Traditional Braces & Orthodontics in Aurora, ON
Proven, precise tooth alignment and bite correction for children, teens, and adults — at Aurora Borealis Dentistry on Yonge Street.
Orthodontic treatment plays an important role in long-term oral health, function, and confidence. At Aurora Borealis Dentistry in Aurora, Ontario, Dr. Waji Khan offers traditional metal braces and a range of orthodontic appliances designed to guide proper tooth alignment and jaw development across all ages — from early childhood intervention through to adult orthodontic correction.
Considering orthodontics? Traditional braces and clear aligners are both available at Aurora Borealis Dentistry. Dr. Khan will help you understand which option best suits your specific case, age, and goals at your consultation — with no pressure to proceed.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces remain one of the most effective and reliable orthodontic treatments available — particularly for moderate to complex cases where precise, controlled tooth movement is required. Modern braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more aesthetically refined than earlier generations while delivering the same clinically proven outcomes.
Braces use durable metal brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by an archwire that applies controlled, graduated pressure to move teeth into their correct positions over time. Regular adjustment appointments allow Dr. Khan to monitor progress and modify treatment as needed.
Conditions treated with traditional braces
- Crowded or overlapping teeth — when there is insufficient space for teeth to sit correctly
- Spacing and gaps — excess space between teeth affecting appearance and function
- Overbite — upper teeth significantly overlapping the lower teeth vertically
- Underbite — lower teeth sitting in front of upper teeth
- Crossbite — upper and lower teeth not aligning correctly side to side
- Open bite — upper and lower teeth not meeting when the mouth is closed
- Jaw alignment concerns — bite problems affecting chewing, speech, or jaw comfort
Traditional braces are particularly well suited for complex orthodontic cases where the degree of tooth movement or bite correction required exceeds what clear aligners can reliably achieve.
Braces vs. Clear Aligners — Which Is Right for You?
Both traditional braces and clear aligners are available at Aurora Borealis Dentistry. The right choice depends on your specific orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and preferences:
| Factor | Traditional Braces | Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Metal brackets visible | ✓ Nearly invisible |
| Removability | Fixed — cannot be removed | ✓ Removable for eating & hygiene |
| Complex cases | ✓ Handles complex movement well | Best for mild to moderate cases |
| Patient compliance | ✓ No compliance required — fixed | Must be worn 20–22 hours/day |
| Dietary restrictions | Some hard/sticky foods to avoid | ✓ No restrictions — remove to eat |
| Suitable for children | ✓ Yes — very common for teens | Generally teens and adults |
| Starting price | Varies by case complexity | From $5,999 at our practice |
Dr. Khan will review your teeth, bite, and goals at your consultation and give you an honest recommendation for which approach is most appropriate for your situation.
Orthodontic Appliances We Offer
In addition to traditional braces, orthodontic treatment may include specialized appliances to guide tooth eruption, preserve spacing, or support jaw development — particularly in growing children and adolescents.
Space Maintainers
When baby teeth are lost prematurely due to decay or injury, surrounding teeth can drift and block the proper eruption of permanent teeth. Space maintainers hold the gap open until the adult tooth is ready to erupt.
- Prevents crowding and misalignment
- Supports proper eruption of permanent teeth
- Reduces the need for more extensive treatment later
Palatal Expanders
Used when the upper jaw is too narrow, a palatal expander gradually widens the palate to improve bite alignment and create room for teeth to erupt naturally. Most effective during childhood and early adolescence when the jaw is still actively developing.
- Corrects crossbites
- Addresses narrow dental arches
- Reduces crowding before braces
- Supports balanced jaw and facial development
Retainers
After orthodontic treatment, retainers maintain the results by preventing teeth from drifting back toward their original positions. Both fixed (bonded) and removable retainers are available depending on the situation.
- Fixed retainers for maximum stability
- Removable retainers for flexibility
- Essential for long-term treatment success
Other Appliances
Depending on individual needs, treatment plans may also include functional appliances for jaw growth guidance, bite plates, and habit-breaking appliances such as those used for thumb-sucking correction.
- Functional appliances for jaw development
- Bite plates for bite correction
- Habit-breaking appliances
Children's Orthodontics & Early Intervention
Early orthodontic assessment can play a significant role in identifying developing issues before they become more complex — and in many cases, early intervention reduces the extent and duration of treatment needed later. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening by age 7, when the first permanent molars and incisors have typically erupted.
Children do not need to have all their permanent teeth to benefit from an orthodontic evaluation. Dr. Khan monitors growth patterns, bite development, and emerging teeth to identify concerns at the optimal stage for intervention.
What early intervention can address
- Guiding jaw growth during active development phases
- Managing spacing for erupting permanent teeth
- Correcting crossbites or bite imbalances while the jaw is still malleable
- Addressing habits such as thumb-sucking that can affect tooth and jaw development
- Reducing the complexity and duration of orthodontic treatment during the teenage years
A note for parents: Early evaluation doesn't always mean early treatment. In many cases, Dr. Khan will simply monitor your child's development and advise when — and whether — intervention is needed. The goal is always to intervene at the right time, not the earliest possible time.
The Orthodontic Treatment Process
Orthodontic Hygiene During Treatment
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is critical — brackets and wires create additional areas where plaque accumulates, increasing the risk of cavities and gum inflammation if not managed carefully. Our hygienist May So, RDH has particular expertise in orthodontic hygiene and provides targeted cleaning and coaching for patients undergoing brace treatment.
We recommend continuing your regular professional hygiene appointments throughout orthodontic treatment — typically every 3 to 4 months rather than the standard 6-month interval, to stay ahead of any hygiene concerns that arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does orthodontic treatment with braces take?
Treatment duration varies depending on the complexity of the case, patient age, and how well treatment guidelines are followed. Most cases range from 12 to 30 months. Dr. Khan will give you a realistic estimate at your consultation based on your specific situation.
Do braces hurt?
Mild soreness for 2 to 4 days after brackets are placed and after each adjustment appointment is normal — this indicates the teeth are responding to pressure. The discomfort is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Modern brackets are smaller and smoother than older designs, reducing irritation to the cheeks and lips.
What can't I eat with braces?
Hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods should be avoided — these can dislodge brackets or bend wires, adding time and cost to treatment. Common foods to avoid include hard candies, chewing gum, raw carrots, popcorn, and hard crusty bread. Dr. Khan will provide a full list at your banding appointment.
At what age should my child be assessed for orthodontics?
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening by age 7. At this stage the first permanent molars have typically erupted, allowing Dr. Khan to assess bite development and emerging tooth patterns. Early assessment does not mean early treatment — it means monitoring begins at the right time.
Can adults get braces?
Yes — orthodontic treatment is effective at any age. Adults may require slightly longer treatment times than teenagers due to denser bone, but the clinical outcomes are comparable. Many adults who delayed orthodontics choose to pursue it later in life, and braces remain a highly effective option for complex cases that clear aligners cannot address as predictably.
How do I choose between braces and clear aligners?
The right choice depends on the complexity of your case, your lifestyle, and your preferences. Braces are fixed and require no compliance — they work continuously. Clear aligners are removable and nearly invisible but must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day for effective results. Complex cases typically respond better to braces. Dr. Khan will give you an honest assessment of which is more appropriate for your situation at your consultation.
Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment in Ontario?
Many dental insurance plans in Ontario include an orthodontic benefit — often a lifetime maximum per patient rather than an annual benefit. Coverage varies widely by plan. Aurora Borealis Dentistry accepts the CDCP and direct bills most major insurers. Our team will review your coverage at your consultation so you understand your out-of-pocket costs clearly.
Book an Orthodontic Consultation in Aurora
Whether you are exploring braces for yourself, assessing whether your child is ready for orthodontic treatment, or simply want to understand all the options available to you — we would be glad to help. Dr. Khan will assess your situation and provide a clear, honest treatment recommendation with no obligation to proceed at the first appointment.
We're located at 107–14785 Yonge Street, Aurora, ON, open Monday to Saturday, 8AM to 9PM. New patients are always welcome.