Orthodontist in SW Calgary

Your smile is one of the first things that someone notices about you. It is also a big factor when it comes to your self-esteem. With that, it is important that you keep it healthy and beautiful. Unfortunately, for many people, a perfect smile does not come naturally. This is where an orthodontist can come in to provide professional care to help you achieve your dream smile.

Whether you are seeking help to straighten the smile and align the bite using traditional braces or other alternatives, the right orthodontist can help create an efficient and effective treatment plan for you.

In this article, we will go over the treatments that an orthodontist can do and how you can find the right orthodontist to help you with your best smile.

Services Offered by Orthodontists in SW Calgary

Some common services that orthodontists may recommend depending on your specific concerns are:

Traditional Braces

This is the most common orthodontic treatment. Traditional braces involve the use of metal brackets and wires. A bracket is attached to each tooth; then a wire is placed over the brackets using rubbers. This will gently move the teeth into their proper position.

This type of orthodontic braces is suitable for patients who have mild to severe alignment and bite issues. The rubbers are replaced every 3 weeks so the treatment can progress. If needed, elastics are placed on certain teeth to shift the jaws and align the bite. Depending on the complexity of the case, treatment with traditional braces typically lasts 18 – 36 months.

Clear Aligners (ClearCorrectⓒ, Invisalign)

If you want the results that traditional braces offer but without the appearance of metal and wires on the teeth, you may go for clear aligners. This treatment uses a series of thin, custom-made plastic trays that fit snugly over the teeth. They blend with the teeth and smile for a virtually invisible treatment.

Clear aligners use a 3D scanning system that scans the teeth and inputs the treatment plan in software. Then, all aligners are fabricated in one go. Each aligner should be worn every 2 weeks, or as recommended, then swapped with the next one in order until you achieve a straight smile and healthy bite.

Retainers and Maintenance

Once the orthodontic treatment is complete, whether through metal braces or clear aligners, the next step is to maintain the alignment of the teeth using retainers. There are several retainers you can choose from— standard metal retainers, lingual retainers, or clear retainers. It is best to discuss this with your dentist so you can decide which is best for you.

However, not all orthodontic cases can be solved with just braces and aligners. For severe bite and jaw misalignments and facial asymmetry, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can be more beneficial in improving your condition.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Orthodontist

With several orthodontic practices in SW Calgary, how do you pick the right one? Here are some tips that can help you when making your decision:

Check your orthodontist’s qualifications and certifications

Board-certifications and licenses should be readily displayed in the dental office. Make sure that you check on these to ensure that your chosen practice meets the professional standards for care.

Some experienced orthodontists have key specializations

As orthodontics continue to evolve, so does the knowledge of orthodontists. If you are looking for more specific treatments, it is best to go to an orthodontist with specialization for it.

Look for positive patient reviews and testimonials

Some social media pages will show first-hand patient comments and this can help you understand if your chosen practice is right for you. You can also look up before and after photos for better reference.

Use of modern technology

Some practices use technology that can help with precise and efficient diagnosis and planning for a more effective treatment.

Go for the convenient option

Choose an orthodontist that is close to your home or office to make it easier to attend appointments and follow-up visits, if necessary.

Find an orthodontist who understands your finances

Orthodontic treatment involves a significant financial investment. With that, it is best to find a team or clinic that suits your lifestyle. Discuss the associated treatment costs, learn about payment plans, and ask for possible insurance coverage.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment does not just benefit adults. Younger patients and teens show more predictable and successful results. Here’s why early intervention is best:

• Early Treatment – The earlier the problem is identified, the earlier the treatment can be provided. This prevents serious problems during growth and development.
• Preventive Care – Treating orthodontic issues prevents complex oral health problems that may arise without proper care.
• Ideal Growth and Development – As an orthodontist guides the proper growth of the jaws and permanent teeth, future treatments may no longer be needed or be less complicated

The Treatment Process

Each patient’s orthodontic needs are unique. To give you a general outline of what to expect, here is how an orthodontic treatment usually works:

• Initial Consultation

The first visit to the orthodontist includes a thorough examination of the teeth, bite, and jaws using visual inspection, X-rays, scans, and photos. This is to determine the problem areas.

• Treatment Planning

From the case analysis, a personalized treatment plan will be designed for you. Depending on your specific needs, you may need braces, aligners, or more complicated treatments such as jaw surgery. The length of the treatment, frequency of follow-up appointments, and expected results will also be discussed. 

• Orthodontic Procedure

Depending on the orthodontic treatment, follow-up visits may be required every 2-3 weeks. This is important to ensure the continuous progress of the treatment plan.

• Long-Term Care

And once the treatment is complete, wearing retainers is essential to prevent the teeth from shifting back and to maintain the results.

Contact Springbank Hill Dental Today

Orthodontics involves a series of procedures requiring a qualified orthodontist’s expertise. So, you must receive the care of a licensed orthodontist to ensure a predictable and successful treatment.

Whether you are considering braces or aligners or want to learn more about other orthodontic procedures, Springbank Hill Dental offers expert care tailored to your needs. Book an appointment with us today to learn about your options!