Cosmetic Dentistry
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are still the most predictable way to correct complex orthodontic issues — and they're done in-house at Fish Creek Dental, not handed off to a separate clinic. For teens, adults, and anyone with a case that clear aligners can't handle.
Why it matters
Benefits
- Most predictable system for complex bite corrections.
- Done in-house — no separate orthodontic clinic referral.
- Modern brackets are smaller and less visible than the braces you remember.
- Clear aligner alternative available if your case is a good fit for it.
- Reliable, time-tested results.
What to expect
The process
- 01
Consultation and assessment
We discuss your goals, take a 3D scan and x-rays, and walk through whether traditional braces or clear aligners are the better fit for your case. Some cases genuinely need braces; some can choose either; some are better with aligners.
- 02
Treatment planning
Your case is mapped out in detail — which teeth move when, how the bite changes over time, and how long the whole treatment will take.
- 03
Bracket placement
Small brackets are bonded to your teeth and connected by a thin wire. Placement is quick, painless, and takes about an hour. You leave with braces on.
- 04
Adjustments
Quick check-ins every 4–8 weeks let us tighten or change the wires as your teeth shift. Each appointment is under 30 minutes.
- 05
Removal and retention
Once treatment is complete, the brackets come off (also painless) and we fit you with retainers to keep your new alignment in place long-term.
When braces are still the right choice
Clear aligners get most of the attention these days, but traditional braces haven’t gone anywhere — and for good reason. They remain the most predictable, most controllable orthodontic tool we have. For specific cases, they’re genuinely the better answer:
- Severe crowding that needs significant tooth rotation.
- Large bite corrections — pronounced overbites, underbites, or crossbites.
- Younger patients whose treatment compliance with removable aligners isn’t reliable.
- Cases requiring tooth extractions as part of treatment.
- Anyone who’d rather not manage a removable appliance — braces are bonded on and do the work without your input.
Modern braces aren’t what you remember
The bulky brackets and bright bands of 20 years ago are largely a thing of the past. Modern braces are:
- Smaller and lower-profile than older systems.
- More efficient — new bracket and wire designs move teeth faster and with less soreness.
- Easier to keep clean with the right tools, which we’ll show you at the start of treatment.
If you want a discreet treatment, clear aligners (Invisalign and other systems) are the way to go — we’ll talk through whether you’re a candidate at your consultation.
What sets our orthodontic work apart
- In-house treatment. Dr. Hall has advanced training in both traditional braces and clear aligner systems (Invisalign) to help you get the smile you want — without bouncing between your dentist and a separate orthodontist’s office.
- Honest scoping. We won’t recommend braces over aligners (or vice versa) for financial reasons — we recommend what’s right for your case.
- Coordinated with other treatments. If you’re combining orthodontics with whitening, veneers, or restorative work, we sequence everything so nothing has to be redone.
- One clinic, one team. From consultation through retention, you stay with the people you already trust.
Book a consultation or call 403-271-2221 — we’ll talk through whether braces or aligners fit your goals better.
FAQ
Questions we hear most often
- Braces vs. clear aligners — which should I choose?
- If your case is complex — severe crowding, large rotations, big bite corrections — traditional braces are still the gold standard. For mild-to-moderate cases, aligners work just as well and are more discreet. We give you an honest recommendation at your consultation; we don't push one over the other.
- How long does treatment take?
- Most cases are 12–24 months. Mild cases can finish in 9 months; severe cases can take 30+. We give you a clear timeline at your consultation, not a vague 'eventually'.
- Do braces hurt?
- Bracket placement and removal are painless. You'll feel pressure and mild soreness for 2–3 days after each adjustment as your teeth shift — manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients say it's less than they expected.
- How much do braces cost in Calgary?
- Cost depends on case complexity and treatment length. We provide a complete written quote at your consultation, and we direct-bill most insurance plans with orthodontic coverage. Many plans cover a meaningful portion of orthodontic work for both kids and adults.
- Can I eat normally?
- Mostly. Avoid very hard foods (whole apples, hard candy, crusty bread) and very sticky foods (caramel, gum) that can damage brackets. We give you a complete list at your placement appointment — it's shorter than people expect.
- Can adults get braces?
- Absolutely. Adult orthodontics is one of the fastest-growing areas of dentistry. Many adults choose braces or aligners to correct issues they've lived with for decades, or because earlier orthodontic work has shifted over time.
- Are there discreet options?
- Yes — clear aligners (Invisalign and other systems) are virtually invisible and the right call for most adults who want a discreet treatment. We'll talk through whether aligners or traditional braces are appropriate for your case at your consultation.
Ready to talk it through?
Book a consultation.
We'll listen first, then build a plan around your goals and comfort.