Pure Orthodontics Langley

An orthodontist is a dentist who went on to complete two to three extra years of training focused specifically on tooth alignment and jaw position. A general dentist looks after your overall oral health, things like cleanings, fillings, and checkups, while an orthodontist specializes in bite problems, crowding, and jaw irregularities using braces, aligners, and other appliances.

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends a first checkup by age 7. That might sound early, but it's the age when adult teeth start coming in, so it's often the easiest time to spot developing bite or crowding issues, even if no treatment is needed yet.

Most orthodontic treatment in Canada runs somewhere between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on the type of treatment and how complex the case is. Metal braces tend to sit at the lower end of that range, while clear aligners and less visible options usually cost a bit more. Pure Orthodontics offers a free consultation along with 0% interest, in-house payment plans and no credit check required.

A lot of dental plans include some orthodontic coverage, usually paying 25 to 50 percent of the cost up to a lifetime maximum, often somewhere between $1,000 and $3,000. What's covered really depends on your specific plan, and whether the patient is a child or an adult, since some plans only apply to patients under 18. Pure Orthodontics checks your benefits for you and direct-bills most insurance providers.

Start by making sure they're a board-certified orthodontist rather than a general dentist who also offers braces on the side. From there, read patient reviews, ask about their experience with cases like yours, and pay attention to whether the consultation feels like they're explaining your options or just pushing one treatment. A free consultation is a good sign.

Most people finish treatment somewhere between 12 and 24 months. Simple cases can wrap up in as little as 6 months, while more complex bite corrections might run closer to 36. The real answer depends on how much movement your teeth need and how consistently you follow instructions along the way.

Orthodontists treat what's called malocclusion, which just means a bad bite: overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, crowding, and gapped teeth all fall under this. They also deal with issues that affect chewing, speech, or jaw joint function.

It's uncomfortable more than painful. Most people feel some pressure or mild soreness for a few days after an adjustment, similar to how muscles feel after a workout, and it usually fades within 2 to 4 days. Soft foods and a regular pain reliever are typically all you need to get through it.

Metal braces use stainless steel brackets and wires, while ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in with your natural teeth. They work the same way and move teeth just as effectively, the real difference comes down to visibility, durability, and cost.

Yes, ceramic braces move teeth just as effectively as metal braces and can treat the same range of bite and alignment issues. The brackets are simply made from a different material, tooth-colored composite instead of stainless steel, so treatment time and results are generally comparable.

Ceramic braces typically cost a bit more than metal braces, often a few hundred to over a thousand dollars more, because the brackets themselves are pricier and slightly more fragile to work with. At Pure Orthodontics, both options are covered under our 0% interest, no credit check payment plans.

Ceramic brackets themselves resist staining well, but the clear elastic ties that hold the wire in place can pick up stains from things like coffee, red wine, and curry if they're not swapped out regularly. Most orthodontists change these ties at every adjustment appointment.

Ceramic brackets are more brittle than metal ones, so they're a bit more prone to chipping or cracking, especially if you bite down on something hard. They're still durable enough for everyday use, but avoiding hard or crunchy foods matters more with ceramic than it does with metal.

Most people wear either type for 12 to 24 months, and the material itself doesn't really change that timeline, tooth movement speed depends more on your bite complexity than on whether the brackets are metal or ceramic.

Metal braces are usually the go-to for kids and younger teens since they're more durable and can handle an active lifestyle, sports, snacks, and all, without much worry. Older teens who are more mindful about appearance sometimes prefer ceramic for a less visible option.