Music Video by Train- Spreading the Holiday Cheer from Your Orthodontist in Markham

The holidays are well underway in Markham and we just wanted to share a cute video with you all.  We may not all celebrate Christmas, but we can all appreciate the warmth and happiness of this video.

It's our last day in the clinic for 2010 this Thursday.  Your Markham orthodontist wishes everyone a very happy holiday season and a fantastic 2011!

Markham and Toronto Orthodontist Discusses Recent Article about Damon Braces, Self-Ligating Braces, etc.

At MCO Markham and Stouffville Orthodontics, we want to present all of the relevant information to our patients so that they can make the most informed decision.  We get many inquiries about Damon braces or SL brackets.  We have not found these brackets to provide any superior results, comfort, or speed, and have been able to provide excellent, on-time care, with our current modern bracket system. We plan treatment well, so we can see our patients every 8 weeks and still often complete treatment ahead of schedule!

In the August 2010 issue of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthodpedics, an article was written about claims made by manufacturers of various self-ligating braces.  The American Association of Orthodontics' Council on Scientific Affairs looked at this topic from the stand point of what evidence there is about these claims.  They looked at:

1.  Does lateral expansion of the dental arch by SL brackets "grow" buccal alveolar bone? There is no peer reviewed material on this subject.

2.  Is lateral expansion of the dental arch by SL brackets comparable with the lateral expansion gained by rapid maxillary expansion followed by conventional brackets?  There is no peer reviewed material on this subject.

3.  Is lateral expansion of the dental arch gained by SL brackets stable in the long term?  There is no peer reviewed material on this subject.

4.  Are SL brackets more efficient and more effective than conventional bracket systems?  Current evidence DOES NOT support this assertion.

5.  So SL brackets provide less friction between the archwire and bracket?  Current evidence shows this under specific lab conditions, but does not represent real life situations.

6.  Do SL brackets produce lower clincial forces compared with traditional brackets?  No in-vivo studies ahve been shown to answer this question.

7.  Do patients treated with SL brackets experience less pain during treatment?  There is not a lot of data to compare, yet this is a study reporting that patients with SL brackets experienced greater pain than those with traditional brackets.

8.  Are conventional brackets less hygienic than SL brackets?  Evidence does not support this claim.

Most of the notable assertions made by SL bracket companies are not backed up by evidence in scientific studies.  Unfortunately, many orthodontists continue to make these claims.  Ultimately, it is not the type of brace that is going to determine the outcome of your treatment.  It is the skill of the orthodontist, his/her team, treatment plan, and diagnosis that will be the difference.

Your Toronto Invisalign Specialist Says. "Smile More! "

Your Markham - Stouffville Orthodontist suggests you smile more :). Our Toronto Invisalign and Unionville braces patients have a lot to be happy about, including patient contests, rewards programs, frozen yogurt, and Invisalign, to go along with their beautiful smiles!


According to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University, those with big smiles may actually live than those who don’t. Positive emotions have been linked to both physical and mental health for some time. Researchers looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity, ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile. They then compared this data to the longevity of the players, taking into account other factors, such as body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos lived an average of 72.9 years, players with partial smiles lived to be 75, and those with the biggest smiles lived to be 79.9 years old. The take home message is pretty clear!

If you're self-conscious about your smile, contact MCO Orthodontics to discover how we can help. We look forward to helping you achieve your best smile possible!

Richmond Hill Invisalign Dentist and Team Attend Invisalign Summit Las Vegas

TeamMCO, your Markham braces and Stouffville Invisalign team, recently went down to Las Vegas to attend the Invisalign Summit.  This is a meeting of the top offices in North America.  With a large waiting list, we were fortunate to be prioritized for early registration so that the entire team could take part in this excellent learning process.  We firmly believe that aside from having one of the best Invisalign doctors in the country, the knowledge of our team is second to none.  This ensures a smooth treatment process and allows us to answer any of your questions regarding your Invisalign care.

If you'd like to see more pictures of this great learning experience and team building trip, check out our MCO Orthodontics Facebook page!

