braces system to the patient’s teeth. Depending on the system, this may include custom bracket placement, custom trays, or 3D-printed brackets.

Both options can be effective. Your orthodontist will recommend the best option based on your teeth, bite, and treatment goals.

KLOwen Custom Braces use digital planning and indirect bonding trays to help guide bracket placement.

They may be recommended when a digitally planned braces system can support more precise and efficient treatment.

LightForce Orthodontics is a custom braces system that uses digital planning and 3D-printed brackets.

The brackets are designed based on the patient’s teeth and treatment plan, instead of using the same bracket design for every patient.

No. MARPE is not a type of braces.

MARPE is an orthodontic expander used in selected cases to help widen the upper jaw. It may be used before or during braces treatment when jaw expansion is part of the treatment plan.

Not always. Braces and Invisalign both work well for the right patient.

Braces may be better for some complex bite problems or detailed tooth movement. Invisalign may be better for patients who want a removable and less noticeable option and can wear aligners as instructed.

Your orthodontist will recommend the option that best fits your case.

Yes. Braces can help correct many bite problems, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, and deep bite.

Some cases may also need elastics or additional orthodontic appliances.

Yes. Adults can get braces if their teeth, gums, and supporting bone are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment.

Braces for adults can help correct crowding, spacing, bite problems, shifting teeth, and smile concerns.