Lewis Estates Dental provides orthodontic services in West Edmonton and Edmonton. We can help straighten your teeth with metal braces, clear braces, or aligners.
Orthodontics is so much more than just aesthetic treatment! It can help correct slight to severe tooth and jaw alignment issues, which, left untreated, could lead to complicated restorative procedures later in life. Orthodontic care can help with better jaw function, improved ability to clean teeth, and promotes more even tooth placement and wear on teeth, which means increased longevity of your natural smile.
We focus on preventative dental care and general dentistry at Lewis Estates Dental Centre and we truly value the trust that you place in us. Based on an initial clinical assessment and the specifics of your orthodontic needs, Dr. Bains can help identify your dental concern and establish a treatment care plan that is right for you. She may also recommend a referral to one of her specialist colleagues who specialize in orthodontics in West Edmonton for further clinical evaluation and treatment options.
The great news is that with modern advances in orthodontic technology, patients have several treatment options to correct their smile based on your assessment with the orthodontic specialist, your customized treatment plan, and available budget.
Conventional braces are made of high-quality stainless steel which uses wires attached to brackets on the front of the tooth. Conventional braces generally produce the quickest results and are usually the least expensive out of all the types of braces. For kids and teens, the elastics can come in fun colours, which can help them accept their braces with a little more enthusiasm.
Lingual braces are similar to traditional metal braces, but they are bonded to the back of the teeth instead of the front, making it a more aesthetically pleasing option, as they are not visible when smiling or in speech. Although, there are some drawbacks: Lingual braces are more expensive, they may not be as effective at correcting bite issues, they can be uncomfortable to the tongue, result in a temporary lisp, and they take longer than metal braces to correct orthodontic issues.
Ceramic braces are effectively tooth coloured and with clear wires, they can really blend in and can be far less noticeable than metal braces. Ceramic braces tend to produce results and align teeth faster than invisible aligners. These may be good braces for adults if you desire a less conspicuous option.
Clear braces are a series of soft plastic aligners that are generally switched every few weeks to incrementally straighten your smile. They are generated from digital scans or impressions in conjunction with computer-generated models to create the custom moulds that move your teeth into the ideal position. Clear braces are a great option for teens and adults who might want a less conspicuous treatment method.
The biggest benefit of clear braces is that they are clear and nearly invisible. The aligners can be removed while eating so patients don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in their teeth, like they do with metal braces, ceramic braces, or lingual braces.
Clear braces have a lot of benefits, but there are some drawbacks of this treatment option. First, it is generally more expensive than braces, especially if you misplace your custom aligner! Also, not every patient is a candidate for clear aligners. Some patient’s teeth are just too severely misaligned and their orthodontic issues may be too challenging to treat with this alignment method.
Teeth Tidbit
For children, orthodontic treatment is focused on early intervention by improving overall tooth spacing, jaw coordination, and intercepting problems. But, orthodontics are not just for kids! According to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists, one in four orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. For teens and adult patients, orthodontic care is focused on ensuring that the teeth are in the correct position and form an appropriate bite.
Schedule your next visit and we’ll keep your mind, body, and smile healthy for years to come