Traditional Braces
in Calgary
Proven, reliable braces for teens and adults who want a straighter smile and a healthier bite.
About Traditional Braces
Traditional braces use small brackets bonded to your teeth and connected by a thin wire. Your dentist adjusts the wire from time to time, which applies gentle pressure that moves your teeth into their ideal position. Braces are one of the most proven ways to straighten teeth, and they work for a wide range of alignment and bite problems.
If you are looking for braces in SW Calgary, our team at West 17th Avenue Dental Care offers traditional braces as part of our orthodontic treatment options for teens and adults. We start with a free consultation to see whether braces are right for you.
Who Can Benefit From Braces?
- Teens whose permanent teeth have come in and who need alignment or bite correction.
- Adults who always wanted straighter teeth or whose teeth have shifted over time.
- Patients with crowding, gaps or crooked teeth.
- Patients with a bite problem, such as an overbite, underbite or crossbite.
- Patients with more complex alignment needs that may not suit clear aligners.
What Braces Can Correct
- Crowded or overlapping teeth.
- Gaps between teeth.
- Overbite, where the upper front teeth cover the lower teeth too much.
- Underbite and crossbite.
- Rotated teeth.
Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which helps protect against cavities and gum disease, and a balanced bite is more comfortable to chew with.
The Braces Process
Free consultation. Your dentist examines your teeth and bite, discusses your goals and explains your options.
Records and planning. We take X-rays, photos and impressions or scans to plan your treatment.
Placing your braces. Brackets are bonded to your teeth and the wire is attached. The process does not hurt, but your teeth may feel sore afterwards.
Adjustment visits. You come in regularly so the wire can be adjusted and your progress checked.
Braces off and retainers. When your teeth are in position, the braces are removed and you receive retainers to keep your results.
How long you wear braces depends on your teeth and goals, and your dentist will give you an estimate at your consultation.
Caring for Your Braces
- Brush after every meal and before bed, paying attention to the gumline and around each bracket.
- Floss daily with a floss threader or a water flosser.
- Avoid sticky, hard and chewy foods, such as caramel, hard candy, popcorn and ice.
- Wear a mouth guard when you play contact sports.
- Keep up with professional Teeth Cleanings. Ask about Air Polishing Biofilm Management for a gentle clean around braces.
- Call us if a wire or bracket comes loose.
Braces vs Invisalign
Braces are fixed in place, so they work around the clock and can handle a wide range of cases, including more complex ones. Invisalign aligners are clear and removable, which makes them more discreet and easier to clean, but they rely on you wearing them as directed. We will explain both options at your free consultation and help you choose.
Why Choose West 17th Avenue Dental Care
- Free braces consultations.
- More than 30 years serving Calgary families, with a clinic on 17th Avenue SW.
- A 4.9 Google rating from more than 200 reviews.
- A multilingual team that speaks English, Mandarin, Taiwanese, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu.
- Direct billing to most major insurance plans and 0% interest financing available.
- Open six days a week, with a free parking lot north of the building, accessible from 15th Street SW.
Cost of Braces
The cost of braces depends on the complexity of your case and how long treatment takes. At your free consultation we give you a clear estimate and explain your payment options. Some insurance plans cover part of the cost of orthodontic treatment, and we bill most major plans directly. We also offer 0% interest financing, which lets you spread the cost into manageable payments. You can read more in our Financial Options section or call (403) 244-1124.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are braces only for teenagers?
No. Many adults wear braces and get excellent results, as long as their teeth and gums are healthy. For younger children, see our Children's Dentistry page.
How long will I need to wear braces?
It depends on how much your teeth need to move and on your goals. Your dentist will give you an estimate after examining your teeth.
Do braces hurt?
Getting braces is not painful, but your teeth may feel sore for a few days after they are placed and after adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods can help.
What can I eat with braces?
You can eat most foods, but you should avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods, such as hard candy, caramel, popcorn and ice, because they can damage your braces. Cut hard fruits and vegetables into small pieces.
How much do braces cost in Calgary?
The cost depends on the complexity of your case. Book a free consultation and we will give you a clear estimate. Direct billing and 0% interest financing are available.
Book Your Appointment
Ready for a Healthier Smile? New patients welcome, direct billing and 0% financing available. Call us at (403) 244-1124 or book online.