Red Deer Orthodontics

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should visit the orthodontist for the first time by the age of 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.

In some cases, orthodontic problems can be significant enough to require intervention earlier than usual. This early stage of treatment is generally referred to as Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment. Of course, if a young patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will monitor their growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

Phase 1, otherwise known as early interceptive treatment, involves implementing limited types of orthodontic treatment (e.g., expanders or partial braces) before all the child’s permanent teeth have erupted. These types of treatment usually start between the ages of 6 and 10. We may recommend early treatment to make more space for developing teeth; correct crossbites, overbites or underbites; or to mitigate harmful oral habits.

Most of the time, Phase 1 treatment is done in preparation for Phase 2 treatment. This means that it is quite likely that your child will eventually need full braces. However, early treatment can make future orthodontic treatment significantly more efficient. It can help to regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, create space for permanent teeth to erupt correctly, prevent the need to extract permanent teeth, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumbsucking habits and help eliminate abnormal speech or swallowing problems.

A child may need orthodontic treatment at an early age for a variety of reasons. When treatment is initiated at a young age, the orthodontist can make efforts to guide the growth of the jaw (Dentofacial Orthopedics) and the emerging permanent teeth. All of the following issues may be treated with early (Phase 1) orthodontics: Thumbsucking, Trouble with chewing and breathing, Late or early loss of baby teeth, Crowded, loose or impacted teeth, Upper and lower teeth that do not meet correctly, Improper jaw alignment, Tongue thrusting, Crossbites.

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 depends on the problem being corrected, if you’ve had Phase 1 treatment, and how you care for your teeth and braces during treatment.

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 hard foods (hard pretzels, nuts, chips, hard candy), chewy/sticky foods (gummy bears, taffy, gum, caramels), and foods that you bite into (apples, corn on the cob, celery, carrots).

Phase 2 treatment — or comprehensive treatment — involves full braces that are applied only after all the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of 11 and 13.

Orthodontic treatment has advanced over the years. Today, there are a variety of treatment options you can choose from. Here are a few options that teenagers and adults tend to go with: Coloured braces and Invisalign. Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners, meaning no wires and brackets.

A straight, healthy smile can play a significant role in life, both socially and in terms of your health. Orthodontic treatment can positively impact your self-confidence. Correctly aligned teeth are less prone to chipping or damage, and they’re also much easier to clean properly than misaligned teeth are. This can prevent problems like tooth decay, bad breath, gingivitis and gum disease. A well-aligned bite also creates less strain on the jaw muscles and joints, making for easier chewing and better digestion.

Orthodontic treatment has no age limit! In fact, many adults receive orthodontic treatment. We treat adults, and even seniors, regularly. The basic biological process that allows teeth to move is essentially the same in all healthy individuals, no matter their age.

For the most part, your braces will have little 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’ll be able to go right back to your usual daily activities without any significant disruptions.

Invisalign: Invisalign clear, custom, removable aligners straighten your teeth without wires and brackets. Invisalign is a low-profile treatment, which means many people won’t even notice that you’re straightening your teeth.

Invisalign is a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners that straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets. Using advanced 3D computer imaging technology during the consultation process, we will create a treatment plan based on your unique smile. A series of custom clear aligners will then be manufactured to fit your teeth precisely during each stage of the Invisalign treatment process.

Invisalign clear plastic aligners are designed to move your teeth in tiny increments as your treatment progresses. You will wear each aligner for about 2 weeks before it is replaced by the next one in the series. This process will continue until your teeth are in their prescribed, corrected positions. The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by your orthodontist based on your specific needs.