MCO's Toronto Invisalign Patient Day is November 18th, 2010

MCO, your orthodontist in Markham, knows it is time for youto think about making your teeth straight and smile without worrying about the cost of Invisalign in Toronto. Our Invisalign Sale Day is a great reason for you to get going on your smile using virtually invisible braces. For one day only, getting Invisalign is less expensive than our aesthetic ceramic braces!

MCO Invisalign Orthodontics is hosting another Toronto Invisalign Day. Back by popular demand, this is your opportunity to experience Invisalign treatment with one of Toronto's top Invisalign Specialists. Dr. Tam teaches Invisalign to dentists and orthodontists nationally for Invisalign and has treated several dentists, their staff, and family members using this clear braces technique.

The event will be held on Thursday, November 18th, 2010 between 1-6pm at Markham Centre Orthodontics. It is the day for you to begin treatment with us to take advantage of over $1000 in savings:

-Free Invisalign evaluation (including photos, x-rays, and examination... a $380 value)

-$380 off your treatment fee

-complimentary tooth whitening at the end of Invisalign treatment ($350 value)

-special giveaways and refreshments

-on-site Invisalign representative.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with us, please call 905-477-7750 or schedule an online appoinment at our Toronto Invisalign website. The spots will fill up fast, juast as they did at our previous 2 events. Vists are by appointment only and reserved for the first 20 new patients. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Markham Orthodontist is Guest Speaker at the Niagara Peninsula Dental Association Study Club

Your Markham Orthodontist was invited by the NPDA study club, a component society of the Ontario Dental Association, to provide a 5 hour lecture series on Orthodontics in 2010. The study club meets periodically throughout the year to educate dentists and specialists on a variety of dental topics.

Dr. Tam provided lectures emphasizing the correct timing for orthodontic treatment, discussed indirect bonding, the use of temporary attachment devices, social media, and his national lecture on Invisalign. Key points were to initiate MOST orthodontic treatments just prior to loss of the 2nd primary molars and that overall, the length of the lower jaw cannot be increased if done earlier when compared to during the peak period of growth. Other issues such as crossbites with mandibular deviation or underbite tendencies with a retruded upper jaw must be treated between the ages of 7 to 10.

The group of about 70 dentists found these topics and Dr. Tam's delivery extremely interesting. One of the attending dentists, Dr. Frank Bojcic, sent Dr. Tam an email after the presentation stating, "I am really happy that I came today. I really enjoyed the day as the pace picked up and it was not just a regular ortho course. Great content. Kudos." Dr. Tam was invited by several individuals to provide more lectures in the future and is happy to be on the forefront of knowledge and technology in his field.

Invisalign G3 as Discussed by Your Markham Orthodontist

Your Toronto Invisalign Specialist took part in the web conference call release of Invisalign G3. Being implemented October 11th, it has been touted to deliver better clinical results. It will be available on Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, and Invisalign Assist. Some of the changes do may make it unsuitable for Invisalign Express. Below is a summary of some of the changes followed by Markham Orthodontist, Dr. Tam's, opinions.

The key improvements surround Smart-Force Features. The science is that the features are customized to each tooth based on width, long axis, and the contour of the entire tooth, while measuring actual forces. These new features and changes include:

1. Torquing ridges for lower incisors. Previously only on upper incisors to help with lingual root torque

2. Lingual ridges paired with buccal ridges when retracting and requesting lingual root torque. There was a previous concern that, when retracting teeth, no lingual surface was contacting the tooth, therefore removing one of the force vectors required to achieve a moment, and a compromise in root torque.

3, Optimized rotation attachments-Some new variations to allow them to be placed at the centre of the tooth if required, so that there are fewer interferences with the bite from opposing teeth. Previously only on canines, but now also on bicuspids. The claim is that instead of predictable 30 degree rotations, 45 degrees can also be achieved predictably. These attachments are supposed to be less retentive and therefore make it easier for patients to remove aligners when compared to the use of vertical attachments.

