Straightening Smiles With Braces For Teenagers

All parents want their teens to have a perfect smile and functional bite that will last them a lifetime. What a beautiful gift to give your children. At Impact Orthodontics, we specialize in teen orthodontic treatment.

Modern orthodontics presents 2 great options for straightening teeth and fixing bites: braces and clear aligners.

Many parents that we see want to know if braces are better than clear aligners. They also want to know if one is faster than the other at fixing things like overbite, crowded teeth, spaced teeth and jaw alignment problems before they begin treatment.

A great place to start is to understand what is required of your teen with both systems.

Traditional Braces and/or Clear Teen Braces

The Disadvantages:

Good oral hygiene is key when getting braces. The hardest part of braces for teens is keeping them clean. It will take your teenager 4-5 minutes, 3-times a day to brush their braces. They also need to floss daily and this can take 15-20 minutes. Our goal is to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Braces can break so there are food restrictions. No popcorn is allowed and they must be careful with hard, sticky and crunchy foods. The better the braces stay on your teen’s teeth the better.
Braces can and will break. Appointments will be more frequent and if something breaks and is uncomfortable, they may be urgent.

The Advantages:

Braces are glued to your teeth so you don’t have to remember to wear them and you can’t lose them. Many teens are forgetful and this can give them peace of mind.
Teeth appear straighter faster with braces because of the way they push on the teeth. Many adolescent patients are very concerned with the appearance of their front teeth.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign, Spark, Clarity, Angel) as an Alternative to Teen Braces

The Disadvantages:

Clear aligners are not attached to your teeth so they do not work at all if you don’t wear them. 22 hours a day is the ideal amount of time to wear your Invisalign or Angel aligners.
Plastic moves teeth differently than metal so it can take a little bit longer for the front teeth to be straight with clear aligners.

The Advantages:

Brushing and flossing your teeth is the same with clear aligner treatment as it is without clear aligner treatment. Your teen needs to brush their teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time. They also need to floss daily.
There are no food restrictions with clear aligners. The aligners are removed for eating so all foods are ok.
There are no emergency appointments with clear aligners because there is nothing that can break that would cause your teen pain. If an aligner is broken or lost, your teen simply goes to the next one. If a button or attachment breaks off, we will replace it at your convenience.
Certain types of teeth and bite problems are fixed faster with clear aligners than with braces due to the way they move the teeth.

What Types Of Teeth And Bite Problems Can We Fix With Teen Braces?

Overbite

It is important that all permanent teeth are present when orthodontic treatment is being completed for overbite (upper teeth cover too much of the lower teeth vertically). This is because we need to use the growth spurt of puberty to help fix this type of bite. Elastics and other appliances are used with the metal braces or clear braces to get the bite into the best final position.

Overjet

Overjet (often called overbite by non-dental people) is when the top teeth are too far in front of the bottom teeth. Puberty is also our friend in correcting this type of bite. In girls as young as 9 or 10 years old and boys as young as 11 years old, their biggest growth spurt begins. Teen patients will often hear us asking about how much they have grown in the last 6 months or year to help us determine the best time to fix this type of bite.

Crowded/Crooked Teeth

People most often think of traditional metal braces for correcting overcrowded teeth because they have been around forever…well over 100 years. Orthodontic treatment was initially created to fix crowding. Whether using metal brackets or Invisalign (Angel, Spark, Clarity aligners), this is the most common thing we fix.

Spaced Teeth

Treatment for spaced teeth is often about self esteem for your child. Most teens are not a fan of spaces between their teeth due to the appearance of it and the food traps that it causes. Braces are a great way to close gaps between the teeth efficiently.

Open Bite

An open bite is when your top and bottom teeth do not touch. This most often happens in the front of the mouth for teens but can be at the back. When you look at your child when they are biting their teeth together and they smile, if you can see their tongue, they likely have an open bite. Braces can fix mild open bites, but Invisalign or Angel aligners are best if the open bite is moderate to severe.

Underbite

An underbite is when the upper teeth are behind the lower teeth and this usually happens when the top jaw is too small compared to the bottom. This often runs in families and can be identified as early as age 5. Treatment for this type of bite is complicated and will vary depending on the severity. Modern metal braces, modern clear braces and Invisalign or Angel aligners are good options.

