Braces in Vancouver

The cost of braces varies from patient to patient and depends on several factors, including the complexity of your orthodontic needs, the type of braces recommended, and the length of your treatment.

During your consultation, your orthodontist will examine your teeth and bite, discuss your treatment options, and provide you with an estimate based on your personalized treatment plan.

If you already have a treatment estimate, you can use our cost calculator to get an idea of what your monthly payments may look like.

Most children, teens and adults who have healthy teeth and gums are generally considered good candidates for braces. That said, certain people with significant recession or oral health conditions may not be candidates.

Braces come in a variety of styles and can address a wide range of moderate to complex orthodontic issues, so there are very few limits to who can benefit from braces.

We offer several discreet orthodontic treatment options for patients who want a lower-profile alternative to traditional metal braces.

Our Damon braces use a self-ligating system that eliminates the need for elastic ties, giving them a cleaner, more streamlined appearance while allowing for efficient tooth movement. We also offer translucent ceramic braces, which feature tooth coloured brackets that blend in more naturally with your smile. You can learn more about these options under Types of Braces.

For patients who prefer a removable treatment option, Invisalign clear aligners may also be an appropriate choice, depending on their orthodontic needs.

The average treatment time for braces is 12 to 24 months, but this can vary significantly from patient to patient. The duration of your orthodontic treatment depends primarily on the type and severity of your misalignment. As you might expect, mild or moderate cases are quicker to treat than more complex ones.

Most patients adjust to their braces within the first week or two of treatment. During this time, it's normal to notice that the brackets and wires feel different or that your teeth and mouth are a little tender.

You may also experience some irritation where your cheeks or lips come into contact with your braces. If this happens, orthodontic wax can be applied to the brackets to help reduce friction and make them more comfortable while your mouth adjusts.

These sensations are temporary, and as you become accustomed to your braces, they should gradually become part of your everyday routine.

If you have metal braces with rubber bands, you can update the colour of the bands when you come in for an adjustment appointment. Orthodontic elastics can come in a rainbow of different colours for you to choose from. Having the option to personalize your braces in this way can make the orthodontic treatment process a little more fun!

We also often use C-chains to close the spaces between teeth, and these come in lots of colours as well.

You can change your braces colour based on the season, upcoming holidays, or your personal style.

It's normal to experience some discomfort when you first get braces and after certain adjustment appointments. As your teeth begin to move, you may notice a feeling of pressure or mild soreness that typically improves within a few days.

You may also notice temporary irritation where the brackets or wires rub against the inside of your cheeks or lips. Applying orthodontic wax to the areas causing friction can help make your braces more comfortable while your mouth adjusts.

If needed, over-the-counter pain medication may help relieve temporary discomfort. If you experience severe pain or discomfort that doesn't improve, be sure to contact your orthodontist so they can assess the issue.

Yes, adults can get braces! More and more adults these days are opting to undergo orthodontic treatment that they missed out on when they were younger, to improve their oral health and the appearance of their smiles.

Many of our adult patients prefer the lower profile, more streamlined look of translucent ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, or Invisalign. All these options allow you to straighten your teeth without the more pronounced appearance of traditional braces.

Yes, children as young as seven years old may be candidates for braces in some cases. Certain developing misalignments and bite problems can be more easily treated when children are young, when we can work with and guide their oral development, rather than undoing issues that are already established later on.

With all that being said, we take a very conservative approach to braces for children, and only prescribe them when there's a serious risk of future orthodontic problems.

Yes. Keeping your teeth and braces clean is especially important during orthodontic treatment. Brushing after meals is often recommended to help remove food particles and plaque that can collect around brackets and wires.

Braces create additional spaces where food and bacteria can become trapped, making it easier for plaque to build up if your teeth aren't cleaned thoroughly. Maintaining a consistent brushing and flossing routine can help reduce the risk of cavities, gum problems, bad breath, and staining.

Your orthodontist can show you the best techniques and tools for cleaning around your braces so you can keep your smile healthy throughout treatment.

Flossing with braces can take a little extra time, but it becomes easier with practice and is an important part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy during treatment.

To floss, thread the floss underneath the archwire before gently sliding it between two teeth. Move the floss up and down along each side of the tooth, then remove it and repeat the process for each space between your teeth. Floss threaders can make this process much easier, and we provide them to our patients.

If you have questions about flossing with braces, our team can demonstrate the technique and recommend tools to help make your daily oral hygiene routine more manageable.

You can continue to enjoy many of your favourite foods while wearing braces, but making a few adjustments can help protect your brackets and wires throughout treatment.

Try to avoid foods that are very hard, crunchy, or sticky, as they can damage your braces. It's also a good idea to cut foods like apples into bite sized pieces instead of biting into them whole, remove corn from the cob, and avoid chewing gum.

If you're ever unsure whether a particular food is safe to eat with braces, our team will be happy to provide guidance and share tips for eating comfortably during your treatment.

We generally recommend avoiding any sports that could involve regular direct blows to the face while wearing braces. Even with a mouth guard, sports like boxing are not advisable.

Other contact sports, like football or rugby, may be possible if you wear a mouth guard, but we advise extreme caution in these cases as well.

For most sports, though, you should be able to keep playing with no problem. If you want to continue getting out on the field, court or rink during your treatment, we recommend wearing an orthodontic sports mouthguard to protect your teeth, your mouth, and the braces themselves from damage.

Both braces and Invisalign are effective orthodontic treatment options. The best choice for you will depend on your smile goals, lifestyle, and the type of tooth movement needed to achieve your desired results.

We offer both traditional braces and self-ligating Damon braces, as well as Invisalign clear aligners. Factors such as the complexity of your treatment, appearance, comfort, and cost can all help determine which option may be the best fit for you. Learn more about your options here.

During your consultation, your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and bite, discuss your goals, and recommend the treatment option that is best suited to your individual needs.