4. IPR staging- Earlier improvement was to check the contact points of the teeth before doing IPR, but will now take into account the mesial/distal axes as well as the incisal edges. This claim is that IPR is going to be a simpler procedure. indicators in the software will change colour of the IPR from grey=done, yellow=current stage, white=later to help the clinician properly identify when IPR is to occur.

5. Precision cuts- Precuts in the aligner are now available to allow the use of buttons or elastics. Previously, clinicians would have to make cuts in the aligners with nail clipper or crown/bridge scissors.

6. Passive aligners- No movement but still get fresh trays. Especially good for patients where one arch takes far longer than the other or those wearing elastics for several months to correct A/P discrepancies.

7. Delay of IPR and attachments. Specific movements requiring attachments will start when attachments placed. IPR can be requested to not occur within the first few visits to ease patients into treatment. Allow patients to get used to aligners and also help offices with patient appointments.

8. Highlighting of unpredictable movements- The range of “predictable” movements will be shown in the ClinCheck and any “harder movements” will be indicated. Previously had to be recognized by the doctor visually. For example, large extrusions, rotations, moving certain teeth without attachments, moving teeth large distances.

How does Invisalign G3 affect me as a doctor or as a patient?
These changes are in a positive direction for Invisalign and Align Technology. There is an improvement in the clinical efficiency for doctors, aiding in the patient experience, and a show of commitment to achieving scientifically- based, excellent clinical results with aligners.

For experienced clinicians, G3 does not mark a large change in the way we plan treatment, as many of us have already been personalizing these treatment features for our patients already. The biggest plus is that the new software and features make it extremely clear to doctors that they are the ones who are directing treatment. Impressions are not to be sent to Align to allow technicians to plan treatment. Invisalign is not magic. It should be viewed as an orthodontic technique, not a product. Therefore, while these changes allow the doctor more flexibility and decision-making, it will really begin to separate the experienced doctors from those who are less experienced. Treatment planning and diagnosis will still be paramount in any successful Invisalign treatment.

For more information, please visit www.torontoinvisalign.com or visit www.markhamortho.com to learn more about Dr. Tam and MCO Invisalign Orthodontics.

Dr. Tam Recognized for His Service as Chinese Canadian Dental Society President

Apart from the office at MCO Markham Orthodontics, Dr. Tam has been on the executive of the Chinese Canadian Dental Society (CCDS) for the past three years, serving as President in 2009/10.

Dr. Tam receiving his award from incoming President Dr. Erica Shum.

The goals of the society are:
* Professional and technical exchange of idea among members and other professional groups
* Community Service such as dental screening clinics at Chinese Community Health Fairs
* Social activities amongst the members and their families;
* Assistance to students studying Dentistry;
* Assistance to graduates in regards to practice setup, management, associateships

Markham Orthodontist addresses the audience of over 120 dentists and family.

While his term as President is over, Dr. Tam remains a highly respected member of the dental community and an excellent resource for fellow dentists. Congratulations on being recognized by the CCDS for your voluntary contributions to the dental community!

Toronto Invisalign Specialist teaches Eastern Canada Invisalign Dentists, Orthodontists, Dental Hygienists, and Assistants How to Use Invisalign

As a leading invisible braces orthodontist practising Invisalign in Toronto, Dr. Tam was hired by Align Technology to provide 3 lectures in the Maritimes.

Dr. Tam teaching the orthodontists, hygienists, and assistants in Fredericton.

He started with a lecture to Hatheway Orthodontics in Fredericton, before flying to Halifax for two study clubs to teach Halifax orthodontists and dentists. Having extensive experience in producing excellent results, the attendees were extremely happy to receive training from Dr. Tam on how to move teeth with aligners, and tips for patient care. Unfortunately, this information is not part of the certification process. Certified Invisalign providers do not receive extensive training on effective, and predictable tooth movement, as most information is regarding the materials submission process.

Dr. Tam lecturing to dentists at the Marriott Harbourfront Halifax

Invisalign is an invisible, clear braces technique of moving teeth. If you are interested in Toronto Invisalign, please visit our office for complimentary consultation.

