Smilehaus Newmarket
Dr. Youngwoo Joo
Traditional Braces
We'll Guide You Through the Process

Orthodontic treatment raises many questions, and we have all the answers you need.

Traditional Braces | Dentist

Traditional Braces

At Smilehaus Newmarket, Dr. Henry Shin offers comprehensive orthodontic care, including clear aligners and traditional braces, for children, teens, and adults. He and our team are committed to providing your child with the personalized care and attention they need and guiding you to make an informed treatment decision.

What Are Traditional Braces?

Traditional braces use small metal brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by wires. The brackets and wires apply gentle, consistent pressure to the teeth, guiding them into their ideal positions.

When Should My Child Get Braces?

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. This step doesn't mean your child will definitely need braces—most don’t. The purpose is to look for developing issues and determine if your child would benefit from early treatment.

During the evaluation, Dr. Shin can detect issues such as:

  • Crowding or spacing problems
  • Crossbite or overbite
  • Jaw growth irregularities
  • Protruding front teeth at risk of injury
  • Habits like thumb-sucking that affect development
  • Missing, extra, or impacted teeth

Common Questions About Orthodontic Treatment

We understand that, as a parent, you have many questions about getting braces for your child. Here are answers to some of the most common questions. We welcome your phone call if you have a concern not addressed here.
Does Wearing Braces Hurt?
Feeling some pressure or soreness after an adjustment is common but manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Children typically adapt quickly, and any discomfort typically fades within a few days. Our gentle techniques also help minimize discomfort.
How Long Will My Child Wear Braces?
Treatment time varies, but most children wear braces for 12 to 24 months. Dr. Shin will provide a personalized timeline during your consultation. Consistent wear of bands and attending all adjustment appointments helps keep treatment on track.
How Do We Keep Teeth Clean?
We'll teach your child the proper brushing and flossing for braces, and our hygienists will provide extra guidance during their regular cleanings. With the right tools and habits, maintaining clean teeth while wearing braces will become a routine task.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment addresses specific bite or alignment issues in younger children (typically ages 7 to 10) while they still have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. The goal isn't to straighten all the teeth; it's to correct problems that are easier to fix during this developmental stage.

Why Start So Early?

Children's jaws are still growing at this age, allowing us to guide that growth in a healthier direction. Early intervention can often reduce the need for more extensive treatment later, including tooth extractions or jaw surgery.

What Issues Does Phase 1 Treat?

Dr. Shin may recommend Phase 1 treatment for:

  • Severe crowding requiring palate expansion
  • Crossbites affecting jaw development
  • Significant overbites or underbites
  • Protruding front teeth at risk of injury
  • Harmful habits like thumb-sucking that affect tooth position

What Happens After Phase 1 Orthodontics?

Phase 1 typically lasts between 9 and 18 months. Afterward, we monitor your child's development while remaining permanent teeth erupt naturally. Most children will still need Phase 2 treatment (comprehensive braces or Invisalign) later, but this second phase is often shorter and simpler.'

Can Your Child Benefit from Phase 1 Treatment?

Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment. During your child's evaluation, Dr. Shin will provide honest guidance about whether early intervention would benefit your child or if waiting is the better approach.

Call Smilehaus Newmarket at (647) 927-6912 to schedule an orthodontic evaluation for your child. We serve families throughout Newmarket, East Gwillimbury, Aurora, and surrounding communities.

What's Involved with Getting Braces?

While the process can seem overwhelming at first, understanding what to expect during orthodontic treatment can help you and your child feel prepared and confident throughout the process.

  1. Consultation and Evaluation — Dr. Shin performs a thorough exam using digital x-rays, scans, and photographs. He'll discuss any issues, explain treatment options, and answer your questions about timing, duration, and costs.
  2. Placing the Braces — The appointment to place braces typically takes one to two hours. We clean and dry the teeth, bond brackets to each tooth, and thread the archwire through the brackets.
  3. Regular Adjustment Appointments — You and your child will visit our office every 4–8 weeks for adjustments, monitoring progress and making modifications, if needed, to the treatment plan. These appointments typically take 20–30 minutes.
  4. Retainers — Once we remove the braces, your child will need to wear a retainer to maintain their new smile. We typically recommend wearing the retainer full-time at first, then transitioning to nighttime wear only.
  • Dr. Kent Shin

    Dr. Shin joined our practice in 2024, bringing extensive training and a passion for comprehensive care. He earned his Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Science and Graduate Diploma of Dentistry from Griffith University in Queensland, Australia. His commitment to advanced education includes a Graduate Diploma in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics through EODO in Sydney, advanced implant training at IAADent, a Fellowship in Modern Aligners from Ripe Global, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry from the London Dental Institute.

    Dr. Shin offers a comprehensive range of services, including ...

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Braces for Adults

Dr. Shin also treats adults who need orthodontic correction that clear aligners can't address. Treatment can take slightly longer for adults, but teeth can be moved at any point during your lifetime, and braces can dramatically improve function and appearance.

Schedule Your Child's Orthodontic Evaluation

If you're wondering whether your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment, we invite you to call us at (647) 927-6912 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Shin at Smilehaus Newmarket.

We serve families throughout Newmarket, East Gwillimbury, Aurora, and all surrounding communities, with appointments available six days a week, including evenings.

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