Adult patients increasingly seek clear aligner therapy to straighten teeth without visible braces, but treatment success depends more on daily compliance than on the technology itself, according to a Markham orthodontist who has observed this pattern in clinical practice. Dr. Khushee Sharma-Fung, an orthodontist at Oasis Orthodontics in Markham, reports that the 22-hour daily wear requirement presents unexpected challenges for working professionals. Coffee breaks, business lunches, social events, and travel schedules create multiple opportunities for compliance failures that can extend treatment duration or reduce effectiveness, the orthodontist explained.
Dr. Sharma-Fung completed orthodontic specialty training at King's College London and currently teaches at the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry. She founded Oasis Orthodontics in 2010. In clinical consultations, she has observed a disconnect between patient expectations and the reality of maintaining aligner compliance in busy adult lifestyles.
"Adults love that clear aligners look nearly invisible," Dr. Sharma-Fung said in a recent interview. "Then they discover the discipline required. Taking aligners out for a quick coffee means brushing teeth before putting them back in. Many people grab coffee throughout the day. That routine needs to change or treatment slows down."
Clear aligner systems require wearing aligners 22 hours daily, removing them only for eating and brushing. Adults with demanding work schedules or active social lives sometimes struggle with this requirement, according to clinical observations. The system creates challenges that patients with traditional braces never encounter. Traditional braces remain fixed, allowing patients to eat anytime without removing anything. Clear aligner patients must locate appropriate places to remove aligners, store them safely, clean teeth after eating, and reinsert the devices.
Social drinking has emerged as a particular complication in adult treatment. Wine, beer, and cocktails can stain the clear aligners over time. Adults at networking events or business dinners report facing difficult choices between removing aligners in public view or drinking with aligners in place and risking discoloration.
During consultations, the orthodontist assesses patient work schedules, eating patterns, and social habits to evaluate compliance likelihood. Some patients use tracking apps to monitor daily wear time. However, the fundamental issue remains unchanged: building new behavioral habits around a device that appears simple but demands constant attention throughout waking hours.
Frequent travelers face additional complications, according to patient reports. Forgetting cleaning supplies, losing aligners during trips, or skipping wear time during vacations extends treatment timelines. These practical, real-world factors often matter more than aligner technology when predicting treatment outcomes, the orthodontist noted.
The Markham practice operates from a Washington Street location in historic Markham Village. Dr. Sharma-Fung personally conducts all patient appointments in private treatment rooms. The practice offers evening and Saturday appointments to accommodate working professionals seeking orthodontic care.
Clinical evidence suggests that successful clear aligner treatment requires more than the appliance itself. Treatment demands consistent daily discipline, behavioral habit modification, and realistic self-assessment of lifestyle compatibility. Patients who understand these requirements before beginning treatment tend to achieve better outcomes, according to the orthodontist's clinical observations.
The practice offers consultations where Dr. Sharma-Fung evaluates whether clear aligners suit a patient's individual circumstances or whether traditional fixed braces might produce better results given specific lifestyle constraints. The clinical assessment aims to match treatment method to patient lifestyle rather than defaulting to the most marketed option.
For more information about orthodontic treatment options, interested parties may visit https://www.oasis-ortho.com or call (905) 209-1900 to schedule a consultation.
Oasis Orthodontics
Dr. Khushee Sharma-Fung
48 Washington Street
Markham, ON L3P 2R5
Canada
Phone: (905) 209-1900
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.oasis-ortho.com
Oasis Orthodontics is a boutique orthodontic practice located at 48 Washington Street in Markham Village, Ontario. Founded in 2010, the practice provides orthodontic treatment in private treatment rooms. Dr. Khushee Sharma-Fung serves as Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry. Services include clear aligner therapy for adults and teens, clear braces, metal braces, and orthodontic care. Additional information is available at https://www.oasis-ortho.com
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