Crossbite

Crossbites are when a tooth or group of teeth are biting on the wrong side of the opposing teeth. As an example, a top front tooth biting behind (instead of in front of) a bottom front tooth. Wearing braces is one way to correct a crossbite. There are also other forms of orthodontic treatment that can used if your teen has a crossbite.

Orthodontic treatment for teens can be done with traditional metal braces, or practically invisible aligners.

Seeing an orthodontist for teen braces(I’d stay away from a general dentist) for a free consultation is the first step.

Orthodontists are specialists in teen and child tooth and jaw movement.

The first appointment is generally a free consultation and the orthodontist will tell you all about what type of orthodontics your teen needs and how retainers will be used at the end to hold the result.

Teen braces may be the perfect fit for your child.

Teen braces are a rite of passage for many kids these days.

Book an appointment at Impact Orthodontics with Dr. Jen and Dr. Dena today.

No referral is needed and new patient exams are free for everyone under 20.

Let’s talk about what braces cost in Calgary! Dr. Jen and Dr. Dena from Impact Orthodontics understand that affordability is a significant factor for patients, and they aim to provide clarity on this issue.

By offering flexible payment plans, assistance with insurance benefits, and a commitment to finding solutions within each individual’s budget, Dr. Jen, Dr. Dena, and their team strive to make orthodontics accessible to all.

Orthodontics: More Affordable Than You Think

Many individuals worry that the cost of braces in Calgary (or Invisalign) is too expensive, causing stress and hesitation before seeking professional help. However, it is essential to understand that orthodontics (metal braces or clear aligners) can be affordable for everyone.

At Impact Orthodontics in Calgary, financial constraints should not prevent anyone from achieving a healthy and confident smile. We make braces affordable.

It is impossible to tell you exactly what treatment will cost without seeing your teeth and bite.

To give you a rough idea, the range is $4000 to $15,000 (in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide). The braces’ cost is directly related to the complexity and time required for the treatment.

Flexible Payments:

Contrary to popular belief, orthodontic treatment does not require upfront payment. While paying in full is an option, most of our patients opt for payment plans.

These plans allow you to spread the cost of treatment over several months, making it more manageable for your budget. The best part is that we do not charge any interest on these payments (many orthodontic offices do, so be sure to check), ensuring you can focus on your treatment without worrying about additional financial burdens.

No Large Down Payment Required:

Another concern that patients often have is the requirement of a substantial down payment. At Impact Ortho, we understand that not everyone can afford a large upfront payment. So, we don’t have to make any such requirement. Our minimum required down payment is $150.

Instead, we are happy to split your payments into equal installments over a period that suits you best. Whether it’s 24, 30, or 36 months, we will work with you to find a payment structure that fits your financial situation.

Assistance with Insurance Benefits:

Understanding your insurance coverage can be confusing, but we are here to help. While it is beneficial if you have already spoken to your insurance provider before visiting our office, we can assist you in determining the extent of your orthodontic coverage. If your insurance covers a portion of the treatment cost (metal braces or clear aligners), we will directly handle the billing process, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

Surprisingly Affordable:

Many patients who visit Impact Orthodontics are pleasantly surprised by how affordable orthodontic treatment (metal braces or clear aligners) can be. We aim to alleviate any concerns about the impact (pun intended) on your family budget.

Dr. Jen and Dr. Dena and their treatment and financial coordinators will work closely with you to create a payment structure that suits your needs. With monthly payments as low as $150, we are confident we can find a solution that fits your budget.

You do not need to be stressed about the braces cost Calgary.

Who Should Be Visiting An Orthodontist?

The most common reason to see an orthodontic specialist is to transform crooked teeth into straight teeth. This can be done with traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, clear braces, clear aligners, or 3D printed custom brackets.

The Canadian Dental Association recommends all children have an orthodontic consultation by the age of 7. Many orthodontic problems can be identified at this age, and a plan can be made for future treatment.

Not all orthodontic problems require treatment after all baby teeth have fallen out. Certain orthodontic problems are best treated when adult and baby teeth are in the mouth.

Free Consultation

Your initial consultation is free at Impact Orthodontics if your child is under the age of 20.

We will complete an orthodontic assessment, cover all treatment options (metal braces, clear braces, clear aligners, expanders, etc.) provide a treatment plan, and discuss financing options if treatment is recommended now.