SL brackets vs Traditional braces: Damon Braces, Innovation Braces, Smart-Clip...

Orthodontists in Markham and across North America have made claims regarding the superiority of their bracket system compared to traditional braces. They make claims about less pain, faster treatment, less friction, etc. So what is the truth?

In the most recent American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, an article makes it quite clear.

There is no current evidence for the majority of claims made by proponents of Damon braces and other SL braces.

Highlights of this article include:

-No evidence that lateral expansion of the dental arch by self-ligating brackets ‘‘grows’’ buccal alveolar bone
-No evidence that self-ligating bracket systems are more efficient or effective than conventional edgewise bracket systems
-No evidence patients treated with self-ligating bracket systems experience less pain during treatment

It is a shame that some orthodontists continue to maintain these claims regarding the "superiority" of their braces, whether out of lack of knowledge, or in the name of marketing. Ultimately, the diagnosis and treatment plan, the precision of wire and bracket placement, as well as the management of the movement of teeth, make the biggest difference in your orthodontic results. Best of luck in your orthodontic treatment!

Toronto Invisalign Specialist Breaks the Story on Invisalign G3

Your Toronto Invisalign Orthodontist, Dr. Jason K. Tam, is happy to let you know about the best generation of Invisalign known as Invisalign G3, being released by Align Technology in October 2010 for North America.



There are modifications to allow for more doctor control in the treatment planning process, by allowing doctors to place attachments where they wish, use features to help correct class 2 and class 3 malocclusions, and introduce new and improved "SmartForce" features as follows:

-Optimized Rotation Attachments
-Power Ridge feature
-Optimized Extrusion Attachments
-Plus new features to be announced.

This next generation makes it even more clear that the doctor must be in control of this braces technique in order to provide the most optimal results. In other words, just like traditional braces, there will be a difference in your final treatment result depending on the doctor you choose. If you would like to see a short video regarding these new changes, it is available at the Aligntech Institute.

Click here if you would like to find out more about Invisalign or are in the Toronto area and want to schedule your free Invisalign consultation!

Ask Your Markham Orthodontist: What do Radiance Brackets Look Like?

Increasingly, we're finding a lot of Richmond Hill braces patients coming in to MCO Orthodontics asking for a specific type of clear braces. Many of them are looking for a fixed brace that is not particularly noticeable. There are many brands including Damon Clear Braces, 3M Clarity, and Ice Braces, but the one gaining market share at the fastest rate is American Orthodontics' Radiance Bracket. Here's why...



Traditionally, there has been a knock against clear ceramic braces taking longer than metal braces as well as being difficult to remove. With improved technology, Radiance braces will allow teeth to move as quickly as with traditional metal braces.



Here are a couple of additional benefits:

-Clear Polished Sapphire. Made with the second hardest mineral known to man, it will not fracture unlike other brands, and is an extremely strong bracket

-Predictable Debonding. Radiance bracket's patented Quad-Matte™ base allows for a strong bond in the center to hold the bracket in place, but a weaker bond on the outside to allow for easy debonding.

-Smooth Comfort. Radiance is smooth to the touch making them safe and comfortable for the patient.

-Invisible. Radiance braces are virtually invisible, allowing our patients the confidence to smile in work and social situations.

-No Staining. Radiance's monocrystalline structure and highly polished surface serve as barriers to undesirable staining elements.



For all of these above reasons, Radiance has become the "clear" choice for ceramic braces at MCO Orthodontics. To learn more, or schedule your complimentary consultation, please click here.

Invisalign in Toronto... All You Need To Know!

We are now happy to announce that the Invisalign in Toronto website has now gone live. Your MCO Orthodontics Markham team spent over half a year working on the content for this Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, and Invisalign Express site. Special thanks to a local Markham company, StakPrint, for their wonderful work on the website design!




It is a must see for anyone considering Invisalign, discussing the various products, before and after Invisalign, how to choose a doctor, and other information that you should read before starting treatment.

Remember that Invisalign is a technique, not a product. Book your Invisalign appointment request online and let us help you discover your MCO Invisalign Smile!

