Teeth Straightening Options for Adolescents and Adults
Orthodontic treatments are designed for smiles of all ages, from teenagers to adults, offering benefits for the entire family. While we aim to enhance the aesthetics of your smile, orthodontics also significantly boosts oral health. Misaligned teeth or a crooked bite can lead to difficulty in maintaining cleanliness, discomfort, or even pain. Fortunately, these issues can often be addressed in as little as six months with the right orthodontic treatment.
Wondering if orthodontics might be right for you? Consider whether you’ve encountered any of these common issues:
- Overbite: Your upper teeth protrude significantly beyond your lower teeth.
- Spacing: Noticeable gaps or spaces between your teeth.
- Underbite: Your lower teeth extend further forward than your upper teeth.
- Crowding: Teeth overlap or are so close together that flossing becomes a challenge.
- Crossbite: Your upper and lower teeth do not align properly when your mouth is closed.
- Pain: Persistent headaches, jaw pain, or discomfort in the upper back and neck.
Orthodontic Treatment Options
There are many different treatment options available depending on your personal needs and your budget. Here are a few of the options that may be available:
Traditional Braces
The term “braces” often brings to mind bulky metal brackets and wires. However, today’s braces have evolved. Modern dental brackets are sleeker, less noticeable, yet just as effective. They are easier to clean and offer greater comfort throughout your treatment.
Clear Brackets
For those considering traditional orthodontic solutions but prefer a less noticeable option, clear brackets are an excellent choice. Particularly popular among adult patients, these brackets offer the effectiveness of conventional braces with a discreet appearance. Designed to blend seamlessly with your natural smile, clear brackets are virtually invisible at a quick glance, allowing you to undergo treatment confidently without drawing attention to your braces.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners have become increasingly popular as a discreet orthodontic treatment option. These custom-made, transparent trays are designed to gradually move your teeth into their perfect alignment. They fit snugly and precisely over your teeth, offering the convenience of being removable for eating, brushing, and flossing. You can also take them out for special occasions, whether it’s an important meeting or a special date, making them a flexible and appealing choice for improving your smile.
The Cost Of Orthodontic Treatment In Calgary
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your oral health and aesthetics, but understanding the costs involved is crucial. With a typical insurance plan, you might expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000+ out-of-pocket. Without insurance, costs generally range from $4,000 to $6,000+. To provide you with an accurate estimate, we recommend an initial oral exam where we can assess your specific needs and outline potential out-of-pocket expenses based on your insurance coverage.
Determining the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment
The cost of orthodontic care can seem daunting, and here’s why:
- Oral Health Condition: The starting point involves assessing the health of your teeth and gums.
- Movement Required: The degree to which your teeth need to be moved can affect the complexity and length of treatment.
- Type of Treatment: Options vary from traditional braces to modern clear aligners, each with different price points.
- Treatment Duration: Longer treatment times can increase overall costs.
Each smile is unique, which is why the best way to understand the right treatment and its cost is to visit us for a consultation. During this visit, we’ll discuss your smile goals, examine your teeth, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your desires and needs.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally, it’s beneficial to start orthodontic treatments at a younger age, typically when children are still developing and before all permanent teeth have erupted. We recommend that parents bring their teens in for a consultation to determine the optimal timing for treatment. However, it’s important to remember that orthodontic options are available for adults as well. No matter your age, it’s never too late to consider treatment for a healthier, more aligned smile.
Braces themselves do not cause pain when first applied. However, as they start to shift your teeth into place, you might feel some discomfort. Most patients report this feeling as more annoying than actually painful. If you do experience any pain or significant discomfort, it’s important to inform us.
Yes, to protect your braces and ensure good oral hygiene, certain foods should be avoided. Steer clear of foods that might damage your braces, such as candy apples, caramel, and corn on the cob. Additionally, foods that are sticky or hard to clean out of braces—like gum and popcorn—should also be avoided. It’s wise to limit sugary or acidic foods that can cling to teeth and are tougher to clean while wearing braces. For those with clear braces, be mindful of foods that can cause staining, such as beets, curry, and brightly coloured dishes like Kraft Dinner.
If you experience any breakage with your braces or aligner, it’s important to contact us immediately. Don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment. Prompt action can prevent any further issues and ensure that your treatment continues smoothly.
Flossing with braces can be challenging, but using the right tools can make it easier. Floss threaders and super floss are specifically designed to help navigate around braces and permanent retainers effectively. At your next appointment, we’d be more than happy to demonstrate how to use these tools so you can maintain optimal oral hygiene throughout your treatment.
The duration of orthodontic treatment can vary significantly depending on the specific changes needed. For minor adjustments, treatment might be as short as 6 months. However, for most patients, braces are typically needed for anywhere between 6 months and 2 years.