At this consultation, we take x rays and photos of the teeth and face, a 3D scan (picture) of the teeth, and can show you what your brand new smile will look like using our computer simulation.

Most patients will spend 1 hour in the office for this free consultation appointment, leaving with abundant knowledge about teeth and bites. This will reduce stress and/or worry about braces for your children and family.

Transparent Pricing

We pride ourselves on transparency. There will never be additional fees or hidden fees added to your treatment plans. Our orthodontic fees are all-inclusive so you can stop worrying about what charges may be in the future.

Getting braces for misaligned teeth should be straightforward. At your appointment, we will ensure costs are thoroughly explained so that you feel good about what you will pay and what your benefits will pay.

The Benefits of Proper Alignment

Braces (metal braces, traditional braces, Invisalign) work to get crooked teeth into the desired position for a beautiful smile and a functional bite.

We are asked all of the time if braces are simply for esthetics. The answer is always no. Straight teeth do look good, but they also bite together better. There is always a functional benefit and an appearance benefit when we move teeth.

Traditional metal braces moving adult teeth or baby teeth into proper alignment also makes teeth easier to keep clean. Oral hygiene is improved, resulting in fewer cavities and less gum disease. If you want to keep your permanent teeth for your entire life, this is important.

When considering family braces, it’s essential to weigh the costs against the potential benefits for each family member.

Do Braces Hurt?

Traditional braces (metal brackets) are uncomfortable for the first few weeks. At Impact Ortho, we offer our patients a dental pain eraser. This device takes away the uncomfortable feeling that teeth get when they are moving.

The dental pain eraser can be used on an individual tooth or multiple teeth as we straighten them with brackets into your ideal smile.

We also provide you with wax to cover over edges that are rubbing on the lips, cheeks and gums during treatment.

Do Braces Cause Speech Problems?

A common question when teeth are being treated to straighten them and improve the smile is about speech and the tongue. Most children do not have issues speaking during treatment.

Most of the appliances that we use are small and the mouth adjusts quickly.

We may ask your child to talk out loud a lot for the first few days to get the tongue adjusted. A combination of practice and patience will usually do the trick.

What Comes After The Braces?

The short answer to that question is retainers. Retainers are used to hold your teeth in place after they are moved. Everyone that has any kind of tooth movement will be given retainers.

They can be made of clear plastic, coloured plastic or a combination of plastic and metal.

Conclusion:

Many parents wonder if family braces are worth the investment for their children’s dental health. This is why one of the most commonly searched-for phrases on Google is “braces cost Calgary.”

Affordability should never be a barrier to achieving a beautiful smile. At Impact Ortho, we understand the financial concerns associated with orthodontic treatment and strive to make it accessible.

By offering flexible payment plans, eliminating the need for a large down payment, assisting with insurance benefits, and participating in all government funding programs, we ensure that cost is not a deterrent to receiving the care you deserve.

You will have all treatment options in your treatment plan, we will forward all x rays to your dentists office, and you will see how affordable braces can be.

Please reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you find an affordable orthodontic solution that fits your budget.

We understand that starting your orthodontic journey can be overwhelming, and we are here to make the process as easy as possible for you. In this blog post, we will address the most common question asked by our new patients: “Are braces covered by dental insurance?”

We will guide you through the steps to determine your coverage and explain how insurance works at our office.

Let’s get started!

Patricia and Bayli are the treatment coordinators at Impact Orthodontics. During your new patient consultation, they will be working closely with you and the doctors to ensure a smooth experience.

Their primary role is to assist you in understanding the clinical and financial aspects of your treatment.

Let’s dive into the details of orthodontic insurance coverage.

Determining Your Orthodontic Insurance Coverage:

Before your new patient consult, it is advisable to contact your insurance company and inquire about your orthodontic coverage.

Here are the four essential questions you should ask:

1. Is there orthodontic coverage, and if so, what is the lifetime maximum dollar value? Knowing the maximum amount your insurance will cover throughout your treatment will help you plan your finances accordingly.

2. What is the reimbursement percentage? Understanding the percentage your insurance company will reimburse for orthodontic treatment is crucial in estimating your out-of-pocket expenses.

3. What is the maximum initial payment allowed? Some insurance plans have a cap on the initial payment they will cover. Knowing this information will help you plan your budget effectively.