Toronto Invisalign Impression, IPR, Attachments Videos in HD!

MCO Invisalign Orthodontics has rapidly become one of the most experienced and top offices of Toronto Invisalign patients from Markham, Richmond Hill, Stouffville, North York, and Scarborough. Dr. Jason K. Tam has become the choice orthodontist for many Invisalign patients, including dentists, dental hygienists, assistants, some driving up to 4 hours away and others who have come from overseas. He has been asked to speak nationally to orthodontists and dentists about the Invisalign invisible braces technique.

As a result of our Invisalign experience, we discovered that it would be helpful for our patients to see live procedures before they came in for them. For the benefit of potential Invisalign patients, we hired professional videographers from Silverpoint Media to film our team member, Mandy, undergo various parts of her Invisalign treatment.



We have four Invisalign procedure videos for your viewing. They will be best viewed from our YouTube page by double clicking on the video.

1. Invisalign PVS Impressions





2. Invisalign Insertion... the first day!





3. Placement of Invisalign attachments





4. IPR / Interproximal reduction / Slenderizing / Tooth filing



We hope that you will find these videos helpful as you begin on your way to a beautiful smile the Invisalign way! To schedule your free consultation for Invisalign, please click here.

Markham Orthodontist and Toronto Invisalign Office Video

MCO Markham Orthodontics has just put the finishing touches on our new office introduction video. We're extremely honoured to be your choice for Invisalign in Toronto and various braces options for the northeast GTA. We love to create great smiles and have fun at the same time!

Click here to schedule your complimentary initial assessment and get on your way to a beautiful straight smile today! We look forward to meeting you soon :).

Invisalign Wedding Smiles in Toronto and Markham

Last year, we had over 10 patients begin Invisalign braces with us in preparation for their Toronto wedding smiles. They have now sent us some photos and we're happy to share them with you. Thanks to Tammy, Omar, and Lisa for sending us some pics of your special day!



Of note, many of our patients were not finished with their Invisalign treatment going into their big wedding day, but all of them had a noticeable improvement in their smile. This is important because a lot of Invisalign patients are concerned with other people noticing their Invisalign and attachments. Some of our brides and grooms even took photos with their aligners in, and nobody knew!



If you are interested in straightening your teeth to have a beautiful smile for your wedding, consider Invisalign at MCO. Find out more information and book a complimentary consultation here :).

Toronto Invisalign: What can Invisalign correct?

At Markham Centre Orthodontics see a lot of Richmond Hill Invisalign patients and one thing we try to get across is that Invisalign isn't a product but should be viewed as a technique. There is considerable variation in the types of treatment that a doctor can provide with Invisalign based upon experience and skill.

Check out this video by Markham Invisalign specialist, Dr. Tam:



If you're interested in Invisalign to help straighten your teeth and get the great smile you deserve, without using metal braces, click here to schedule your complimentary assessment.

Ask your Markham and Greater Toronto Orthodontist... Why Are Straight Teeth So Important?

Some people wonder why we work so hard here at Markham Centre Orthodontics to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it's nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque, the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay. Ever had problems flossing or brushing around crooked teeth? Straight teeth are much easier to maintain and keep clean! In addition, in our society, for better or for worse, first impressions count, and a beautiful smile can take you and your children a long way towards a successful career and life.

Of course, your Markham and Greater Toronto Orthodontist, Dr. Tam, works with braces and Invisalign to help align your teeth. He may also work with your dentist or other specialists to help fine tune the details to your new smile.

As we begin to live longer and wish to improve the quality of our lives, straight teeth and a healthy smile play a vital role. Think about enjoying the foods you love and showing a confident smile for those wedding and Facebook pictures! A smile goes a long way! (Yes that is younger Dr. Tam and his wife Amelia during their engagement shoot!)



If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause you problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call at 905-477-7750 to set up your complimentary consultation. Dr. Tam can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign here in Markham and Greater Toronto.

Toronto, Markham, and Richmond Hill Invisalign Day Sale

As summer approaches, it's time to think about your smile without worrying about the cost of Invisalign! Invisalign Day is a great reason for you to get going on your smile using virtually invisible braces.

