Traditional Braces in Calgary & Canmore
Braces are a treatment option for many children, teens and adults. Our orthodontists in Calgary can use braces to help properly align teeth and solve issues such as crowding, crooked teeth or a bad bite.
Many orthodontic problems, including impacted, crowded or loose teeth, crossbites, and improper jaw alignment.
With braces, our orthodontists at Vincelli Orthodontics can help children, teens and adults achieve better oral health – and a straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Orthodontic treatment with braces can have positive impacts on your overall health. It can help to properly align your teeth so that speaking, biting and chewing are easier. Straighter teeth are often also easier to clean and are less likely to sustain uneven wear and tear in years to come.
When the bite is well-aligned, there will also be less strain on the jaw joints and muscles, which aids chewing and digestion.
As you or your child start and progress through your braces treatment, we will try to help you feel at ease and provide a positive orthodontic experience.
Traditional Metal Braces for the Whole Family
Braces are comprised of wires and brackets that work together to gradually shift your teeth into their proper positions by applying gentle, constant pressure. You'll also see your orthodontist for periodic adjustments during treatment.
The Importance of Straight Teeth
While you may be considering braces for aesthetic reasons, it’s important to understand the health benefits braces can offer. Straight teeth can help you effectively speak, bite and chew.
Properly aligned teeth may also contribute to overall oral health, as they may be easier to brush, floss, and clean. The ability to take better care of your teeth by practicing proper oral hygiene may help prevent future cavities, periodontal disease and other health problems.
Assessing Your Orthodontic Needs
Many people wonder how an orthodontist decides which treatment options to recommend, and how long their treatment will take.
Based on a thorough examination of your teeth, jaws and mouth, and a discussion with you regarding your goals during your treatment, and your requirements, your dentist may recommend braces.
Each patient is different, and your orthodontist will be sure to look at the entire picture of your oral and orthodontic health before recommending a treatment option such as braces or Invisalign to suit your requirements.
Braces FAQs
Read on for the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about orthodontic treatment with braces.
Braces are used primarily to treat malocclusion or a bad bite in patients that may have crooked or crowded teeth and also when the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly.
Most people choose orthodontic treatment to get that beautiful, aligned smile, but braces actually offer more benefits than just a perfectly straight smile.
Orthodontic treatment has advanced over the past few decades. Today, there are a variety of treatment options you can choose from. Here are a few options that teenagers and adults tend to choose between:
- Coloured Braces - You’ve embraced the fact that braces will be part of your life for the next couple of years. Why not have a little fun with them by adding some colour?
- Invisalign Clear Aligners - Invisalign helps to straighten your teeth with a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners - without wires or brackets. With Invisalign clear aligners, many people may not notice that you’re straightening your teeth.
Yes. Orthodontic problems are often easier to correct when they are detected and treated early.
For this reason, the Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should visit the orthodontist for the first time by the age 7.
Some children may not need treatment until they are between the ages of 11 and 13, but since the first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in around age 7, issues like crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated and monitored at this early age.
Yes. We offer braces and other orthodontic treatment options geared to the specific needs of teenagers and their growing smiles.
Yes. Orthodontic treatment has no age limit! In fact, more adults than ever before are getting orthodontic treatment.
We routinely treat adults and even seniors. The basic biological process that allows teeth to move is essentially the same in all healthy individuals, no matter their age.
This is a common question and with good reason. Having a time frame in mind can be very helpful in mentally preparing for your orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from 9 months to 5 years from start to finish. Most of the time, though, it lasts between 12 and 24 months.
The duration of your orthodontic treatment depends on the following factors:
- The problem that is being corrected - The position of your teeth and the extent of the problem will affect the duration of treatment. Everyone is different!
- If you’ve had phase I treatment - Some teenagers or pre-teens have already undergone orthodontic treatment when they were younger (what’s called Phase I treatment). If you’ve had Phase I treatment, then you’ll probably have a bit of a head start!
- How you care for your teeth and braces during treatment - The way you take care of your teeth and orthodontic appliances while you undergo treatment can affect how long it ends up taking. If you follow the care instructions your orthodontist gives you, you likely won’t need to wear your braces for longer than originally planned.
An individual patient's needs will factor into the cost of orthodontic care. There is no standard fee for every patient.
During your comprehensive orthodontic examination, our orthodontists will assess your treatment needs and quote a fee that's relevant to you or your child's treatment requirements and plan.
Whether treatment is planned for one or two stages, the cost will be similar. You will not need to spend significantly more if you spread your treatment over two phases.
For the most part, your braces may have little to no impact on your daily life. Once your teeth and mouth have adapted to your braces (they may feel a bit sensitive and tender at first), you should be able to go right back to your usual daily activities without any significant disruptions.
With braces, you’ll be able to safely and comfortably eat most of the foods you normally do, with some exceptions.
For the most part, you’ll want to avoid the following:
- Hard foods - hard pretzels, nuts, chips, hard candy
- Chewy/sticky foods - gummy bears, taffy, gum, caramels
- Foods that you bite into - apples. corn on the cob, celery, carrots