4. Are there any age restrictions for coverage? If you are over the age of 18, it is essential to inquire about any age restrictions that may affect your coverage. This will help us determine if there is any insurance coverage available for adult orthodontic treatment.

After asking these questions, you will know if your braces are covered by dental insurance!

Exploring Financial Options at Impact Orthodontics:

During your visit to our office, we will discuss how insurance works and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of our financial options. We believe that everyone deserves a beautiful smile, and we strive to make orthodontic treatment accessible to all. Our team will work closely with you to create a customized financial plan that suits your needs and budget.

Conclusion:

At Impact Orthodontics, we understand that navigating orthodontic insurance coverage can be confusing. That’s why we have dedicated treatment coordinators like Patricia and Bayli to guide you through the process.

By contacting your insurance company and asking the four essential questions mentioned above, you can gain a clear understanding of your coverage.

During your visit, we will provide you with detailed information about insurance and present various financial options to make your orthodontic journey a smooth and affordable one. We are also happy to direct-bill your insurance company.

We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve the smile of your dreams. See you soon!

Many parents of teenagers have googled “braces Calgary” in the hunt for a great orthodontist or more information about straight teeth for their child.

Orthodontic treatment is common among Calgary’s youth. Approximately 80% of children and teens would benefit from orthodontic care to improve their smile and/or bite.

If your child has crooked teeth, misaligned teeth, an uncomfortable bite, too much overbite, or doesn’t like their smile for any other reason, an orthodontist is a great person to talk to.

New patient exams are free at Impact Orthodontics for anyone under 20. You can book online, call or text 403-256-7797 or email us at [email protected] to schedule your child today.

Orthodontic Journey

Finding out about orthodontic treatment options is easy in a large city like Calgary. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends all children see an orthodontist by the age of 7.

Whether at 7 or any other age, a visit to an orthodontist (dental specialist) should provide you with a thorough education about smiles and bites and what your child needs.

An orthodontic assessment will include pictures of the teeth and face, as well as x-rays of the head that show the development of the jaw bones.

Your Calgary orthodontist will then discuss if treatment is recommended or not (treatment plan), which types of appliances can be used for this treatment, and how much treatment will cost.

They will also talk about how braces work, what getting braces is like, and how long it will take to build that healthy smile.

After you have this information you can stop worrying. Most patients will have an optimal window for treatment and you will know what that is.

Early Treatment

When there are still many baby teeth in the mouth and treatment is recommended, it is often called early or interceptive or Phase 1 treatment. This simply means that something is going to be done before all of the adult teeth are in the mouth.

This type of treatment is offered when the orthodontist thinks that doing something at this time will result in a better end result than waiting for all of the adult teeth to erupt.

Most often, the orthodontic problems are severe and involve problems with the teeth and the bones. Not all orthodontic problems require early treatment. Often it makes more sense to wait until all adult teeth are present and simply do 1 step of full treatment.

If your child is 6-10 years old, your orthodontist will tell you at your initial consultation whether their oral health can be improved at this early age by braces or aligner treatment.

Braces in Calgary

Braces treatment is used for children as young as 7 and adults as mature as 80. It is one of many treatment options provided when you see a Calgary orthodontist.

Many types of braces exist. There are traditional metal braces, lingual braces, ceramic braces, clear braces, clear aligners, and 100% custom 3D printed braces (LightForce).

Family braces selection will be up to the family member and the orthodontist. Most orthodontists will have several options when it comes to moving adult and baby teeth.

Properly aligned teeth will be the result regardless of the appliance type chosen as long as instructions are followed.

Do Braces Hurt?

Traditional braces align teeth with gentle, constant pressure that comes from a metal wire attached to the braces.

This causes some discomfort in the teeth as they move into a new position – as they become straight teeth.

Anything that you would use for a headache works well for tooth discomfort. Tylenol and Advil can help, but we ask our patients to eat soft foods and cold foods for a few days and they often do not require pain medicines.

The first 2 weeks with metal braces is the worst because it is all brand new. For most children, day-to-day life continues uninterrupted after the initial adjustment period.

Does Invisalign Treatment Hurt Less?

Straightening teeth with anything will cause some discomfort initially. There is no pain-free solution, yet.

Many people who have had braces and Invisalign say that Invisalign hurts less. This is because the aligners are changed weekly and each one puts very small forces on the teeth. Think of it like new small forces being applied regularly.

Braces, on the other hand, only get new forces when you come and see your orthodontist in Calgary and they change the wire. This means a bigger force is applied to the teeth – but less often.

Are Braces Affordable?

Calgary braces are affordable! All orthodontic offices offer payment plans and most will help you with your dental insurance.

When looking for orthodontic treatment for your children, be sure to ask the following questions:

Do you require patients to pay a large down payment?
Are your monthly payments interest-free?
Do you directly bill the insurance company?
Will there be an additional charge for anything that you do?
What happens if there is a less-than-ideal result?
Is it a dentist or an orthodontist that is doing the orthodontic treatment?
Do you have a guarantee? (this will reduce stress)
Is the cost of braces the same as clear aligners or other appliances?

At Impact Orthodontics, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dena provide orthodontic treatment for the entire family braces needs. At your child’s free consultation, you will receive transparent information about how affordable braces in Calgary can be.

We do not require a large down payment, our monthly payments are interest-free, we will direct bill your insurance company, there are no additional costs during treatment (our fees are all-inclusive), we offer a guarantee and a lifetime smiles program, and braces cost the same as Invisalign treatment.

Canadian Dental Association

The Canadian Dental Association recommends children see the dentist regularly for their oral health and overall health.

If your dentist does recommend braces (or you notice something about your child’s teeth or bite that is off) you should see an orthodontist near you.

We recommend trusting a specialist to create that brand new smile. Certain orthodontic problems can be managed by dentists but everything beyond the most simple should be done by an orthodontist in Calgary.

Orthodontics has amazing benefits for your smile and bite, and just like all medical/dental procedures has risks. These risks are best managed by a specialist as your dentists do not have the same amount of experience or training.

Did you know that all orthodontic specialists are dentists but only 3% of dentists are orthodontic specialists?

Is A Beautiful Smile Part Of Overall Health?

Yes!

We are often asked if moving teeth into the most desired position is purely aesthetic. It is not. Teeth being straight and in a good bite always has functional and aesthetic benefits.

As an example, your upper and lower teeth biting onto each other correctly is only possible when they are well aligned (with metal brackets or Invisalign). This means a good bite is only possible when the teeth are straight teeth.

At your child’s free consultation, their treatment plan will consist of elements that are meant to improve the smile and elements that are meant to improve the function of the teeth.

Teeth that last a lifetime are key to overall health. Orthodontics is often preventative and meant to keep teeth healthy, strong, whole and pain-free for life.

If you’ve ever been curious about orthodontics for your children or yourself, talk to Dr. Jen or Dr. Dena today! They would love to discuss your smile and explain how orthodontics can benefit you and your entire family.

They are the spot for braces Calgary! Come on in and find out what all the hype is about.

Straightening Smiles With Braces For Teenagers

Traditional Braces and/or Clear Teen Braces

The Disadvantages:

The Advantages:

Clear Aligners (Invisalign, Spark, Clarity, Angel) as an Alternative to Teen Braces

The Disadvantages:

The Advantages:

What Types Of Teeth And Bite Problems Can We Fix With Teen Braces?

Overbite

Overjet

Crowded/Crooked Teeth

Spaced Teeth

Open Bite

Underbite

Crossbite

Orthodontics: More Affordable Than You Think

Flexible Payments:

No Large Down Payment Required:

Assistance with Insurance Benefits:

Surprisingly Affordable:

Who Should Be Visiting An Orthodontist?

Free Consultation

Transparent Pricing

The Benefits of Proper Alignment

Do Braces Hurt?

Do Braces Cause Speech Problems?

What Comes After The Braces?

Conclusion:

Determining Your Orthodontic Insurance Coverage:

Here are the four essential questions you should ask:

Exploring Financial Options at Impact Orthodontics:

Conclusion:

Orthodontic Journey

Early Treatment

Braces in Calgary

Do Braces Hurt?

Does Invisalign Treatment Hurt Less?

Are Braces Affordable?

Canadian Dental Association

Is A Beautiful Smile Part Of Overall Health?

Impact Orthodontics SE (Midnapore)

Impact Orthodontics SW (Britannia)

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