Markham Centre Orthodontics is hosting another Invisalign Day. Back by popular demand, this is your opportunity to experience Invisalign treatment with one of Toronto's top Invisalign specialists. Dr. Tam has lectured with Align Technology and treated several dentists, their staff, and family members using this clear braces technique. He was also part of the pilot project for the development of the popular Invisalign Teen.

We're bringing back Invisalign Day on Thursday, May 13th, 2010 between 1-6PM at Markham Centre Orthodontics. It is the day for you to begin treatment with us to take advantage of:

-complimentary Invisalign evaluation
-$380 off your treatment fee
-complimentary tooth whitening at the end of Invisalign treatment
-special giveaways and refreshments
-on-site Invisalign representative

If you would like to schedule an appointment with us, please call 905-477-7750 or fill out our online appointment request form here:. The spots will fill up fast, just as they did at our last event. Visits are by appointment only and reserved for the first 20 new patients. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Toronto Invisalign Orthodontist Breaks Story on Modification to Proficiency Requirements

Your Invisalign orthodontist tries to keep you informed about any news regarding Align Technology. Last year, new proficiency requirements were announced for orthodontists and dentists to remain certified with Invisalign. There was a lot of backlash from the profession, despite the apparent need to improve the quality of results from doctors due to inexperience.

This is likely not a good thing for prospective patients, as it means that there will still be a large pool of inexperienced Invisalign providers out there past June. Please remember that Invisalign is a technique requiring an experienced Invisalign doctor.

Here's breaking news regarding the removal of case requirements:

Dear Doctor:

I am writing to share some significant changes to the way we encourage product proficiency with Invisalign. Last June, we announced the Invisalign proficiency program, an initiative aimed at helping doctors who use Invisalign develop and maintain a baseline of Invisalign product knowledge and experience. While we remain deeply committed to the original objectives of the proficiency program, we are equally committed to listening to our customers and responding to their concerns. Effective immediately, Align is eliminating the annual case requirement for Invisalign providers. Instead of requiring doctors to start 10 Invisalign cases per year, we will focus on other ways to help ensure great treatment results for doctors and patients, including:

Maintaining the annual 10 CE hour requirement to ensure doctors have the latest product and clinical training available;
Continued product innovation and improvement to deliver great product performance and predictability, and the outcomes doctors expect.
We launched the proficiency program with the best of intentions – to help ensure that every Invisalign provider can achieve great results for his or her patients, and that every patient can be confident of a great treatment experience with an Invisalign provider. We knew that the program represented a big change for our customers, but we did not anticipate the scope and intensity of their frustration with the annual case requirement.

In addition, numerous national and state professional organizations strongly oppose the case start requirement. Two organizations have taken action against the case requirement and other groups are threatening similar action. These industry relationships are important to Align; we’ve worked hard over the years to develop them.

While we remain deeply committed to helping ensure great results for Invisalign doctors and patients, we cannot ignore our customers’ continued frustration and concerns, or those of valued industry partners. We will continue to award Invisalign Preferred Provider status to doctors who reach a minimum of 10 case starts a year. While this is not a requirement, we believe that Preferred Provider status encourages doctors to continue building their Invisalign experience and offers valuable benefits to our customers, including:

Access to millions of consumers through inclusion on Invisalign.com’s Find a Doctor search tool;
Preferred Provider-branded marketing resources for your practice;
A multi-million dollar consumer advertising campaign that drives prospective patients to “see a Preferred Provider;”
Industry-leading sales and clinical support teams, with a dedicated customer care hotline;
A new customer loyalty and rewards program coming in 2011 that will combine Preferred Provider status and Invisalign Advantage program benefits with a new range of rewards.

We realize that this represents another significant change for our customers, but hopefully a welcome one. We understand that meeting the proficiency requirements was not easy for many customers, and we truly appreciate the commitment you’ve demonstrated to Invisalign over the past several months.

