Do You Need Braces?

If you have misaligned or crooked teeth but are unsure which orthodontic treatment is right for you, we’re here to help. From minimal misalignment to malocclusion, our office provides orthodontic treatments to meet the needs of our patients. Treatment with dental braces in our Calgary, AB, dental office can completely make over the appearance and function of the smile. We provide traditional metal braces and Invisalign aligners to our patients.

What Can Braces Treat?

Braces can create a straighter and more balanced smile. Some of the problems that orthodontics address include:

• Overbite: An overbite occurs when the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth.
• Underbite: Underbites occur when the lower teeth cover the upper teeth.
• Crossbite: This bite problem is marked by the upper teeth fitting inside the lower teeth.
• Crooked teeth: Crooked teeth are teeth that are not in proper alignment.

Malocclusion, or a bad bite, impacts the smile’s appearance and can cause increased dental problems for patients. A misaligned bite creates increased pressure on teeth and can contribute to bite problems like TMD. Patients may also find it hard to clean between crooked or misaligned teeth. It is often difficult to floss between crooked teeth if teeth overlap each other. Harmful bacteria can hide between crooked teeth. If these bacteria build and spread to the teeth or within the gum tissue, they can contribute to cavities or gum disease.

Types of Dental Braces in Calgary, AB

Traditional dental braces include metal brackets, wires, and elastics or rubber bands. The brackets cover each tooth and connect wires over the upper and lower teeth. In our office, we tighten the brackets regularly to increase the pressure on each tooth. The elastics surrounding the brackets also apply pressure to encourage movement. Traditional metal braces help patients with a variety of orthodontic problems, from mild misalignment to severely overcrowded teeth.

Patients with milder orthodontic needs can benefit from Invisalign. Invisalign uses clear aligners or trays that cover teeth. This type of orthodontic treatment works with gentle pressure from the aligners. Patients switch out each pair of Invisalign aligners for a new pair every couple of weeks. Because each aligner set is different, they gently reposition the teeth. We recommend that patients wear their Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily for the best results. The patient can remove their aligners to eat and drink, and there are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign treatment. Invisalign aligners are also simple to clean and allow patients to clean their teeth and gums thoroughly.

Are you interested in orthodontic treatment? Let us find the right kind of braces for your needs. Call Foothills Dentistry for treatment today at (587) 410-0821. You may also request a dental appointment with Dr. Shruti Chahal on our website.