Crooked teeth, crowded bites, and misaligned jaws are among the most common dental concerns across every age group — yet orthodontic treatment is something many people delay for years, assuming it is only for teenagers or not worth the disruption to their daily routine. The reality is that orthodontic care delivers results at nearly any age, and straightening your teeth does far more than improve your smile’s appearance. It affects how you bite, how you clean your teeth, and the long-term health of your jaw and gums.
Thomas & Associates, DDS, located in North Canton, Ohio, provides orthodontic treatment as part of a full range of comprehensive dental services for patients in Stark County and the surrounding Northeast Ohio region. Led by Dr. Michael Thomas, the practice has served the North Canton community since 1992.
What Orthodontic Treatment Addresses
Orthodontic care is designed to correct misalignment of the teeth and jaws. The conditions most commonly treated include:
- Crowded teeth — insufficient space in the jaw causes teeth to overlap, rotate, or shift out of position, making thorough brushing and flossing difficult and increasing the risk of decay
- Overbite — upper front teeth extend significantly over the lower teeth, causing wear and sometimes jaw discomfort over time
- Underbite — lower teeth protrude ahead of the upper teeth, affecting bite function and potentially causing jaw strain or headaches
- Crossbite — some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting, creating uneven wear and jaw stress
- Open bite — front teeth do not fully contact when the back teeth come together, which can affect speech and chewing function
- Spacing gaps — excessive space between teeth that affects appearance and, in some cases, function
Beyond aesthetics, untreated alignment problems can contribute to uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, difficulty cleaning teeth adequately, and an elevated risk of tooth decay and gum disease over the long term.
Orthodontic Treatment Options
Traditional braces remain the most reliable option for correcting complex alignment issues. Metal brackets are bonded to the teeth and connected by archwires that apply controlled, consistent pressure to gradually shift teeth into correct position. For children and teenagers — whose jaws are still developing — traditional braces remain the gold standard for comprehensive orthodontic correction and deliver predictable results across a wide range of case complexities.
Clear aligner therapy has become an increasingly popular option for adults and older teenagers who prefer a less visible treatment approach. Clear aligners are custom-fabricated trays that fit closely over the teeth, applying gentle, graduated pressure to reposition them over time. Patients progress through a series of aligner trays during the course of treatment, and the trays are removable for eating, brushing, and flossing — which makes maintaining oral hygiene significantly easier compared to fixed braces.
The right treatment approach depends on the complexity of your case, your age, your lifestyle preferences, and your goals. A consultation with a dentist who can evaluate your bite and jaw alignment will determine which option is most appropriate for your situation.
Why Adults Seek Orthodontic Treatment
One of the most persistent misconceptions about orthodontic care is that it is only for children and teenagers. Adults seek orthodontic treatment in significant and growing numbers, and successful outcomes are achievable at nearly every age. Adult orthodontic patients often come to treatment after years of putting it off, or after completing treatment earlier in life and experiencing gradual tooth shifting due to inconsistent retainer use.
For adult patients, clear aligners are often the preferred approach for professional and social reasons — many adults prefer treatment that is not immediately obvious to colleagues or clients. However, for more complex cases, traditional braces may still produce the most efficient and precise outcome.
Adult patients at Thomas & Associates receive the same thorough evaluation as younger patients, with treatment planning tailored to adult physiology and the specific alignment challenges being addressed.
Comprehensive Dental Care in North Canton
Orthodontic treatment at Thomas & Associates exists within a broader context of comprehensive dental care. Dr. Thomas and his team provide preventative cleanings and exams, cosmetic dentistry, restorative services including crowns, bridges, and dentures, periodontal therapy, pediatric dentistry, and same-day emergency dental care — all from a single North Canton location that patients have trusted for over 30 years.
This integrated approach means orthodontic patients can coordinate treatment alongside the rest of their dental care at one practice, without referrals to separate specialty offices for routine needs. The practice is equipped with advanced diagnostics and a strong emphasis on patient comfort, including needle-free anesthetic delivery and nitrous oxide for patients with dental anxiety.
Thomas & Associates, DDS is located at 1421 Portage Street NW in North Canton, Ohio and serves patients throughout Stark County including Canton, Massillon, Alliance, Louisville, and surrounding communities.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or a family member, the first step is an evaluation with a dental professional who can assess your specific situation. Thomas & Associates, DDS welcomes new patients from North Canton and the broader Stark County area. Visit thomas-dental.com or call (330) 494-2111 to schedule your appointment.