If there is anything that my team or I can do for you, we are here to help. If you have questions regarding the Invisalign CE requirements, Preferred Provider status, or other details, please visit http://vip.invisalign.com/proficiency.

Your success and satisfaction with Invisalign and with our company are our highest priorities. We know that we can only be successful over the long-term if we listen to our customers and respond to their needs.

Thank you again for support and for your business.

Sincerely,

Dan S. Ellis Vice President, North American Sales

Markham Orthodontist meets with Top Orthodontic Practices in Chicago

For the second year in a row, Dr. Tam, your Markham braces specialist, met with some of the best orthodontists in North America at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago. There were orthodontists from Atlanta, San Francisco, Syracuse, Sacramento, Vancouver, Montreal, Minnesota, New Orleans, D.C., and more.

It takes extremely dedicated professionals to fly to another city, and lock themselves in a hotel conference room for two and a half full days of intense informational exchange. They discussed various aspects of orthodontic treatment, Invisalign, TADs, Incognito braces, scheduling, patient activities, and a numbers analysis of the practices.

Dr. Tam would like to thank Hummingbird Associates for having him at this meeting and looks forward to the implementation and exchange of ideas. It is meetings such as these that continue to keep us as the top choice for Markham and Richmond Hill orthodontic treatment.

Toronto Invisalign Specialist meets with some of Invisalign's Top Directors at Leafs Game

Dr. Tam, your Toronto Invisalign Dentist, was recently invited to meet with some of Invisalign's Senior Executives.


It was business and pleasure as they enjoyed dinner over the Leafs vs Thrashers. Despite the 3-2 loss, it was an excellent evening of dialogue between Dr. Tam, the Senior Director of North American Sales, an Invisalign President's Club representative, Invisalign's Canadian National Manager. They discussed the future of Align Technology, upcoming innovations, and the direction of Invisalign education.

It was stressed that Invisalign is a technique, rather than a product. Dr. Tam was happy to learn that Invisalign understands that there is a real problem with the number of certified doctors who are not proficient in using aligners. He suggested ideas on how to bring other orthodontists up to speed on how Invisalign works in the best offices.

Should you wish to learn more about Invisalign, or schedule your free Toronto Invisalign consultation, please feel free to call us at 905 477 7750, or book your appointment online.

Your Markham and Toronto Invisalign Orthodontist... A Pleasant Place to Visit

Does hearing the word "orthodontist" or "braces" send shivers down your spine? Many people experience some nervousness when preparing to visit the orthodontist. However, with modern technology at Markham Centre Orthodontics, we are able to provide relatively pain-free procedures, and in some cases, treat patients in less time than with traditional methods. In addition, our loft ceilings, comfortable chairs, modern setting, and friendly team will set even the most anxious patients at ease.

Some of these newer treatment options include both Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. For more information, see our website.

Parents and patients often ask about pain with braces. All patients may experience tenderness and mild soreness hours after undergoing an orthodontic procedure. This is part of the biology of tooth movement and will occur regardless of which appliance you use. It will vary from person to person. We see our patients about once every eight weeks to minimize the incidence of your discomfort. We are also happy to explain to our patients how to minimize this discomfort and take care of your new braces.

The orthodontist's office is a very pleasant place to visit! Increasingly, teens are asking their parents for braces and Invisalign and some of their parents join them as our patients too! Markham Centre Orthodontics strives to provide you with a great smile and a fantastic orthodontic experience. Please contact our office to find out more about the treatments we provide and what we do to ensure your visits are comfortable!

Braces Before and After with Extractions by your Markham Braces Orthodontist

We've had a number of requests to showcase some examples of before and afters for our Toronto Invisalign and braces patients. We'll begin periodically posting some of the beautiful smiles we've created here at Markham Centre Orthodontics. Any examples you see have been posted with written consent from our patients.

JW before braces with severe crowding, crossbites, and malalignment.


JW after 2 years of braces with 4 teeth removed. She couldn't stop smiling!

If you're interested in achieving beautiful, straight teeth, whether you have minor malalignment or severe dental malocclusion, click here to schedule your complimentary initial consultation with us. We look forward to seeing you soon!