About Traditional Braces
Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into proper alignment. They are a proven orthodontic treatment, ideal for a variety of dental concerns, and they have helped millions of people straighten crooked teeth, close gaps and correct bite problems.
At Rundlehorn Smiles Dental in NE Calgary, we offer traditional braces for teens and adults. We start with a careful exam, explain how braces would work for you and give you a clear plan and cost before anything begins. If you are looking for braces in NE Calgary, our dentists are here to guide you through every step.
Straighter teeth are not only about how your smile looks. Teeth that fit together well are easier to brush and floss, which lowers your risk of cavities and gum disease, and a better bite helps you chew and speak comfortably.
How Braces Work
Braces are made up of a few simple parts. Small brackets are attached to the front of each tooth, and a thin archwire runs through the brackets. Tiny elastic bands, which can come in colours, hold the wire in place.
The wire applies gentle, steady pressure to your teeth. At regular adjustment visits, the wire or elastics are changed to keep your teeth moving in the direction we planned. Over time, your teeth shift into their new positions, and a retainer helps hold them there once treatment is complete.
You can choose from metal or ceramic brackets to suit your preference. We will explain the options at your consultation.
Benefits of Traditional Braces
- Effective for complex cases: Braces are capable of correcting severe misalignment and bite problems.
- Durable and reliable: Strong materials provide consistent tooth movement over time.
- Customizable options: Choose from metal or ceramic brackets to suit your preference.
- Long-term results: Braces are proven to create lasting improvements in dental alignment.
- Always working: Braces stay in place, so your treatment does not depend on remembering to wear aligners.
Braces for Adults and Teens
Braces are not only for teenagers. Many teens start treatment once most of their permanent teeth have come in, while a growing number of adults choose braces to finally get the smile they have wanted for years.
If you are an adult, braces work in much the same way as they do for teens, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy. We check your gum health first and treat any problems before treatment begins. If you would rather not have visible metal, ask us about ceramic brackets or Invisalign.
Signs You May Benefit from Braces
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
- Teeth that stick out or are turned
- An overbite, underbite or crossbite
- Teeth that are hard to brush and floss because of their position
- Uneven wear or difficulty chewing because of how your teeth meet
An exam and X-rays are the best way to find out what is going on and what your options are.
What Is Included in Your Braces Treatment
- A consultation and an exam of your teeth, gums and bite
- X-rays and records to plan your treatment
- A treatment plan and a written, itemised estimate before anything begins
- Placement of your braces, with your choice of bracket type
- Regular adjustment visits to keep your teeth moving as planned
- Guidance on brushing, flossing and eating with braces
- A retainer plan to keep your results after treatment
What to Expect at Your Visits
- Consultation. We examine your teeth and bite, take X-rays and talk about what you would like to change.
- Plan and estimate. We explain your treatment plan and give you an itemised estimate, along with flexible payment options, including split-payment options for orthodontics.
- Placing your braces. We attach the brackets and wire. The visit is usually painless, though your teeth may feel sore for a few days.
- Regular adjustments. You visit at regular intervals so we can adjust the wire and check your progress.
- Removing your braces. When your teeth are in position, we remove your braces and give you a retainer.
Caring for Your Braces
Brush after every meal if you can, floss daily with a floss threader or interdental brush, and rinse well to keep food from collecting around the brackets. Keep up with your professional Dental Cleanings, because plaque builds up more easily around braces.
Avoid very sticky, chewy or hard foods such as caramel, gum, popcorn and hard candy, and skip biting into whole apples or corn on the cob. If a bracket comes loose or a wire pokes your cheek, call us at 403-300-2233 and we will tell you what to do. Soreness after an adjustment is normal and usually settles in a few days.
Braces or Invisalign?
Braces stay in place and work around the clock, so they are a dependable option when consistent aligner wear could be a challenge, or for certain bite problems. Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners that are more discreet and let you take them out to eat and clean your teeth.
Neither is better for everyone. At your consultation, we will explain how each would work for your teeth and recommend the one that fits your bite and lifestyle.
Why Choose Rundlehorn Smiles Dental for Braces
- Braces for teens and adults, with metal or ceramic brackets to choose from
- Four general dentists who explain the why before the what, with no pressure
- Clear, itemised quotes and flexible payment plans, including split payments for orthodontics
- Braces and Invisalign under one roof, so you can compare your options in one visit
- Your general dental care in the same clinic
- Open seven days a week: Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
- Direct billing to most major insurers
Related Treatments
- Invisalign: Clear, removable aligners for a more discreet option.
- Dental Cleanings: Keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.
- Oral Exams and X-Rays: A thorough check of your teeth, gums and bite.
- Preventive Care: Early dental care for children who may need braces later.
Cost of Braces in NE Calgary
The cost of braces depends on how much your teeth need to move, how long treatment takes and the type of brackets you choose. After your consultation, we give you a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins, so you always know what to expect.
We direct bill most major insurers, and orthodontic benefits vary from plan to plan, so call us with your plan details and we will help you understand what applies. Flexible payment options, including split-payment options for orthodontics, are available. Call us at 403-300-2233 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do braces cost in Calgary?
The cost of braces depends on how much your teeth need to move and how long treatment takes, so it is different for every patient. After your consultation we give you a written, itemised estimate. Flexible payment plans, including split-payment options for orthodontics, are available.
Are braces covered by dental insurance in Canada?
Coverage depends on your plan. Some private plans include an orthodontic benefit, often with a lifetime maximum, and others do not. Call us with your plan details and we will help you understand your options before you start.
Do braces fix an underbite?
Braces can improve some underbites, especially milder ones, by moving teeth and changing how the top and bottom teeth meet. Underbites that involve the jaw itself may need additional treatment. A consultation and X-rays show us what is possible for you.
Can adults get braces?
Yes. There is no upper age limit for braces, and many adults choose them. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, braces can straighten your smile at any age. A consultation will confirm whether they are a good fit for you.
Do braces hurt, and how often are adjustments needed?
Braces can feel sore for a few days after they are placed and after adjustments, but the discomfort is usually mild and manageable. Adjustment visits happen at regular intervals, and we tell you the schedule that suits your treatment plan.
Book Your Braces Consultation
We're accepting new patients every day and hold time for urgent cases. Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM.