At Fraser Valley Dental Specialists in Abbotsford, we straighten, realign, and bridge gaps in between teeth to help improve the functionality and aesthetic look of your smile.
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of jaw, face and bite irregularities (malocclusions).
With all of the recent advancements in orthodontics, many types of appliances and treatments are now available, from traditional and new damon metal braces, to clear and even tooth-coloured brackets.
Some patients may even be candidates for treatment with Invisalign®, a discreet way to straighten teeth using clear, removable aligners that require no braces or wires.
Braces are an orthodontic treatment designed to straighten and align teeth by shifting them into the correct position.
Treatment addresses a variety of dental concerns, including misalignment, gaps, crossbite, open bite, overbite, and underbite. We provide metal, clear, and tooth-coloured braces, depending on what you prefer.
Although a significant number of patients get braces for cosmetic reasons, there can be significant oral health benefits to straighter teeth. Braces are also designed to help correct many structural problems with your teeth, bite and jaw.
No, you're never too old to get braces! Many adults are correcting problems with their teeth that were never treated when they were children.
Moreover, if you're looking for a more discreet orthodontic treatment option, we also provide Invisalign® clear aligners. They help straighten teeth and correct any structural problems you may have, they are also removable and less noticeable on your teeth.
Contact us to learn more.
Each patient experiences braces differently. Typically, there should be minimal discomfort when braces are applied. You may feel some discomfort as your teeth begin to shift. Over-the-counter pain medication should provide relief from this discomfort.
Most patients find the discomfort associated with braces to be manageable. When it does occur, it is usually only for a few days following the application of braces or during adjustments.
Generally, treatment can last anywhere from 18 to 30 months, with the average treatment taking 24 months. The length of treatment depends on the severity of the problem, the proposed treatment plan, compliance with the treatment plan, and other unique factors.
As always, it's very important to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after every meal. Hard and sticky foods should be avoided since they can damage your braces. Be sure to keep all of your orthodontic appointments and follow instructions and recommendations given by your orthodontist.
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies and depends on each patient's unique treatment plan. We have financing options available and we will work with you to accommodate you as best we can.
Invisalign® is a set of virtually invisible aligners which are made of a thermoplastic material that look similar to teeth-whitening trays.
Invisalign® clear aligners are custom-made to help correct orthodontic dental health concerns, such as: gapped and misaligned teeth, overcrowded teeth, overbite, open bite, and crossbite.
You will be supplied with a series of Invisalign® aligners, each of which will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that is mapped out in advance by the orthodontist.
When Invisalign® is placed on the teeth, they can gradually shift to a new positioning. After approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process.
Choosing Invisalign® treatment is an important dental and financial decision, so it’s essential that you find the right orthodontist.
At your initial consultation, we will discuss your dental needs and evaluate closely whether Invisalign® treatment is right for you.
When you're ready to begin treatment, the next step will be to take images of your teeth. From there, we will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth and how long your treatment will be.
Then, your custom-made aligners will be provided to you. They are removable and virtually invisible, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
Wear your Invisalign® clear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day for the best results, and try to only take them out to eat, and to brush and floss.
As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth will gently and gradually shift into correct positioning. The dentist may recommend that you begin wearing a new set of aligners every week with check-ups every 4-6 weeks.
At every stage, you may be able to see your progress.
As always, during your Invisalign® treatment, it's very important to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after every meal. Be sure to keep all of your orthodontic appointments and follow care instructions and recommendations given by your orthodontist.
The cost of any orthodontic treatment varies and depends on each patient's unique treatment plan. We have financing options available and we will work with you to accommodate you as best we can.
Orthodontic treatment typically involves three phases:
Your first couple of visits may include a medical and dental history evaluation, castings or “molds” of your teeth, computer-generated photographs of the head, neck, face and mouth, and dental x-rays. After careful planning, your orthodontist will design and apply braces or fabricate custom-made appliances for you.
This involves visiting your orthodontist on a regular basis for adjustments and following specific treatment requirements to obtain the best possible treatment result.
Once treatment is completed, the braces and/or Invisalign® aligners are removed and a new appliance is made. Usually, these retainers are removable and can maintain the changes made to your teeth if worn continuously until the teeth and bone are stabilized in their new position.
When your treatment is complete, keep your smile as healthy as possible by committing to a daily oral hygiene routine that consists of brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once daily.